Why this matters now
Matching administrators to their reforms/events is a perennial prelims favourite — the “who did what” of colonial administration.
Key Governor-Generals (1773–1857)
- Warren Hastings — first GG of Bengal; Regulating Act, Asiatic Society;
- Cornwallis — Permanent Settlement, civil services, Code;
- William Bentinck — abolition of Sati, suppression of Thuggee, English education;
- Dalhousie — Doctrine of Lapse, railways/telegraph/post, Wood’s Despatch.
Key Viceroys (1858–1947)
- Canning — first Viceroy (after 1858);
- Lytton — Vernacular Press Act, Arms Act, Delhi Durbar;
- Ripon — local self-government, Ilbert Bill, factory act;
- Curzon — Partition of Bengal (1905), universities/archaeology;
- Mountbatten — the last Viceroy, oversaw Partition and independence.
Key transitions
The 1773 Regulating Act created the Governor-General of Bengal; the 1833 Charter Act made him Governor-General of India. After the 1857 revolt, the Government of India Act 1858 ended Company rule and the GG also became the Viceroy (Crown’s representative).
UPSC angle
Match GG/Viceroy to reform: Cornwallis (Permanent Settlement), Bentinck (Sati abolition), Dalhousie (Doctrine of Lapse/railways), Ripon (local self-govt/Ilbert), Curzon (Bengal partition). Note 1773/1833/1858 transitions.
Frequently asked questions
Who was the first Governor-General of Bengal?
Warren Hastings, under the Regulating Act of 1773.
Who abolished Sati?
Lord William Bentinck, in 1829.
What is the Doctrine of Lapse associated with?
Lord Dalhousie, who used it to annex princely states without a natural heir.
Who was the last Viceroy of India?
Lord Mountbatten, who oversaw Partition and the transfer of power in 1947.