Dalhousie was born on 22nd April, 1812. On 12th January, 1848, he assumed the office of Governor General of India at the young age of 36. On the same day, he was also appointed as the Governor General of Bengal. He was full of enthusiasm. His ability, efficiency, foresight and determination were quite uncommon. In his role as a ruler two distinct traits were seen. Like Lord Wellesley, Dalhousie was an aggressive imperialist. Like Lord William Bentinck, he was a progressive reformer. He succeeded both in his imperialism as well as in his reform.