Lord Canning's 1856 Reform

The question asks to identify the reform or act passed during Lord Canning's tenure in the year 1856.

Analyzing Historical Acts

We need to evaluate the provided options based on historical records:

• Option 1: Widow remarriage - This refers to the Widow Remarriage Act. This significant social reform act was indeed passed in 1856. Lord Canning assumed office as Governor-General in 1856, making this a strong possibility.
• Option 2: Morley Minto Reforms - These reforms were enacted much later, in 1909. They are not related to Lord Canning's term or the year 1856.
• Option 3: Doctrine of lapse - This policy is primarily associated with Lord Dalhousie, Canning's predecessor. While its effects continued, the policy itself and specific legislative acts related to it were formulated before 1856.
• Option 4: Prohibition of Sati - The abolition of the Sati practice occurred much earlier, in 1829, under Governor-General Lord William Bentinck.

Identifying the Correct Act

Based on the analysis:

• The Widow Remarriage Act was passed in 1856.
• Lord Canning became Governor-General in 1856.
• Therefore, the Widow Remarriage Act was passed during the term of Lord Canning in 1856.

The correct option is the Widow Remarriage Act.