Understanding the First Governor General of Free India

The question asks about the first governor general of free India. After India gained independence in 1947, the position of Governor General continued for a short period as India transitioned.

Role of the Governor General

The Governor General was the representative of the British Crown. After independence, this role changed, becoming more symbolic and constitutional as India moved towards becoming a republic.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the individuals mentioned in the options and their historical roles:

• Lord William Bentinck: He was the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835. He is known for social reforms like the abolition of Sati. He served much earlier than India's independence.
• Lord Canning: He served as the Governor-General of India from 1856 to 1858 and then became the first Viceroy of India from 1858 to 1862. He was associated with the Mutiny of 1857 and the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown. He also served long before independence.
• Lord Mountbatten: Louis Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of British India and oversaw the partition of India and the granting of independence. After India became independent on August 15, 1947, he continued to serve as the first Governor General of the Dominion of India until June 1948.
• Lord Dalhousie: He was the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. He is known for the Doctrine of Lapse and the annexation of several states. He served long before independence.

Based on the historical facts, Lord Mountbatten held the position of Governor General immediately after India became independent in 1947.

Conclusion

Therefore, the first governor general of free India was Lord Mountbatten.