Which British Governor General of India is often described as the “Maker of Modern India” for his far-reaching administrative and social reforms?

Introduction / Context:
Several British Governor Generals left a lasting impact on India through their policies. One of them is frequently called the “Maker of Modern India” because of the major administrative and social reforms he introduced. This question asks you to identify that Governor General, linking names to policies and their long term consequences for Indian society and governance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to a British Governor General of India.
• It mentions the famous description “Maker of Modern India.”
• The options are Lord Dalhousie, Lord Amherst, Lord Canning, and Lord William Bentinck.
• We assume basic familiarity with 19th century British rule in India.

Concept / Approach:
Lord William Bentinck served as Governor General from 1828 to 1835 and is known for major reforms such as the abolition of sati, suppression of thuggee, encouragement of Western education, and attempts to reorganise the civil service and finances. These measures significantly changed Indian society and administration, leading historians to describe him as the “Maker of Modern India.” Lord Dalhousie is known for annexations and doctrine of lapse; Lord Canning for handling the Revolt of 1857 and transition to Crown rule; Lord Amherst for earlier military campaigns. None of them is primarily associated with this particular title in exam literature.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List the major reforms associated with each Governor General. Step 2: Recall that Lord William Bentinck abolished sati in 1829 and suppressed thuggee, which were major social reforms. Step 3: Recognise that he promoted Western style education and modern legal and administrative measures that influenced the later colonial state. Step 4: Compare this with Dalhousie, whose main reputation is for territorial expansion, railways, and telegraphs, not primarily social reform. Step 5: Note that Canning is connected with the Revolt of 1857 and Amherst with earlier wars, neither being commonly called “Maker of Modern India.” Step 6: Conclude that Lord William Bentinck is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
History reference books and competitive exam guides repeatedly label Lord William Bentinck as the “Maker of Modern India” due to his reformist policies and their long term impact on Indian society and governance. They list his abolition of sati, reorganisation of finances, and promotion of English education as key reasons for this title. No such consistent epithet is attached to the other options in the same way.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Lord Dalhousie: Known for railways, telegraph, postal reforms, and aggressive annexations, but usually described as an expansionist Governor General, not as the “Maker of Modern India.”
• Lord Amherst: Associated mainly with the First Anglo Burmese War and some administrative issues, without the broad reformist legacy of Bentinck.
• Lord Canning: Remembered for his role during the Revolt of 1857 and as the first Viceroy under Crown rule, not for foundational modern reforms.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Dalhousie and Bentinck because both introduced important changes. However, Dalhousie is more closely associated with political expansion and infrastructure, whereas Bentinck is linked to social reform and administrative modernisation. To avoid confusion, remember that the abolition of sati and the push for Western education are hallmark achievements of Lord William Bentinck, supporting his title as the “Maker of Modern India.”

Final Answer:
The British Governor General often described as the “Maker of Modern India” is Lord William Bentinck.