Study Guide · Chapter 2
Understanding the Office
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- Governor-General of Bengal (1773–1833): Created by the Regulating Act of 1773, initially with authority mainly over Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, though with some superintending power over Bombay and Madras presidencies.
- Governor-General of India (1833–1858): The Charter Act of 1833 upgraded the post to "Governor-General of India," with full legislative authority over all British India.
- Viceroy of India (1858–1947): After the Revolt of 1857 and the transfer of power from the Company to the Crown under the Government of India Act 1858, the Governor-General also held the title Viceroy, serving as the direct representative of the British Crown. Every Viceroy was also technically the Governor-General; the two titles were held concurrently after 1858.
- After independence (1947–1950), India briefly retained the position of Governor-General of independent India (a largely ceremonial constitutional head under the Dominion status) until India became a full republic on 26 January 1950, when the office was replaced by the President of India.
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