The Viceroy who took keen interest in the restoration and protection of historical monuments was ___________.

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Lord Curzon.
 Lord Curzon, who served as Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, took a significant interest in the restoration and protection of historical monuments in India.
 He is credited with initiating extensive restoration work on several important monuments, including the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, and the Qutub Minar.
 Curzon established the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in its modern form to ensure the preservation of India's rich architectural heritage.
 His efforts laid the foundation for the systematic conservation of historical monuments in India through policies such as the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904.
Information Booster:
 Lord Ellenborough:
o Known for his military expeditions, including the First Anglo-Afghan War.
o Issued the Proclamation of the Gates of Somnath, intending to return the gates of the Somnath temple, but the plan was never realized.
 Lord Auckland:
o Remembered for his role in the First Anglo-Afghan War and the subsequent British defeat.
o His policies led to significant military and financial losses for the British East India Company.
 Lord Lytton:
o His tenure was marked by the Second Anglo-Afghan War and the introduction of the Vernacular Press Act.
o Hosted the Delhi Durbar in 1877 to proclaim Queen Victoria as the Empress of India, a significant political and social event.