Option 1: William Bentinck - This option is incorrect. William Bentinck was the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835, and during his tenure, he focused on reforms such as banning sati and promoting education, but he did not introduce the open competitive examination for the Indian Civil Service.
Option 2: Dalhousie - This option is correct. Lord Dalhousie, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856, introduced the open competitive examination for the Indian Civil Service in 1854. This allowed Indians to have an equal opportunity to enter the civil service through a merit-based system.
Option 3: Mayo - This option is incorrect. Lord Mayo was the Governor-General of India from 1869 until his assassination in 1872. He did not introduce the open competitive examination for the Indian Civil Service.
Option 4: Ripon - This option is incorrect. Lord Ripon, also known as the Marquess of Ripon, served as the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884. He introduced various reforms during his tenure, including local self-government, but he did not introduce the open competitive examination for the Indian Civil Service.
In conclusion