Which Governor General of India issued the famous Regulation XVII in 1829, which declared the practice of Sati illegal and punishable by the courts?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Lord William Bentinck.
The famous Regulation XVII of 1829, which declared the practice of Sati (widow burning) illegal and punishable by law, was issued by Lord William Bentinck, the Governor-General of India at the time. This landmark decision was a significant step towards social reform in British India. Lord Bentinck was influenced by reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who campaigned against the practice. The regulation marked a critical moment in India's history of legal and social reforms under British colonial rule.