Tamil Nadu, a state rich in cultural heritage and historical significance, has been governed by a succession of distinguished leaders over the years. The role of a governor in this southern state of India is pivotal, acting as a constitutional head and representing the Union Government. Let’s delve into the list of former governors who have left an indelible mark on Tamil Nadu’s governance landscape.
Governors of Tamil Nadu
Lieutenant General Sir Archibald Edward Nye, a distinguished British Army officer, held the position of Governor of Madras from May 6, 1946, to September 7, 1948. Since his tenure, Tamil Nadu has seen a total of 31 governors. R. N. Ravi succeeded Banwarilal Purohit as Governor on September 10, 2021.
Inaugural Governor of Tamil Nadu
Lieutenant General Sir Archibald Edward Nye, a prominent British Army officer, served as the inaugural Governor of Madras, now Tamil Nadu, from May 6, 1946, to September 7, 1948. He held the distinction of being the first governor of the newly independent state, marking a significant chapter in its governance history.
Current Governor of Tamil Nadu
R. N. Ravi assumed office as the Governor of Tamil Nadu on September 10, 2021. With a background in governance and administration, he now serves as the state’s incumbent governor, entrusted with the responsibility of upholding constitutional principles and fostering development in Tamil Nadu.
Longest Serving Governor of Tamil Nadu
Surjit Singh Barnala holds the distinction of being the only governor to serve two terms in office in Tamil Nadu. His tenure spans nearly six and a half years, from November 3, 2004, to August 31, 2011. With this extended period of service, Barnala left a significant mark on the governance landscape of the state.
Shortest Serving Governor of Tamil Nadu
M. M. Ismail holds the record for the shortest term as the acting Governor of Tamil Nadu, serving for a mere nine days from October 27, 1980, to November 4, 1980. Despite the brevity of his tenure, Ismail’s brief stewardship contributed to the state’s governance during that short period.
List of Former Governors of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, a state rich in cultural heritage and historical significance, has been governed by a succession of distinguished leaders over the years. Here is the complete list of former Governors of Tamil Nadu:
Former Governors of Tamil Nadu | |||
S. No. | Name | From | To |
1. | Lieutenant General Sir Archibald | 06 May 1946 | 07 Sep 1948 |
2. | Maharaj Sir Krishna Kumarasinhji | 07 Sep 1948 | 12 Mar 1952 |
3. | Sri Prakasa | 12 Mar 1952 | 10 Dec 1956 |
4. | A.J. John | 10 Dec 1956 | 30 Sep 1957 |
5. | Pakala Venkata Rajamannar | 01 Oct 1957 | 24 Jan 1958 |
6. | Bhishnuram Medhi | 24 Jan 1958 | 04 May 1964 |
7. | Maharaja Sir Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Bahadur | 04 May 1964 | 24 Nov 1964 |
8. | P. Chandra Reddy | 24 Nov 1964 | 07 Dec 1965 |
9. | Maharaja Sir Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Bahadur | 07 December 1965 | 28 Jun 1966 |
10. | Sardar Ujjal Singh | 28 Jun 1966 | 14 Jan 1969 |
11. | Sardar Ujjal Singh | 14 Jan 1969 | 27 May 1971 |
12. | Kodardas Kalidas Shah | 27 May 1971 | 16 Jun 1976 |
13. | Mohan Lal Sukhadia | 16 Jun 1976 | 08 Apr 1977 |
14. | P. Govindan Nair | 09 Apr 1977 | 27 Apr 1977 |
15. | Prabhudas Patwari | 27 Apr 1977 | 27 Oct 1980 |
16. | M. M. Ismail | 27 Oct 1980 | 04 Nov 1980 |
17. | Sadiq Ali | 04 Nov 1980 | 03 Sep 1982 |
18. | Sundar Lal Khurana | 03 Sep 1982 | 17 Feb 1988 |
19. | P. C. Alexander | 17 Feb 1988 | 24 May 1990 |
20. | Surjit Singh Barnala | 24 May 1990 | 15 Feb 1991 |
21. | Bhishma Narain Singh | 15 Feb 1991 | 31 May 1993 |
22. | Marri Chenna Reddy | 31 May 1993 | 02 Dec 1996 |
23. | Krishan Kant | 02 Dec 1996 | 25 Jan 1997 |
24. | M. Fathima Beevi | 25 Jan 1997 | 03 Jul 2001 |
25. | C. Rangrajan | 03 Jul 2001 | 18 Jan 2002 |
26. | P.S. Rammohan Rao | 18 Jan 2002 | 03 Nov 2004 |
27. | Surjit Singh Barnala | 03 Nov 2004 | 31 Aug 2011 |
28. | Konijeti Rosaiah | 31 Aug 2011 | 30 Aug 2016 |
29. | C. Vidyasagar Rao | 02 Sep 2016 | 06 Oct 2017 |
30. | Banwarilal Purohit | 06 Oct 2017 | 10 Sep 2021 |
31. | R.N. Ravi | 10 Sep 2021 | Incumbent |