Introduction
After the Revolt of 1857, the British Crown took direct control of India from the East India Company through the Government of India Act of 1858. This landmark act marked the beginning of the Viceroy era, as the title of Governor-General was officially replaced with Viceroy of India, representing the British monarch in India.
The act established two key offices:
Secretary of State for India – Based in London, assisted by a Council of 15 members, acting as the channel between the British government and Indian administration.
Viceroy of India – Appointed by the Crown, responsible for executing policies in India, assisted by an Executive Council.
Who Were the Viceroys of India?
The Viceroys of India (1858–1947) governed India during the period of direct British rule, implementing crucial reforms, policies, and administrative changes that shaped modern India.
🔹 First Viceroy of India – Lord Canning (1858–1862)
🔹 Last Viceroy of India – Lord Mountbatten (1947–1948)
Their tenure marked pivotal moments such as the implementation of the Indian Penal Code, establishment of High Courts, the Partition of Bengal, Morley–Minto Reforms, and eventually, India’s Independence in 1947.
| Viceroy | Notable Events and Reforms |
|---|---|
| Lord Canning (1858–1862) | Introduced Indian Penal Code (1860), High Courts Act (1861), Indian Police Act (1861); established Universities of Calcutta, Bombay & Madras; ended Doctrine of Lapse. |
| Lord Elgin I (1862–1863) | Dealt with the Wahabi Movement. |
| Lord Lawrence (1864–1869) | Established Indian Forest Department, connected India–Europe via telegraph, introduced Masterly Inactivity Policy, fought Bhutan War (1864–65). |
| Lord Mayo (1869–1872) | Conducted India’s First Census (1871); promoted Financial Decentralisation; assassinated in 1872. |
| Lord Northbrook (1872–1876) | Faced Bihar Famine and Kuka Movement; removed Gaikwad of Baroda. |
| Lord Lytton (1876–1880) | Organized Delhi Durbar (1877); passed Arms Act (1878); introduced Statutory Civil Service Act (1879). |
| Lord Ripon (1880–1884) | Repealed Vernacular Press Act; passed Factory Act (1881); known as Father of Local Self-Government; introduced Ilbert Bill (1883). |
| Lord Dufferin (1884–1888) | Oversaw formation of INC (1885); Annexation of Burma (1886). |
| Lord Lansdowne (1888–1894) | Introduced Indian Councils Act (1892); set up Durand Commission (1893). |
| Lord Curzon (1899–1905) | Partition of Bengal (1905); established Archaeological Survey of India; set up Police & Raleigh Commissions; introduced Cooperative Credit Societies Act (1904). |
| Lord Minto II (1905–1910) | Passed Morley–Minto Reforms (1909); rise of Muslim League (1906); Swadeshi & Anti-Partition Movements. |
| Lord Hardinge II (1910–1916) | Annulled Bengal Partition (1911); shifted capital to Delhi; held Delhi Durbar (1911). |
| Lord Chelmsford (1916–1921) | Passed Government of India Act (1919); introduced Rowlatt Act (1919); Saddler Commission (1917). |
| Lord Reading (1921–1926) | Repealed Rowlatt Act; handled Moplah Rebellion; began ICS exams in India (1923). |
| Lord Irwin (1926–1931) | Signed Gandhi–Irwin Pact (1931); faced Simon Commission Boycott (1928); initiated Round Table Conferences. |
| Lord Willingdon (1931–1936) | Introduced Government of India Act (1935); oversaw Poona Pact (1932); introduced Communal Award (1932). |
| Lord Linlithgow (1936–1944) | Longest-serving Viceroy; saw Quit India Movement (1942); Cripps Mission (1942); announced August Offer (1940). |
| Lord Wavell (1944–1947) | Proposed Wavell Plan; led Cabinet Mission (1946); faced Direct Action Day (1946); Atlee’s Declaration (1947). |
| Lord Mountbatten (1947–1948) | Last Viceroy & first Governor-General of independent India; implemented Mountbatten Plan (1947); oversaw Partition of India and Pakistan. |
FAQs on the Viceroys of India
Q1. Who was the last Governor-General of Free India?
Ans. C. Rajagopalachari — the first and last Indian Governor-General of Free India.
Q2. Who is called a Viceroy?
Ans. After the Government of India Act (1858), the title “Viceroy” was given to the Governor-General as the official representative of the British Crown.
Q3. What were the main duties of a Viceroy?
Ans. The Viceroy acted as the head of British administration in India, advised by the India Council, managing political, judicial, and economic affairs.
Q4. Who was the Viceroy during the Quit India Movement?
Ans. Lord Linlithgow (1936–1944) was the Viceroy during the Quit India Movement (1942).
Q5. How many Viceroys did India have?
Ans. India had 20 Viceroys — from Lord Canning to Lord Mountbatten.
Conclusion
The era of the Viceroys of India (1858–1947) witnessed monumental changes in governance, education, law, and national movements — culminating in India’s independence. Remembering their contributions and timelines is crucial for UPSC aspirants, especially in Modern Indian History.
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Learn by video –
Trick to Remember Viceroys of India (Part 2)
To easily memorize the later Viceroys of India, use the mnemonic shown in the image:
[CMH² – RIW – LWM]
Full Form:
Curzon
Minto
H² – Hardinge I & Hardinge II
Reading
Irwin
Willingdon
Linlithgow
Wavell
Mountbatten
Memory Story:
“Cousin came in one minute — two hard disks vanished. Read by Irwin willingly, and Eagle was let go. HD went in well in the mountain.”
This fun trick helps recall the chronological order of the Viceroys from Curzon to Mountbatten, crucial for UPSC Prelims & Mains revision.
