The five prominent Governor Generals who governed India between 1773 and 1857 were Warren Hastings, Lord Cornwallis, Lord William Bentinck, Lord Dalhousie, and Lord Canning.

1. Warren Hastings (1773-1785):
- Warren Hastings was the first Governor General of Bengal and served from 1773 to 1785.
- He was appointed to stabilize the British East India Company's control over Bengal after the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
- Hastings implemented administrative reforms, established a judicial system, and expanded British territories through the annexation of Awadh and the Maratha Kingdom.
- He also played a significant role in regulating the East India Company's relationships with Indian rulers and fostering trade and diplomacy.

2. Lord Cornwallis (1786-1793):
- Lord Cornwallis served as Governor General from 1786 to 1793.
- He introduced several administrative and judicial reforms, including the Cornwallis Code, which established a new system of revenue administration known as the Permanent Settlement.
- Cornwallis also led military campaigns against Tipu Sultan and the Marathas, resulting in their defeat and the expansion of British territories.
- He played a crucial role in shaping British colonial governance in India.

3. Lord William Bentinck (1828-1835):
- Lord William Bentinck served as Governor General from 1828 to 1835.
- He implemented various social and administrative reforms, including the abolition of Sati (widow burning) and the suppression of female infanticide.
- Bentinck also focused on education and introduced English as the medium of instruction in Indian schools.
- He aimed to modernize Indian society and administration while consolidating British control over India.

4. Lord Dalhousie (1848-1856):
- Lord Dalhousie served as Governor General from 1848 to 1856.
- He was known for his extensive railway and telegraph network expansion across India, which significantly improved communication and transportation.
- Dalhousie also implemented the Doctrine of Lapse, through which he annexed several princely states that lacked a male heir.
- His policies led to resentment among Indian rulers and played a significant role in fueling the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

5. Lord Canning (1856-1858):
- Lord Canning served as Governor General from 1856 to 1858.
- He faced the challenging period of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny.
- Canning played a crucial role in suppressing the rebellion and restoring British control.
- After the rebellion, he implemented various reforms to appease Indian sentiments and ensure better governance.

These five Governor Generals played significant roles in shaping British colonial rule in India. They introduced administrative, judicial, and social reforms, expanded British territories, and left a lasting impact on Indian society and governance.