In the context of the British expansion in India, who was appointed as the first Governor General of Bengal under the Regulating Act of 1773?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on the early phase of British administrative control in India. The Regulating Act of 1773 is a key constitutional measure that created the office of Governor General of Bengal, which later evolved into Governor General of India. Knowing who first held this post helps track the institutionalisation of Company rule and later Crown rule in India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The office is Governor General of Bengal, created by the Regulating Act of 1773.
• Options include Robert Clive, William Bentinck, Warren Hastings and Charles Cornwallis.

Concept / Approach:
Warren Hastings is recognised as the first Governor General of Bengal under the Regulating Act of 1773. Before that, Robert Clive was Governor of Bengal but not Governor General. Charles Cornwallis and William Bentinck came later as Governor Generals of India. Therefore, the correct conceptual move is to identify Warren Hastings as the first holder of the new office created in 1773.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Regulating Act of 1773 reorganised the East India Company's administration in India and created the post of Governor General of Bengal. Step 2: Identify Warren Hastings as the person appointed to this new office. Step 3: Remember that Robert Clive served earlier as Governor of Bengal after the Battle of Plassey but did not hold the title of Governor General. Step 4: Note that Charles Cornwallis and William Bentinck served as Governor Generals in later periods. Step 5: Select Warren Hastings as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
History textbooks consistently list Warren Hastings as the first Governor General of Bengal who served from 1773 to 1785. They also highlight that his tenure was marked by judicial and administrative reforms but also political controversies leading to his impeachment. Clive is always placed earlier, known for military victories and dual administration schemes. Cornwallis and Bentinck are discussed in the context of later reforms. This consistent pattern verifies that Warren Hastings is the only correct choice for this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Robert Clive: He was Governor of Bengal and a key military figure but never held the formal title Governor General under the Regulating Act.

William Bentinck: Served later as Governor General and is known for social reforms such as abolition of Sati, not as the first Governor General of Bengal.
Charles Cornwallis: Came after Hastings and is associated with the Cornwallis Code and Permanent Settlement, not with being the first holder of the post.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to pick Robert Clive simply because he is strongly associated with early British victories in Bengal and is often remembered first. Another pitfall is to confuse the titles of Governor and Governor General or to assume that whichever name is most famous must be first. A good way to avoid this is to remember the simple sequence: Plassey and Clive first, then the Regulating Act and Warren Hastings as the first Governor General.

Final Answer:
The first Governor General of Bengal was Warren Hastings.