British territories were broadly divided into administrative units called Presidencies. There were three Presidencies: Bengal, Madras and Bombay. Each was ruled by a Governor. The supreme head of the administration was the Governor-General. Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General, introduced several administrative reforms, notably in the sphere of justice.
List of Governors-General of India
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This article will inform you about all the relevant information about the first Governor-General of Bengal, various Governors-General of India, their achievements, and the major reforms that took place during their tenure as the Governors-General or viceroys of India. This topic is covered in the general awareness section of most of the competitive exams including the IAS Exam.
General awareness often ignored by the candidates is an important part of any entrance exam. Around 25% of the exam paper features questions based on general awareness and current affairs. Like the Governor-General of India list, more such topics from Indian history are covered in the UPSC exam and also hold relevance in major competitive examinations.
Know the UPSC Syllabus in detail on the linked page.
The first Governor-General of Bengal was Warren Hastings with tenure of office from 1772-1785. Warren Hastings was an English statesman, and the head of the Supreme Council of Bengal. He ended the Dual Government system by enforcing the Regulating Act of 1773. He founded the Calcutta Madrasa for the promotion of Islamic studies, and the Asiatic Society of Bengal with William Jones in 1781 and 1784 respectively. Hastings was also elected as a fellow of the Royal Society in 1801.
The Charter Act of 1833 made the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of British India. And, William Bentick was the first Governor-General of British India.
More such information on different Viceroys and the Governor-General of India along with the major reforms they brought is given below in the form of a list.
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| Year | Governor-General of Bengal | Major Reforms & Events |
| 1772-1785 | Warren Hastings | First Governor-General of Bengal |
End to the dual system of administration
Supreme Court at Calcutta
Asiatic Society of Bengal
First English translation of Bhagavad Gita
Establishment of Sanskrit college
Third Anglo-Mysore War and Treaty of Seringapatam
Policy of Non-intervention
Fourth Anglo-Mysore War and the Treaty of Bassein
Establishment of Madras presidency
Diminished the area of British territory because of his passion for economy and retrenchment,
Abolition of Peshwaship
Establishment of the Ryotwari System in Madras (By Thomas Munroe) and Bombay
| Year | Governors-General of India | Major Reforms |
| 1828-1835 | Lord William Bentinck | First Governor-General of India (Charter Act of 1833 made Governor-General of Bengal as Governor-General of India.) |
Suppression of Thugee, infanticide and child sacrifices.
English Education Act of 1835
Doctrine of Good
Post Office Act, 1854
1st Railway line connecting Bombay and Thane
Established engineering college in Roorkee
First telegraph line
Establishment of the Public Works Department
Abolition of titles and pensions.
Started Competitive examination for Indian Civil Services
Revolt of 1857 took place
Note: Aspirants should know about the only Indian Governor-General of India who was CR Gopalachari. India was made a republic in 1950. He was the last governor-general of India, following which the post was abolished.
List of Governors-General of India
Download PDF Here
The information provided on the Viceroys of India, Governors-General of India and first governor-general of Bengal is helpful in tackling the tricky general awareness section questions in any competitive exam.