The Dukes, Grenville family and their political colleagues had a century-long but periodic involvement with India. 

President of the Board of Control

In 1784, under Pitt the Younger's 1784 India Act, a Board of Control comprising six members was constituted with two members of the British Cabinet and four of the Privy Council. The Board had effective control of the civil, military and revenues of the Company. The President of the Board was, in effect, the minister for the affairs of the East India Company and served as the chief official in London responsible for Indian affairs. The position was abolished in 1858 with the abolition of the East India Company and succeeded by the new position of Secretary of State for India. 

• William Wyndham Grenville: 1790-1793
• Thomas Grenville: 1806-1807
• Charles Watkin Williams Wynn: 1822-1828

Commander-in-chief

George Nugent was commander-in-chief, India from 1811 to 1813.

Governor

The post of Governor General of India was created by Pitt the Younger's 1784 India Act. The first Duke longed to become Governor General. Despite much political intrigue, his wishes were ignored.

Our future is decided as India is refused! (Anna Eliza to Percy Grace:14 April 1827; HEH STG Box 4 (20))

The third Duke was Governor of Madras from 25 November 1875 to 1880. He was made Knight Grand Commander of the Star of India on 2 June 1876.