What is Viceroy ?

The term vicereine is sometimes used to indicate a female viceroy suo jure, although viceroy can serve as a gender-neutral term.

Vicereine is more commonly used to indicate a viceroy's wife.

Viceroy, one who rules a country or province as the representative of his sovereign or king and who is empowered to act in the sovereign’s name. Viceroy (virrey) was the title given to the principal governors of Spain’s American colonies, as well as to the governors of the “kingdoms” (reinos) of peninsular Spain proper (e.g., Aragon, Valencia).

In the early 16th century the great viceroyalties of New Spain (Mexico) and Peru were instituted; two more—New Granada and Río de la Plata—were created in South America in the 18th century.

The viceroys were appointed by the king of Spain and the Council of the Indies from among noble Spanish families.

Their official powers and duties were extensive: the collection and augmentation of royal revenues, the nomination of lesser colonial officials (both civil and ecclesiastical).

The enforcement of the laws, the protection of the Indians and their conversion to Christianity, and, until the 18th century, the grant of encomiendas (grants of Indians for labour and tribute to certain colonists).

The powers of the viceroys were subject to various limitations: other important colonial officials were also crown-appointed and could thwart them by dealing directly with Madrid.

Moreover, the home government’s minute regulations on every aspect of colonial administration (though they were often ignored) tended to allow little discretionary power.

The audiencia, a court that shared the viceroy’s administrative responsibilities, often used its power to obstruct him.

The viceroy’s princely salary was supposed to prevent corruption, and commercial dealings were forbidden to him.

Before laying down his office he was required to report to the king the principal deeds and events of his administration, which was also subjected to a judicial review (residencia).

In Brazil, the captain general, who occupied a position similar to the Spanish viceroys, was styled viceroy from the mid-17th century.

From the 14th century the governors appointed by the English crown to rule in Ireland were called viceroys; and between 1858 and 1935 the title was applied to the British governor-general of India.

When east india company came india , he make a post named as "Governor of Bengal" & First Governor of bengal was Robert Clive. Now only bengal come under his region.

And same as there are also the Governor of bombay and Madras.

But in 1773 , By passing of Regulating Act ,the post name of Governor of Bengal converted into "Governor General of Bengal" and the first Governor General of Bengal was Warren Hestings (He was also the last Governor of Bengal). And now Governor of bombay and Madras worked under the Governor General of Bengal.

In 1833 , By passing of charter act the post name of Governor General of Bengal again converted into "Governor General of india" & the first Governor General of India was William Bentinck (Also the last Governor General of Bengal).

Then after revolt of 1857, when company rule ended and crown administration started, Government of India Act 1858 passed which changed the name of post Governor General of India by Viceroy of India. The first Viceroy of India was Lord Canning (Also the last Governor General of India).

A viceroy is a "vice-king" (roi is French for king). Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II were/are female "kings," (not queens in the usual sense of wife of a king). Dominions held in the name of the king or queen (e.g. Queen Victoria was Empress of India) would be ruled by "Viceroys."

Other colonies were held in the name of GreatBritain, rather than the ruler. The persons in charge of those colonies would then be Governors (General). Only "whole countries" such as India and Ireland, were held in the name of the Crown.

From 1773 to 1858, the British administrative head in India was called Governor General and was selected by the Court of Directors of the East India Company, to whom he was responsible.

After the 1857 Uprising, the government of India was transferred from the East India Company to the Crown. And "Viceroy" was added to the title of the Governor General and was called as a Viceroy Of India.

Viceroy was appointed by the sovereign on the advice of the British government; the Secretary of State for India, a member of the UK Cabinet, was responsible for instructing him on the exercise of his powers.

After 1858, Viceroy Of India , as a Viceroy, direct representative of the Crown, dealt with the princely states of India, whose relationship was not with the British government, but directly with the monarch. And as a Governor General, govern the British India provinces.