who was the viceroy of india

The Viceroy of India was the British Crown’s chief representative in India , created after the Revolt of 1857 when the British government took direct control from the East India Company.

Key facts in one glance

• The title “Viceroy of India” was formally created by the Government of India Act, 1858.

• The first Viceroy of India was Lord Canning (Charles John Canning) , who served from 1858 to 1862.

• The last Viceroy of India was Lord Mountbatten , who held office during the transfer of power in 1947 and briefly after independence.

What did the Viceroy do?

• Acted as the top administrator of British India on behalf of the monarch after 1858.

• Combined political, executive, and sometimes military authority over colonial governance.

• Oversaw major policies such as administrative reforms, laws, and responses to movements like the early phases of Indian nationalism.

A quick example

An important example is Lord Curzon (Viceroy 1899–1905) , who:

• Ordered restoration work on the Taj Mahal and other monuments.

• Presided over the controversial partition of Bengal in 1905, which fuelled nationalist protests.

Short answer (exam‑style)

• First Viceroy of India: Lord Canning (1858–1862).

• Last Viceroy of India: Lord Mountbatten (1947–1948, around independence period).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.