The correct answer to the question "Who was the Viceroy of India when the Rowlatt Act was passed?" is Option 3: Lord Chelmsford.

The Rowlatt Act, also known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, was passed in 1919 by the Imperial Legislative Council of India. This act provided extensive powers to the British colonial authorities to suppress political dissent and arrest individuals without trial, essentially curbing civil liberties in India.

Lord Chelmsford, also known as Frederic Thesiger, served as the Viceroy of India from 1916 to 1921. He was appointed to the position by King George V and succeeded Lord Hardinge. Lord Chelmsford played a significant role in implementing the reforms outlined in the Montagu-Chelmsford Report, which aimed to introduce limited self-government in India.

During his tenure, the Rowlatt Act was passed on March 10, 1919. The act was introduced in response to the heightened political unrest in India following World War I and the non-cooperation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and other prominent Indian leaders. The act severely curtailed civil liberties, allowing for preventive detentions and trials without juries for individuals suspected of being involved in revolutionary activities.

The Rowlatt Act sparked widespread protests and demonstrations across India, as it was seen as an infringement on the rights and freedoms of the Indian people. The protests culminated in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar on April 13, 1919, where British troops under the command of General Dyer opened fire on a crowd of peaceful protesters, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives.

It is important to note that Lord Chelmsford was the Viceroy of India at the time the Rowlatt Act was passed, but he himself did not have direct involvement in its drafting or enactment. The act was primarily the work of British officials and legislators. However, Lord Chelmsford`s administration oversaw its implementation, which further intensified the Indian independence movement and fueled discontent against British rule.

In conclusion, Lord Chelmsford was the Viceroy of India when the Rowlatt Act was passed. This act, passed in 1919, severely curtailed civil liberties in India and sparked widespread protests and opposition from the Indian population, eventually leading to a significant turning point in the Indian independence movement.