Understanding the Decision on the Last Mughal King

The question asks about the British Governor-General who decided that Bahadur Shah Zafar would be the final Mughal King and that his descendants would not be recognized as rulers after his death. This decision was a significant step in the complete annexation and control of India by the British East India Company.

During the mid-19th century, the power and authority of the Mughal Emperor had significantly diminished. They were largely confined to Delhi and were effectively pensioners of the British East India Company. The British had been consolidating their power across India, and recognizing a lineage of Mughal rulers posed a potential challenge to their ultimate sovereignty.

Identifying the Governor-General

Let's look at the timeline and actions of the Governor-Generals mentioned in the options:

• Warren Hastings (1772-1785): His tenure was much earlier, focusing on consolidating British power, administrative reforms, and dealing with regional powers like Mysore and the Marathas. The decision about the last Mughal king was not made during his time.
• Lord Cornwallis (1786-1793): Known for implementing the Permanent Settlement and judicial reforms. His period also predates the specific decision regarding the last Mughal king.
• Lord Dalhousie (1848-1856): Famous for the Doctrine of Lapse and annexing several states. While he pursued aggressive annexation policies that further weakened native rulers, the specific decision regarding Bahadur Shah Zafar's title and his successors was finalized shortly after his tenure ended. However, preparatory steps and discussions about the future of the Mughal title were likely ongoing during his time.
• Lord Canning (1856-1862): Lord Canning succeeded Lord Dalhousie in 1856. It was Lord Canning who officially proclaimed in 1856 that Bahadur Shah Zafar would be the last Mughal Emperor recognized by the British. He also announced that after Zafar's death, his successors would only be allowed to use the title of 'prince' and would not be recognized as kings.

Based on the historical records, the formal announcement and decision regarding Bahadur Shah Zafar being the last king, effective from 1856, were made by Lord Canning.

Significance of the Decision

This decision highlighted the complete assertion of British supremacy. By denying the title of 'king' to the descendants of the Mughal Emperor, the British were symbolically and practically ending the long-standing Mughal dynasty's claim to sovereignty in India. This move, among others, contributed to the growing discontent that culminated in the Revolt of 1857, as it was seen as an insult to the historical and symbolic figure of the Emperor.

Conclusion

The Governor-General who decided in 1856 that Bahadur Shah Zafar would be the last Mughal King was Lord Canning.

Revision Table: Key Governor-Generals and Decisions

Additional Information: The Mughal Emperor's Status

By 1856, the Mughal Emperor's authority had diminished significantly. He held nominal sovereignty but real power lay with the British. The decision to end the lineage of kings was a formal acknowledgment and assertion of British control over what remained of the Mughal symbols of power. This policy, along with other British policies like annexation and social reforms perceived as interference, fueled discontent among various sections of Indian society, contributing to the outbreak of the Revolt of 1857.

Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor, played a symbolic role during the 1857 Revolt, being proclaimed the leader of the rebels in Delhi. After the revolt was suppressed, he was exiled to Rangoon (now Yangon) in Burma (now Myanmar), where he died in 1862, truly marking the end of the Mughal dynasty.