The abolition of Sati in 1829 by Lord William Bentinck was a landmark reform in British India. Which of the following statements best explains the complex motivations behind this legislative action?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is It combined moral reform influenced by Indian social reformers with British imperial interests in strengthening colonial authority and legitimacy.
Explanation:
☛ The abolition of Sati through the Bengal Sati Regulation XVII of 1829 was enacted by the Governor-General Lord William Bentinck.
☛ This legislative action was heavily influenced by Indian social reformers, most notably Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who provided theological arguments from ancient Hindu scriptures proving that Sati was not mandatory.
☛ Concurrently, the British administration used this move to project a civilizing mission, legitimizing their colonial rule both domestically in Britain and internationally.
☛ It was not an isolated humanitarian act; it allowed the British state to assert moral authority and assert the supremacy of colonial law over indigenous social customs.
☛ The move also encountered strong conservative pushback from orthodox groups such as the Dharma Sabha led by Radhakanta Deb, proving it did not have unanimous social consent.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Bengal Sati Regulation: It declared the practice of Sati or burning or burying alive of Hindu widows as illegal and punishable by criminal courts.
☛ Raja Ram Mohan Roy: Often called the 'Father of Modern Indian Renaissance', he founded the Brahmo Sabha in 1828 (later Brahmo Samaj) to fight against orthodox social evils.
☛ Dharma Sabha: Formed in 1830 by Radhakanta Deb, this orthodox association submitted a petition to the Privy Council against the ban on Sati, which was eventually rejected in 1832.
☛ Lord William Bentinck: Served as Governor-General of Bengal (1828–1833) and became the first Governor-General of India under the Charter Act of 1833.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Under which regulation was the practice of Sati declared illegal in 1829? → Regulation XVII (Bengal Code)
☛ Who was the Governor-General of Bengal when Sati was abolished? → Lord William Bentinck
☛ Which Indian social reformer led the campaign against the practice of Sati? → Raja Ram Mohan Roy
☛ Which orthodox organisation opposed the abolition of Sati in 1830? → Dharma Sabha
☛ In which year was the petition of Dharma Sabha rejected by the Privy Council? → 1832