The Dominion of India, officially, the Union of India, was an independent state 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 Union of India and the Dominion of Pakistan. Created by the Indian Independence Act 1947 which was enacted by the British parliament, these states existed until the promulgation of their individual constitutions. In the case of India, this occurred on 26 January, 1950; the Republic 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 Union of India during this period.
