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UPSC Notes: Difference Between Governor General and Viceroy

The difference between Governor General and Viceroy is that the former was appointed before 1858, while the latter was Crown's representative after that. Learn the difference between Governor General and Viceroy here.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit3 Oct, 2024
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Governor General and Viceroy

Difference Between Governor General and Viceroy: During your UPSC preparation, you must have read about these two offices in Indian history. The titles of "Governor General" and "Viceroy" hold significant importance, especially in the context of British administration.

While both titles were crucial in the governance of British India, they differed in their roles, powers, and the periods during which they were used. Understanding the difference between Governor General and Viceroy is essential for UPSC aspirants, as questions related to their role frequently appear in the examination. Keep reading to find out the difference between Governor General and Viceroy in terms of their role and a complete list of notable officeholders.

Governor General

The Governor General was the head of British administration in India from 1773 to 1858. The position was created by the Regulating Act of 1773 to oversee British territories and resolve administrative disputes. Initially, the title was the “ Governor General of Bengal ,” but as British control expanded, it became the “Governor General of India.” The first Governor General of Bengal in British India was Warren Hastings. Later, Lord William Bentinck , the last Governor General of Bengal became the first Governor General of India under the Charter Act of 1833, which expanded the powers of the Governor General to all British territories in India. The Governor General had both executive and legislative functions and acted as the chief administrator, overseeing political, military, and fiscal responsibilities in British-controlled territories. C. Rajagopalachari became the first Indian Governor General after independence.

Viceroy

The title Viceroy was introduced after the British Crown assumed direct control over India in 1858, following the Revolt of 1857. The Viceroy represented the British Monarch in India and exercised the powers of the Crown. The office of the Viceroy was more ceremonial, though it carried extensive political and executive powers. While the Governor General’s role was primarily administrative, the Viceroy acted as the direct link between the British government and the Indian people. This shift marked the beginning of direct British imperial rule, ending the East India Company’s control over Indian affairs. The first Viceroy of India was Lord Canning , appointed after the Government of India Act 185 8. He served from 1858 to 1862. His tenure marked the consolidation of British authority post the 1857 Revolt. Lord Canning introduced several reforms, including the implementation of the Indian Councils Act, 1861, which allowed for greater Indian participation in governance.

Difference Between Governor General and Viceroy

The transition from Governor General to Viceroy represents a significant shift in British governance in India. Below is a table highlighting the main differences between Governor General and Viceroy:
Difference Between Governor General and Viceroy
Aspect Governor General Viceroy
Established By Regulating Act of 1773 Government of India Act, 1858
Representative Of East India Company British Crown
Period of Reign 1773–1858 1858–1948
Power & Control Focused on British territories in India Represented the British Crown’s authority
Key Role Administrative head Political, administrative, and diplomatic head
First Appointment Warren Hastings (Governor General of Bengal) Lord Canning (First Viceroy of India)
Main Function Overseeing administration of British colonies Managing the British Crown’s policies in India
Military Power Limited Full control over military operations

List of Governors General

Governors-Generals played key roles in shaping India's history and policies from the 18th to the mid-19th centuries. The list of Governors General starting from 1773 is given here:
Complete List of Governors General (1773–1858)
Governor-General Tenure Key Events/Policies
Governor General of Bengal
Warren Hastings 1773–1785 Regulating Act of 1773; Pitt’s India Act of 1784; foundation of the Asiatic Society (1784).
Lord Cornwallis 1786–1793 Third Mysore War (1790–1792); Permanent Settlement of Bengal (1793); judicial reforms (Cornwallis Code).
Sir John Shore 1793–1798 Charter Act of 1793; Battle of Kharda (1795).
Lord Wellesley 1798–1805 Introduced Subsidiary Alliance System; Fourth Mysore War; Treaty of Bassein (1802).
Sir George Barlow 1805–1807 Vellore Mutiny (1806).
Lord Minto I 1807–1813 Treaty of Amritsar with Ranjit Singh (1809).
Lord Hastings 1813–1823 Anglo-Nepal War; Third Maratha War; establishment of Ryotwari System.
Lord Amherst 1823–1828 First Burmese War (1824–26); capture of Bharatpur (1826).
Lord William Bentinck 1828–1833 Abolition of Sati (1829);  annexation of Mysore (1830)
Governor General of India
Lord William Bentinck 1833–1835 Educational reforms; annexation of Coorg (1834).
Lord Metcalfe 1835–1836 New press law removing restrictions on the press.
Lord Auckland 1836–1842 First Afghan War (1838–42); death of Ranjit Singh (1839).
Lord Ellenborough 1842–1844 Annexation of Sindh (1843)
Lord Hardinge I 1844–1848 First Anglo-Sikh War; social reforms, including abolition of female infanticide.
Lord Dalhousie 1848–1856 Second Anglo-Sikh War; Doctrine of Lapse; introduction of railways and telegraphs.
Lord Canning 1856–1858 Establishment of universities; Revolt of 1857; last Governor-General of India.

