List of Governors of Karnataka From 1956 to 2025

List of Governors of Karnataka

1. Thawar Chand Gehlot

• Tenure: 11 July 2021 – Incumbent
• Key Contributions:
  • Currently serving as the Governor of Karnataka.
  • A senior leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment.
  • Renowned for his work in promoting social welfare and empowering marginalized communities.

2. Shri Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala

• Tenure: 01-09-2014 to 10-07-2021
• Key Contributions:
  • Longest-serving Governor of Karnataka after Khurshed Alam Khan.
  • Played a pivotal role in cooperative banking and introduced several administrative reforms.

3. Dr. K. Rosaiah

• Tenure: 29-06-2014 to 31-08-2014
• Key Contributions:
  • Known for presenting Andhra Pradesh's state budget 16 times.
  • Served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and held various important ministerial portfolios.

4. Dr. Hans Raj Bhardwaj

• Tenure: 24-06-2009 to 29-06-2014
• Key Contributions:
  • Prominent advocate and figure in law and justice.
  • Authored several books and actively participated in national and international conferences.

5. Shri Rameshwar Thakur

• Tenure: 21-07-2007 to 28-06-2009
• Key Contributions:
  • Actively involved in social reforms and rural development.
  • Held prestigious positions in financial and social organizations.

6. Shri T.N. Chaturvedi

• Tenure: 21-08-2002 to 20-08-2007
• Key Contributions:
  • Elected to the Rajya Sabha and served on various parliamentary committees.
  • Known for his contributions to education and public administration.

7. Smt. V.S. Rama Devi

• Tenure: 02-12-1999 to 20-08-2002
• Key Contributions:
  • First woman Governor of Karnataka.
  • Advocated for women's rights and legal awareness among marginalized communities.

8. Shri Khurshed Alam Khan

• Tenure: 06-01-1991 to 02-12-1999
• Key Contributions:
  • Played an important role in education and governance.
  • Served as Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University.

9. Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh

• Tenure: 08-05-1990 to 06-01-1991
• Key Contributions:
  • Focused on rural development and agricultural advancements.

10. Shri Venkatasubbaiah Pendekanti

• Tenure: 26-02-1988 to 05-02-1990
• Key Contributions:
  • Participated in the Quit India Movement.
  • Played a key role in integrating princely states into independent India.

11. Shri Govind Narain

• Tenure: 02-08-1977 to 15-04-1983
• Key Contributions:
  • Held significant roles in administrative reforms.
  • Served as Defence Secretary and Home Secretary, contributing to governance during critical periods.

12. Shri Uma Shankar Dikshit

• Tenure: 10-01-1976 to 02-08-1977
• Key Contributions:
  • A prominent freedom fighter who contributed to the Quit India Movement.
  • Held ministerial positions in Home Affairs, Health, and Family Planning.

13. Shri Mohanlal Sukhadia

• Tenure: 01-02-1972 to 10-01-1976
• Key Contributions:
  • Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
  • Advocated for rural development and educational reforms.

14. Shri Dharma Vira

• Tenure: 23-10-1969 to 01-02-1972
• Key Contributions:
  • Served as Governor of Punjab and West Bengal before Karnataka.
  • Played a significant role in policy planning and administrative restructuring.

15. Shri Gopal Swarup Pathak

• Tenure: 13-05-1967 to 30-08-1969
• Key Contributions:
  • Former Vice President of India.
  • Known for his work in legal reforms and advocating for justice.

16. Shri V.V. Giri

• Tenure: 02-04-1965 to 13-05-1967
• Key Contributions:
  • Became President of India after serving as Governor of multiple states.
  • Advocated for labor welfare and social justice.

17. General S.M. Nagesh

• Tenure: 04-05-1964 to 02-04-1965
• Key Contributions:
  • Distinguished military leader and former Chief of the Indian Army.
  • Contributed significantly to the defense sector.

18. Shri Jayachamaraja Wodeyar

• Tenure: Multiple terms (1956-1964)
• Key Contributions:
  • Last king of Mysore.
  • A philosopher, musicologist, and political thinker who facilitated Mysore’s integration into India.