The Governors-General of India were the chief administrators of British India from 1773 to 1947. They were appointed by the British Crown and held significant power over the Indian territories, overseeing both governance and military matters. The role evolved over time, especially after the Government of India Act 1858, which transferred authority from the East India Company to the British Crown. The first Governor-General was Warren Hastings, who served from 1773 to 1785. The last was Lord Louis Mountbatten, who played a crucial role in the transition of India to independence in 1947. The position was pivotal in shaping India's colonial administration and policies.