Which harmful social practice was banned in 1829 by Lord Bentinck during the British rule in India?
Sati Practice: Historical Context and Ban
The question asks about a specific harmful social practice that was outlawed in India in the year 1829 by Lord William Bentinck, the Governor-General of the British East India Company.
Understanding the Sati Practice
The practice in question is known as Sati (also spelled Suttee). This was a historical custom where a widow immolated herself, either voluntarily or by coercion, on her deceased husband's funeral pyre. This act signified the ultimate sacrifice and devotion of a wife to her husband.
- Nature of the Practice: It involved the widow burning herself alive.
- Social Implications: While sometimes viewed as an act of devotion, it was often carried out under immense social pressure and represented a grim reality for widows in certain communities.
- Harmful Aspect: The practice was considered extremely cruel and a violation of basic human rights.
Lord Bentinck's Role in Banning Sati
Lord William Bentinck, during his tenure as Governor-General from 1828 to 1835, took decisive steps to reform social evils prevalent in India. He is widely credited with the abolition of the Sati practice.
- The Ban: The practice of Sati was formally declared illegal and punishable by the criminal courts through Bengal Presidency Regulation XVII of 1829.
- Effective Date: This regulation came into effect on December 4, 1829.
- Significance: The ban on Sati was a landmark achievement in the history of social reform in British India, championed by both British officials like Bentinck and Indian reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy.
Analysis of Other Options
Let's briefly look at why the other options, while significant social issues, were not the practice banned in 1829:
- Child Marriage: This practice, where individuals marry before reaching the age of puberty, continued long after 1829 and was addressed by later legislation like the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 (Sarda Act).
- Polygamy: The practice of having multiple spouses was prevalent in various forms but was not the specific custom banned by Lord Bentinck in 1829.
- Dowry: The practice of demanding and giving a dowry upon marriage has a long history and was legislated against much later, notably with the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961.
Therefore, the harmful social practice banned in 1829 by Lord Bentinck was Sati.
Important Questions from British Policies
- Which event marked the final collapse of the British policy of annexation?
- The British used education as a tool to ______.
- One important outcome of British social reforms was ______.
- Which of the following acts provided a regular code of all regulations that could be enacted for the internal Government of British India?
- Commercial crops were prioritised over food crops during colonial rule. Which of the following is an example of a commercial crop promoted by the British?
