In the history of Latin American independence, which leader is commonly known by the title “The Liberator”?

Introduction / Context:
Many political and military leaders in history have been given honourary titles that reflect their role in major events. In Latin America, one of the most famous figures of the independence era is Simón Bolívar. Because of his decisive role in freeing several countries from Spanish colonial rule, he is widely known as The Liberator. Exam questions frequently test this association between the title and the leader.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question asks which person was known as The Liberator.
- Options include British administrators in India and one Latin American revolutionary leader.
- We assume students can distinguish between figures involved in Latin American independence and those associated with British rule in India.
- The key task is to recognise that The Liberator refers to the South American independence hero.

Concept / Approach:
Simón Bolívar led campaigns that helped liberate present day Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and other regions from Spanish control. His success across several territories earned him the title El Libertador, which translates to The Liberator. British administrators such as Lord William Bentinck, Sir Charles Metcalfe and Warren Hastings held important positions in India but were not known by this title. Therefore, the correct answer must be the option naming Simón Bolívar.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that The Liberator is a title strongly linked with South American independence.Step 2: Identify which of the listed names is a Latin American revolutionary leader rather than a British colonial official.Step 3: Recognise that Simón Bolívar fought against Spanish rule and is hailed as a national hero in several countries.Step 4: Note that Lord William Bentinck, Sir Charles Metcalfe and Warren Hastings are primarily associated with British administration in India.Step 5: Select the option that names Simón Bolívar as the leader known as The Liberator.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of the countries named after or in honour of Bolívar, such as Bolivia, and the many statues and monuments that call him El Libertador. School textbooks on world history typically introduce him with this title. In contrast, British colonial officials in India are discussed in relation to administrative reforms, revenue systems or political controversies, but not with the label The Liberator. This consistent pattern across sources confirms that the title belongs to Simón Bolívar.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, Lord William Bentinck, was a governor general in India and is remembered for certain social reforms, but he is not known as The Liberator. Option B, Sir Charles Metcalfe, also worked as a colonial administrator and does not carry this title. Option D, Warren Hastings, served as an early governor general and was involved in legal and political disputes, yet he is never called The Liberator. All three are British officials, not Latin American independence leaders.

Common Pitfalls:
One common pitfall is to pick a name that simply seems familiar from other history lessons without checking whether it fits the region and context. To avoid this, always pay attention to the geographical setting implied by a title. Another mistake is to confuse The Liberator with other titles such as The Iron Man or Father of the Nation, which belong to different historical figures in various countries.

Final Answer:
The leader commonly known as The Liberator is Simón Bolívar, the South American independence leader.