Dominion of India
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Dominion of India was a political entity that existed between 15 August 1947 and 26 January 1950.
When British rule in India ended in 1947, two dominions were created to succeed it: the dominions of India and Pakistan. Created by the Indian Independence Act 1947 enacted by the British parliament, these entities existed until the promulgation of their individual constitutions. In the case of India, this occurred on 26 January 1950; the Union of India came into existence on that date.
During the dominion phase, the British monarch remained head of state of both countries, and was represented in each by a governor-general. However, these governors-general were not also designated "Viceroys" as had been customary under the British Raj. Two governors-general held office in India during the dominion period:
Jawaharlal Nehru held office as prime minister (and head of government) of the Dominion of India during this period.
