Question 1

Who was the first Governor-General of Bengal appointed under the Regulating Act of 1773?

Accepted Answer

Warren Hastings. Warren Hastings was the first to hold the office of Governor-General of Bengal. He introduced the dual system of administration and established the first Madrasa in Calcutta. His tenure marked the beginning of organized British administrative centralisation in India.

Question 2

Which Governor-General introduced the 'Permanent Settlement' system of land revenue in 1793?

Accepted Answer

Lord Cornwallis. Lord Cornwallis implemented the Permanent Settlement to fix land revenue rights for Zamindars in Bengal and Bihar. He is also known as the 'Father of Civil Services in India' for his administrative reforms. This system aimed to create a loyal class of landholders for the British administration.

Question 3

The 'Subsidiary Alliance' system was extensively used by which Governor-General to expand British influence?

Accepted Answer

Lord Wellesley. Lord Wellesley used this system to bring Indian princely states under British protection in exchange for military support. The Nizam of Hyderabad was the first Indian ruler to accept this alliance. This policy effectively turned Indian states into protectorates of the East India Company.

Question 4

Who was the Governor-General when the practice of Sati was legally abolished in 1829?

Accepted Answer

Lord William Bentinck. Lord William Bentinck enacted the Sati Prevention Act with the support of social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy. He is remembered as one of the most liberal and reform-oriented Governor-Generals. He also initiated the suppression of Thuggee and introduced English as the medium of higher education.

Question 5

Which Governor-General is associated with the 'Doctrine of Lapse' and the introduction of Railways in India?

Accepted Answer

Lord Dalhousie. Lord Dalhousie annexed several Indian states like Satara and Jhansi through the Doctrine of Lapse policy. He oversaw the launch of the first passenger train between Bombay and Thane in 1853. His tenure also saw the introduction of the electric telegraph and a uniform postage system.

Governor Generals — Set 1