The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata, built in memory of Queen Victoria, was originally proposed by which British Viceroy of India?

Introduction / Context:
The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata is a prominent symbol of British imperial architecture in India. It was constructed in memory of Queen Victoria and remains an important heritage monument and museum today. Many competitive exams test which Viceroy or Governor General conceptualised or proposed such landmarks, because these facts link architectural projects with particular phases of colonial rule and policy in India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The monument in question is the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata.
• It was proposed as a memorial to Queen Victoria after her death.
• The options list Lord Canning, George Curzon, William Hastings, and Lord William Bentinck.
• We assume the question refers to the initial proposal and idea, not later construction supervision.

Concept / Approach:
To solve this, we align the timing of Queen Victoria's death with the tenure of various Viceroys. Queen Victoria died in 1901. Lord Canning and Lord William Bentinck served much earlier in the nineteenth century, and William Hastings belongs to an even earlier period as Governor General. George Curzon served as Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905. He proposed that a grand memorial be built in Kolkata in honour of Queen Victoria, and he actively promoted the idea, leading to the creation of the Victoria Memorial Hall.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Victoria Memorial was conceived as a tribute after Queen Victoria's death in 1901. Step 2: Match this time frame with the tenure of the Viceroys listed in the options. Step 3: Recognise that George Curzon was Viceroy from 1899 to 1905, overlapping perfectly with 1901. Step 4: Remember that Curzon was known for his interest in preserving and showcasing imperial grandeur, which fits the idea of such a memorial. Step 5: Select George Curzon as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick cross check is to remember that Bentinck and Canning are associated with earlier reforms and events such as social legislation and the period around the Revolt of 1857. Their tenure predates Queen Victoria's death by several decades. Therefore, they could not have proposed a memorial in her memory at the beginning of the twentieth century, which confirms that Curzon is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Lord Canning: He was Viceroy during and just after the Revolt of 1857, long before Queen Victoria's death.
William Hastings: He was an eighteenth century Governor General and is completely outside the relevant period.
Lord William Bentinck: Known for social reforms like abolition of sati, he served in the early nineteenth century, again too early for this memorial.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Curzon with Bentinck because both are remembered for reforms. However, the key is to connect Curzon with the turn of the twentieth century and his fascination with imperial monuments and conservation of historical buildings. Keeping a timeline of major Viceroys and associated events is very useful for solving such questions quickly.

Final Answer:
The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata was originally proposed by Viceroy George Curzon.