Who was the first Indian Governor General of independent India after the end of British colonial rule.

Introduction / Context:
This question is about the high constitutional office of Governor General during the transition from British colonial rule to independent India. On 15 August 1947, India gained independence, but the office of Governor General continued for a few years as the formal head of state under the British Commonwealth framework. It is important to distinguish between the last British Governor General and the first Indian who held this position. The question specifically asks for the first Indian Governor General of independent India, which tests understanding of early post independence political leadership.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• India became independent in 1947. • The office of Governor General continued for some time after independence. • The question is about the first Indian to hold the post of Governor General. • Options include several national leaders and one British nobleman.

Concept / Approach:
We must first recall the chronological order of office holders. At the moment of independence, Lord Mountbatten, a British nobleman, became the first Governor General of independent India. However, he was not Indian. When he left office in 1948, he was succeeded by an Indian statesman, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, often called Rajaji. Rajagopalachari served as the first and only Indian Governor General of India until the office was replaced by that of the President when India became a republic in 1950. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Rajagopalachari.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that after independence on 15 August 1947, India still had a Governor General as head of state. Step 2: Note that Lord Mountbatten was the first Governor General of independent India, but he was British, not Indian. Step 3: After Mountbatten left, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was appointed Governor General. Step 4: Rajagopalachari was an Indian leader, a veteran of the national movement, and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Step 5: Therefore, among the options given, the first Indian Governor General must be C. Rajagopalachari.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify this from standard civics or history textbooks. They explain that after independence, India remained a dominion within the Commonwealth, with the British monarch as symbolic head and a Governor General as representative. Lord Mountbatten served from 1947 to 1948. C. Rajagopalachari then took over and served until 26 January 1950, when India adopted its Constitution and Dr Rajendra Prasad became the first President of the Republic of India. Rajendra Prasad never served as Governor General, which confirms that C. Rajagopalachari is the correct and only suitable choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rajendra Prasad: He was the first President of India after it became a republic in 1950, not the first Indian Governor General. A. Kriplani: Acharya J B Kripalani was a prominent Congress leader and President of the Indian National Congress, but he never served as Governor General. Lord Mountbatten: He was the first Governor General of independent India but was British, so he does not fulfil the condition of being the first Indian in that office. Dr B R Ambedkar: He was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a leading social reformer, but he was never Governor General.

Common Pitfalls:
The main confusion arises between the first Governor General after independence and the first Indian Governor General. Many examinees quickly recall Lord Mountbatten and forget that the question emphasises Indian. Another common mix up is between the role of Governor General and President. Students sometimes incorrectly mark Rajendra Prasad because they know he was the first President. Carefully reading the exact wording of the question and remembering the timeline from 1947 to 1950 helps to avoid these mistakes.

Final Answer:
The first Indian Governor General of independent India was C. Rajagopalachari.