Understanding the Role of the Governor General of India

The position of the Governor General of India was a crucial one in the history of British India and also during the transitional period immediately following India's independence. This office represented the Crown's authority in India and later became the constitutional head of state during the Dominion status.

Identifying the Last Governor General of India

India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. At this time, the country became a Dominion within the British Commonwealth. The office of the Governor General continued to exist as the representative of the British monarch, who was still the head of state.

The person who served as the Governor General of India immediately after independence was Lord Louis Mountbatten. He was the last British Governor General of India and continued in the role until June 1948.

Following Lord Mountbatten, an Indian was appointed to the office for the first time. This was Chakravarti Rajagopalachari. He served as the Governor General of India from June 1948 until January 26, 1950.

On January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect, and India became a Republic. The office of the Governor General was abolished, and the President of India became the head of state. Therefore, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was the last person to hold the office of the Governor General of India.

Analysis of Options

• A. Chakravarti Rajagopalachari: Served as Governor General from 1948 to 1950. He was the first Indian Governor General and the last person to hold the office before India became a Republic.
• B. Warren Hastings: Served as the first Governor General of Bengal from 1772 and later the first Governor General of India from 1774 to 1785. He held the office much earlier in history.
• C. Louis Mountbatten: Served as the last Viceroy of India and the first Governor General of independent India (from 1947 to 1948). He was the last British Governor General.
• D. Edward Law (Lord Ellenborough): Served as Governor General of India from 1842 to 1844. He held the office during the British Raj, long before India's independence.

Based on the timeline and the transition to a Republic, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was the last individual to hold the position of the Governor General of India.

Revision Table: Governor Generals of India

Additional Information: Transition to Republic

The role of the Governor General of India ended when the country adopted its constitution and declared itself a Sovereign Democratic Republic on January 26, 1950. The head of state then became the President of India, elected by an electoral college.

The first President of India was Dr. Rajendra Prasad. This transition marked a significant step in India's journey from a British Dominion to a fully independent Republic with its own elected head of state.

Chakravarti Rajagopalachari facilitated this transition as the incumbent Governor General, handing over the responsibilities to the newly established office of the President.