SarkariPYQ

SSC CGL 2024 PYQ — Question 32

SSC CGL - 10 Sep 2024 - Shift 1 • General Awareness • Q32

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Which Governor-General of British India helped Raja Ram Mohan Roy legally abolish the sati practice?

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Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Lord William Bentinck.

The Governor-General who helped Raja Ram Mohan Roy abolish the Sati practice was Lord William Bentinck (1828–1835). In 1829, Bentinck passed the Bengal Sati Regulation, declaring the practice illegal, influenced by Roy's relentless advocacy.

Other options:

  • Lord Cornwallis (1786–1793): Introduced permanent land revenue (Zamindari system) but had no role in social reforms like Sati abolition.

  • Lord Ripon (1880–1884): Known for local self-governance (Municipal Act) and repealing the Vernacular Press Act.

  • Lord Curzon (1899–1905): Partitioned Bengal (1905) but focused on administrative, not social reforms.

Bentinck's progressive stance, backed by Roy, marked a turning point in India’s social reform movement.