Who was the last Governor-General of independent India?

Concept: Under the Indian Independence Act 1947, India became a Dominion under the British Crown on 15 August 1947, with a Governor-General as the constitutional head of state. This Dominion arrangement lasted until 26 January 1950, when the Constitution of India came into force, India became a sovereign republic, and the President replaced the Governor-General as head of state.

Application:

1. Lord Mountbatten was appointed the first Governor-General of independent India on 15 August 1947.

2. C. Rajagopalachari succeeded him as Governor-General on 21 June 1948 and remained in office until 26 January 1950, when the office of Governor-General was abolished as the Constitution of India came into force.

Cross-check:

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel held the separate offices of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister throughout this period, never the office of Governor-General.

• Jawaharlal Nehru held the separate office of Prime Minister throughout this period, never the office of Governor-General.

Result: Since the office of Governor-General ceased to exist after 26 January 1950 and C. Rajagopalachari was its final holder, C. Rajagopalachari was the last Governor-General of independent India.