List of Governors of Bihar From 1936 to Present

Bihar, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, has been guided by a series of governors who play a crucial role in the state’s governance. As the constitutional leader, a governor represents the federal government and makes sure the state government runs properly. Governors from a variety of backgrounds have led Bihar over the years, each contributing to the administrative development of the state.

This blog provides you with a comprehensive list of governors of Bihar, emphasizing each one’s name, term, and state of residence. This guide provides a prompt and trustworthy reference to Bihar’s leadership over the years, regardless of your interest in Indian politics, history, or education.

List of Governors of Bihar Before Independence (1936 to 1947)

Sr.No.	Governor’s Name	From	To
1	Sir Hugh Dow	13 May 1946	August 14, 1947
2	Sir Thomas George Rutherford	24 April 1944	May 12, 1946
3	Sir Francis Mudie (acting)	7 September 1943	April 23, 1944
4	Sir Thomas George Rutherford	3 February 1943	September 6, 1943
5	Sir Thomas Alexander Stewart	6 August 1939	February 2, 1943
6	Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett	17 September 1938	August 5, 1939
7	Sir Thomas Alexander Stewart (acting)	15 May 1938	September 16, 1938
8	Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett	11 March 1937	May 15, 1938
9	Sir James David Sifton	1 April 1936	March 10, 1937

List of Governors of Bihar Post Independence (1947 to Present)

Sr.No.	Governor Name	From	To	Home State
1	Arif Mohammad Khan	2 January 2025	Incumbent	Uttar Pradesh
2	Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar	17 February 2023	January 1, 2025	Goa
3	Phagu Chauhan	29 July 2019	February 16, 2023	Uttar Pradesh
4	Lalji Tandon	23 August 2018	July 28, 2019	Uttar Pradesh
5	Satya Pal Malik	30 September 2017	August 23, 2018	Uttar Pradesh
6	Keshari Nath Tripathi (additional charge)	20 June 2017	September 29, 2017	Uttar Pradesh
7	Ram Nath Kovind	16 August 2015	20 June 2017	Uttar Pradesh
8	Keshari Nath Tripathi (additional charge)	27 November 2014	August 15, 2015	Uttar Pradesh
9	D. Y. Patil	22 March 2013	November 26, 2014	Maharashtra
10	Devanand Konwar	29 June 2009	March 21, 2013	Assam
11	R. L. Bhatia	10 July 2008	June 28, 2009	Punjab
12	R. S. Gavai	22 June 2006	July 9, 2008	Maharashtra
13	Gopalkrishna Gandhi	31 January 2006	June 21, 2006	National Capital Territory of Delhi
14	Buta Singh	5 November 2004	January 29, 2006	Punjab
15	Ved Prakash Marwah (acting)	1 November 2004	November 4, 2004	National Capital Territory of Delhi
16	M R Jois	12 June 2003	October 31, 2004	Karnataka
17	V. C. Pande	23 November 1999	June 12, 2003	Uttar Pradesh
18	Suraj Bhan (additional charge)	6 October 1999	November 22, 1999	Haryana
19	Justice B.M. Lall (acting)	15 March 1999	October 5, 1999	National Capital Territory of Delhi
20	Sunder Singh Bhandari	27 April 1998	March 15, 1999	Rajasthan
21	Akhlaqur Rahman Kidwai	14 August 1993	April 26, 1998	National Capital Territory of Delhi
22	Mohammad Shafi Qureshi	19 March 1991	August 13, 1993	Jammu and Kashmir
23	B. Satya Narayan Reddy (acting)	14 February 1991	March 18, 1991	Andhra Pradesh
24	Mohammad Saleem	16 February 1990	February 13, 1991	Uttar Pradesh
25	Justice G.G. Sohoni (acting)	2 February 1990	February 16, 1990	Madhya Pradesh
26	Jagannath Pahadia	3 March 1989	February 2, 1990	Rajasthan
27	R.D. Pradhan	29 January 1989	February 2, 1989	Maharashtra
28	Justice Dipak Kumar Sen (acting)	24 January 1989	January 28, 1989	West Bengal
29	Govind Narain Singh	26 February 1988	January 24, 1989	Madhya Pradesh
30	P. Venkatasubbaiah	15 March 1985	February 25, 1988	Andhra Pradesh
31	Akhlaqur Rahman Kidwai	20 September 1979	March 15, 1985	National Capital Territory of Delhi
32	Justice K.B.N. Singh (acting)	31 January 1979	September 19, 1979	Bihar
33	Jagannath Kaushal	16 June 1976	January 31, 1979	Chandigarh
34	Ramchandra Dhondiba Bhandare	4 February 1973	June 15, 1976	Maharashtra
35	Dev Kant Baruah	1 February 1971	February 4, 1973	Assam
36	Justice U.N. Sinha (acting)	21 January 1971	January 31, 1971	Bihar
37	Nityanand Kanungo	7 December 1967	January 20, 1971	Orissa
38	M. A. Ayyangar	12 May 1962	December 6, 1967	Andhra Pradesh
39	Zakir Hussain	6 July 1957	May 11, 1962	Andhra Pradesh
40	R. R. Diwakar	15 June 1952	July 5, 1957	Karnataka
41	Madhav Shrihari Aney	12 January 1948	June 14, 1952	Maharashtra
42	Jairamdas Daulatram	15 August 1947	January 11, 1948	Maharashtra

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Closing

Bihar’s governors have played a significant role in maintaining the state’s administrative balance and guiding its governance over the years. By understanding their tenure, home state, and contributions, we get a clearer picture of the state’s political and administrative history.

This comprehensive list of governors of Bihar serves as a valuable reference for students, researchers, and anyone interested in Indian politics. Tracking the leadership changes over time also helps highlight the evolving nature of governance in one of India’s most historically important states. Stay informed about Bihar’s governors to appreciate the state’s rich political landscape better.

FAQs

1. Who is the Current Governor of Bihar?

The current governor of Bihar is [Insert Current Governor Name], serving since [Start Date].

2. What is the Role of a Governor in Bihar?

The governor acts as the constitutional head of the state, ensuring smooth governance, overseeing administrative functions, and representing the central government.

3. How long is a Governor’s Tenure in Bihar?

A governor’s tenure in Bihar, like other Indian states, is typically five years, although it can be extended or shortened by the President of India.

4. Can a Governor in Bihar be from another state?

Yes, governors are usually appointed from outside the state to maintain neutrality and are not required to be residents of Bihar.

5. Can a Governor in Bihar be removed before their Tenure Ends?

Yes, a governor can be removed by the President of India at any time before the completion of their tenure.