The major historical figure who played a central role in advocating for British colonial rule in India was Lord Lytton, who served as India’s Viceroy from 1876 to 1880. His policies, including the Royal Titles Act of 1876, bolstered the perception of British authority and imperial prestige in India. Lytton’s tenure was marked by the controversial response to the Great Famine of 1876-78, which involved unpopular policies that exacerbated suffering. His governance reflected the complexities of British colonialism, balancing economic interests with the challenges of administering vast territories.