Governors-General and Viceroys were the main administrative cogs of British India who saw to it that the “Jewel in the Crown” of the British Empire. Usually, the two terms are used interchangeably despite being subtly different in nature and function.
This article will provide the details to dispel that notion about the Governor-General for the IAS Exam. The PDF note can be downloaded through the link at the end of the article given below.
In the table below we have given in detail the differences between the Governor-General and Viceroy
Differences Between Governor-General and Viceroy
| Governor-General |
Viceroy |
| The post of Governor-General of India was created by the passing of the Charter Act of 1833 with William Bentinck becoming the first Governor-General | After the Revolt of 1857, the Government of India Act, 1858 was passed which changed the name Governor-General of India from to Viceroy |
| The post of Governor-General of India was mainly for administrative purposes and reported to the Court of Directors of the East India Company | After 1858, the role of Viceroy and Governor-General of India became one with the Viceroy having diplomatic powers and reported directly to the British Crown |
| The Governor-General of India was selected by the Court of Directors who were in charge | The Viceroy was appointed by the sovereign of the British government under the advice of the Parliament |
| Time Periods: 1833 – 1858 | Time Periods: 1858 – 1948 |
| William Bentinck was the first Governor-General | Lord Canning was the first Viceroy |
| Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was the last Governor-General | Lord Louis Mountbatten was the last Viceroy |
| The Dominions and colonies that were held in the name of the parliament of Great Britain were administered by a Governo-General | The Colonies that were held in the name of the British Crown were governed by the Viceroy |
You can find the list of Governors-General and Viceroys of India through the links given below
You can find out more about the legislation passed in British India, and the role they played in the political scenario of India by visiting the linked article. The following links below will also give you some additional information about the topic.
Lord CanningNCERT Ancient Indian History NotesNCERT Medieval Indian History Notes
| NCERT Modern Indian History Notes | Warren Hastings | Indian Education System During British Rule |
You can find more Difference Between Articles, by visiting the linked page
You can get a general idea of the exam by visiting the UPSC Syllabus page. For more preparation materials refer to the links given below
Governor-General and Viceroy – Download PDF Here
Frequently Asked Questions about Governor-General
When did the title of Viceroy first come into use?
Who is India’s first governor general?
Related Links
| NCERT Books | UPSC Exam Pattern | Current Affairs Quiz |
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| Current Affairs 2023 PDF | Black Soil in India | Mauryan Empire |
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