DETAILED PROFILES — GOVERNORS-GENERAL OF INDEPENDENT INDIA (1947–1950)

DETAILED PROFILES — GOVERNORS-GENERAL OF INDEPENDENT INDIA (1947–1950)

1. Lord Mountbatten (15 August 1947 – 21 June 1948)

• Continued as the first Governor-General of independent India (a dominion under the British Crown, per the Indian Independence Act 1947) even though he had been Viceroy just before — same person, changed title/role.
• Oversaw the integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union, largely through the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Deputy PM and Home Minister) and V.P. Menon (States Ministry) — Instrument of Accession mechanism.
• Accession of Jammu & Kashmir (26 October 1947) — Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession following a tribal invasion backed by Pakistan; First Indo-Pak War (1947–48) began.
• Handled the immediate aftermath of Partition — massive refugee crisis and communal violence.
• Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi — 30 January 1948, by Nathuram Godse, occurred during his tenure as Governor-General.
• Left India in June 1948, succeeded by C. Rajagopalachari.

2. C. Rajagopalachari / Rajaji (21 June 1948 – 26 January 1950)

• First and only Indian Governor-General of India — a landmark, frequently tested fact.
• Earlier served as the last Governor of Bengal (1947–48, appointed by Mountbatten) before becoming Governor-General.
• His tenure saw the finalization and adoption of the Constitution of India (adopted 26 November 1949, came into force 26 January 1950).
• With India becoming a sovereign democratic republic on 26 January 1950, the post of Governor-General was abolished; Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India.
• Rajaji later founded the Swatantra Party (1959) and was also the last Chief Minister of Madras under the old system at various points in his long career (a founding figure of Indian political life, also known as "Mango of Madras" and awarded Bharat Ratna, 1954, the first year of the award).

Quick Revision:

• Only Indian Governor-General — C. Rajagopalachari
• Post of Governor-General abolished — 26 January 1950 (Republic Day)
• Succeeded by — Dr. Rajendra Prasad (first President of India)