Governor Generals — Set 7

Correct Answer: B. Lord Chelmsford

Lord Chelmsford was in office when General Dyer opened fire on the unarmed crowd in Amritsar. This event was a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle, destroying Indian faith in British justice. Chelmsford's tenure also saw the introduction of Diarchy under the 1919 Act.

Correct Answer: B. Lord Cornwallis

Lord Cornwallis introduced the Cornwallis Code and separated the commercial and judicial branches of the administration. He insisted on the recruitment of capable and honest officials for the Company's service. He also limited higher posts only to Europeans at that time.

Correct Answer: A. Lord Mountbatten

Lord Mountbatten served as the last Viceroy and then as the first Governor-General of independent India until June 1948. He was tasked with the 'partition and quit' policy by the British government. His 3rd June Plan decided the fate of the subcontinent.

Correct Answer: B. C. Rajagopalachari

Chakravarti Rajagopalachari served from 1948 to 1950 before India became a Republic. He was a veteran Congress leader and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. The position was replaced by the President of India when the Constitution was adopted.

Correct Answer: B. Lord Wellesley

Lord Wellesley used this system to expand the British Empire without direct annexation in many cases. Rulers had to maintain a British force and accept a British Resident at their court. This system made Indian rulers dependent on British military power.

Correct Answer: B. Lord Irwin

Lord Irwin was the Viceroy during the historic Salt Satyagraha in 1930. He later negotiated the Gandhi-Irwin Pact to suspend the movement. He is also remembered for the 'Irwin Declaration' regarding India's future status.

Correct Answer: A. Warren Hastings

Warren Hastings founded the Madrasa in 1781 to provide educated officials for the Company's courts. He was a great patron of oriental learning and encouraged the study of Indian traditions. This was the first educational institute established by the British in India.

Correct Answer: B. Lord Linlithgow

Lord Linlithgow was the Viceroy when the 'Quit India' resolution was passed by the Congress. He took a very tough stance and immediately arrested all senior Congress leaders. His term of seven years was the longest for any Viceroy in India.

Correct Answer: B. Lord Dalhousie

Lord Dalhousie passed the Post Office Act of 1854 and introduced the half-anna postage rate for the whole country. The first postage stamp, the Scinde Dawk, was released during his administration. This reform made communication affordable for the general public.

Correct Answer: B. Lord Ripon

Lord Ripon oversaw the first proper census that covered the whole of British India simultaneously. He is also remembered for the Ilbert Bill which aimed to remove racial discrimination in the judiciary. His liberal policies made him very popular among Indians.