Which British Governor-General is popularly known as the "Father of the Civil Service" in India for his administrative reforms?

Introduction / Context:
During British rule in India, several Governor-Generals introduced reforms that shaped the administrative and civil services structure. One Governor-General, in particular, is often referred to as the “Father of the Civil Service” in India because he laid the foundations for a more organised, merit-based bureaucracy. This question checks whether you can correctly identify that Governor-General from among other well-known administrators.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The title in question is “Father of the Civil Service in India”.
• We are choosing from a list of British administrators.
• Options include Lord Cornwallis, Sir Charles Metcalfe, Lord William Bentinck, Lord Dalhousie and Lord Curzon.
• Only one of these is commonly given this title in Indian history textbooks.

Concept / Approach:
Lord Cornwallis served as Governor-General of India and carried out important administrative reforms, especially in the late 18th century. He introduced measures to professionalise and regularise the civil service, emphasising integrity and training. Due to these foundational reforms, he is popularly called the “Father of the Civil Service in India”. The other administrators are known for different reforms, such as social or territorial changes, but not for originating the civil service system itself.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Lord Cornwallis introduced key reforms in revenue administration, judiciary and the civil services. Step 2: Remember that these reforms aimed to reduce corruption and create a more structured service, leading to his nickname in textbooks. Step 3: Compare other options: Lord William Bentinck is associated with social reforms like the abolition of sati; Lord Dalhousie with doctrine of lapse and railways; Lord Curzon with partition of Bengal; Sir Charles Metcalfe with freeing the press. Step 4: None of the others is consistently labelled as the Father of the Civil Service in India. Step 5: Therefore, select Lord Cornwallis as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
A good verification method is to memorise simple associations: Cornwallis → civil service reforms; Bentinck → social reforms; Dalhousie → expansion and railways; Curzon → partition of Bengal; Metcalfe → freedom of the press. When a question explicitly mentions “Father of Civil Service”, the link with Cornwallis stands out clearly in this set of one-line summaries.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sir Charles Metcalfe: Remembered as the “Liberator of the Indian Press” for his role in press freedom, not for founding the civil service system.
Lord William Bentinck: Known for social and educational reforms, such as banning sati and supporting English education.
Lord Dalhousie: Associated with aggressive annexation policies and infrastructure development; not primarily with civil service creation.
Lord Curzon: His tenure is linked with the partition of Bengal and various administrative changes, but not specifically with the civil service’s origin.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse titles like “Father of Civil Service” with “Liberator of the Press” or attribute everything administrative to more famous reformers like Bentinck. To avoid this, keep one clear mental map: Cornwallis → civil service foundations; Metcalfe → press freedom; Bentinck → social reforms. This structured mapping helps avoid mixing up titles and personalities during exams.

Final Answer:
The British Governor-General known as the “Father of the Civil Service in India” is Lord Cornwallis.