List of Viceroys of India

The list of Viceroys of India features the officials who represented the British Crown after 1858. Here is the complete list of Viceroys appointed during the British rule:
List of Viceroys of India
Viceroy Tenure Key Events/Policies
Lord Canning 1858–1862 Transfer of control to the Crown; Government of India Act, 1858; Indian Councils Act of 1861.
Lord Elgin I 1862–1863 Wahabi Movement.
Lord John Lawrence 1864–1869 Bhutan War (1865); establishment of High Courts in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras (1865).
Lord Mayo 1869–1872 Opening of Rajkot and Mayo Colleges; establishment of Statistical Survey of India; introduction of state railways.
Lord Northbrook 1872–1876 Visit of Prince of Wales (1875), Kuka Movement in Punjab.
Lord Lytton 1876–1880 Famine of 1876–78; Vernacular Press Act (1878); Second Afghan War.
Lord Ripon 1880–1884 Repeal of the Vernacular Press Act (1882); first Factory Act (1881); local self-government resolution (1882).
Lord Dufferin 1884–1888 Third Burmese War (1885–86); establishment of the Indian National Congress (1885).
Lord Lansdowne 1888–1894 Factory Act (1891); Indian Councils Act (1892); setting up of the Durand Commission (1893).
Lord Elgin II 1894–1899 Assassination of British officials by Chapekar brothers (1897).
Lord Curzon 1899–1905 Partition of Bengal (1905); appointment of Police and Universities Commissions; Ancient Monuments Preservation Act (1904).
Lord Minto II 1905–1910 Anti-partition and Swadeshi Movements; split in Congress (1907); establishment of Muslim League (1906).
Lord Hardinge II 1910–1916 Transfer of capital from Calcutta to Delhi (1911); establishment of Bengal Presidency (1911).
Lord Chelmsford 1916–1921 Formation of Home Rule Leagues; Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms; Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919).
Lord Reading 1921–1926 Chauri Chaura incident; repeal of the Press Act and Rowlatt Act; establishment of the Swaraj Party (1922).
Lord Irwin 1926–1931 Simon Commission boycott (1928); Dandi March (1930); Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931).
Lord Willingdon 1931–1936 Second Round Table Conference; announcement of the Government of India Act (1935); communal awards (1932).
Lord Linlithgow 1936–1944 First general elections (1936–37); Congress ministries resign (1939); Lahore Resolution (1940).
Lord Wavell 1944–1947 Wavell Plan and Shimla Conference; formation of Interim Government (1946); announcement of end of British rule (1947).
Lord Mountbatten 1947–1948 June 3rd plan; introduction of the Indian Independence Bill; partition preparations.
The difference between Governor General and Viceroy highlights the evolution of British administrative practices in India and is crucial for understanding the historical context of British rule. To learn in detail about Governor Generals and Viceroys, enroll in PW UPSC Courses which offers comprehensive preparation materials, expert guidance, practice tests, and more to help you excel in the exam!
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Difference Between Governor General and Viceroy FAQs

What was the main difference between a Governor General and a Viceroy?

The Governor General was the head of British administration under the East India Company, while the Viceroy represented the British Crown after 1858.

Who was the first Governor General of India?

The first Governor General of India was Lord William Bentinck, who served from 1828 to 1835.

Who was the first Viceroy of India?

The first Viceroy of India was Lord Canning, who served from 1858 to 1862.

When did the title of Governor General change to Viceroy?

The title changed from Governor General to Viceroy in 1858 with the enactment of the Government of India Act.

Who was the first Indian Governor general of India?

The first and only Indian Governor-General of India was C. Rajagopalachari, who served from 1948 to 1950.
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