Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India, appointed in 1947 to oversee the transition of British India to independence. He played a key role in the creation of the sovereign nations of India and Pakistan. Following India's independence on 15 August 1947, the title of Viceroy was abolished and replaced by Governor General, making Mountbatten the first Governor General of independent India. His tenure marked a historic shift in India’s political landscape.

Born on 25 June 1900 in Windsor, England, Mountbatten came from a noble lineage and originally bore the surname Battenberg, which was anglicized during World War I due to anti-German sentiment. A career naval officer, he served with distinction during World War II and held top military roles including First Sea Lord and Chief of Defence Staff. After his Indian tenure, he continued in naval leadership until retirement. Mountbatten was tragically killed by an IRA bomb on 27 August 1979 near his holiday home in County Sligo, Ireland.