PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2023
Answer
Lord Mountbatten and C. Rajagopalachari
Explanation
Lord Mountbatten served as the last Viceroy of British India before independence in 1947. He then briefly became the first Governor-General of independent India. C. Rajagopalachari succeeded him, becoming the first and the last Indian to hold the office of Governor-General before the position was permanently abolished in 1950 when India became a republic.
Key Points
- > First Governor-General of Bengal: Warren Hastings.
- > First Governor-General of India: Lord William Bentinck.
- > First Viceroy of India: Lord Canning (1858).
- > Last Viceroy of India: Lord Mountbatten.
- > Last Governor-General of free India: C. Rajagopalachari.
- > C. Rajagopalachari was affectionately called 'Rajaji'.
- > The post was replaced by the President of India in 1950.
Additional Information
Key Rulers of British India
| Position | First | Last |
|---|---|---|
| Gov-General of Bengal | Warren Hastings | William Bentinck |
| Gov-General of India | William Bentinck | Lord Canning |
| Viceroy of India | Lord Canning | Lord Mountbatten |
| Gov-Gen of Free India | Lord Mountbatten | C. Rajagopalachari |
Memory Tips
- Mountbatten 'mounted' the transition to freedom, and Rajaji was the last Indian 'Raja' (Governor-General) before the Presidency.