Lord Canning was the first Viceroy of India, a title created in 1858 following the Revolt of 1857. Prior to this, India was administered by the British East India Company, and its head was known as the Governor General, a position established in 1773. The Governor General had authority over major British provinces like Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Punjab, and the United Provinces. Lord Canning served as Governor General from 1856 to 1858.

After the 1857 mutiny, the British Crown took direct control of India from the East India Company. To signify the Governor General’s new role as the monarch's representative, the title “Viceroy of India” was introduced. Lord Canning continued in office as the first Viceroy from 1858 to 1862. The title of Viceroy remained in use until India gained independence in 1947.