Who was the First Governor General of India?
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 9th, 2023
Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of India. He served as a soldier, statesman, and colonial administrator for the British. However, Robert Clive was the first Governor of Bengal when the East India Company arrived in India. After the Regulating Act of 1773 was passed, the title of Governor of Bengal was later changed to Governor General of Bengal. William Bentick served as Bengal’s first Governor-General.
First Governor General of India
William Bentick was also the last Governor-General of Bengal. The name was then converted to Governor General of India. He served as a governor from 6th December 1732 to 22nd August 1818. He served as the first Governor of the Presidency of Fort William (Bengal).
- The highest-ranking official in the government was the Governor-General.
- Three presidents held office: those of Bengal, Bombay, and Madras. In charge of each of these presidencies was the governor.
- The first Governor-General of India to establish a new judicial system was William Bentick.
- The new system mandated the establishment of a criminal court (Faujdari Adalat) and a civil court in each district (Diwani Adalat).
- He is credited with enacting important social and educational reforms in India, such as banning sati and preventing women from attending cremations on Varanasi’s ghats as well as outlawing female infanticide and human sacrifice.
Summary:
Who was the First Governor General of India?
The first governor-general of India was Warren Hastings. He worked for the British as a soldier, statesman, and colonial administrator. When the East India Company first arrived in India, Robert Clive was appointed as Bengal’s first governor.
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