Sir John Shore

British governor-general

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July 13, 2026

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Sir John Shore served as the governor-general of India from 1793 to 1798. He succeeded Lord Cornwallis and was the second governor-general appointed under the India Act of 1784. Shore's tenure was marked by a non-interventionist policy in Indian states, a departure from the more assertive approach of his predecessor. This policy contributed to increased internal conflicts and instability within the region during his term. Before becoming governor-general, Shore had a long career with the British East India Company, holding various administrative positions. His administration is often contrasted with those of more interventionist governors-general, highlighting a debate in British policy regarding its role in India.123

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India
Relations with the Marathas and Mysore
Lord Cornwallis and his successor Sir John Shore (governor-general 1793–98) were eager to comply, but Cornwallis nevertheless found himself involved in the third Mysore war (1790–92) with Tipu Sultan, who possessed his father’s ability without his judgment. The cause was a combination of Tipu Sultan’s intransigence with conflicting obligations undertaken…
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Lord Cornwallis and his successor Sir John Shore (governor-general 1793–98) were eager to comply, but Cornwallis nevertheless found himself involved in the third Mysore war (1790–92) with Tipu Sultan, who possessed his father’s ability without his judgment. The cause was a combination of Tipu Sultan’s intransigence with conflicting obligations undertaken…
Read More