Understanding the Regulation Act of 1829 and Social Reform

The question asks about a specific social reform supported by the British through the Regulation Act of 1829, driven by the efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy. This Act marked a significant step in social reform in British India.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy's Role in Social Reform

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a prominent social and religious reformer of the 19th century. He was deeply concerned about various social evils prevalent in Hindu society. He strongly believed in rationalism and the need to reform existing practices based on principles of human dignity and justice. His efforts were crucial in bringing about significant legislative changes.

The Practice of Sati

The practice of Sati (or Suttee) involved the tradition where a widow immolated herself, either voluntarily or by coercion, either on her deceased husband's funeral pyre or shortly thereafter. This practice was deeply entrenched in certain sections of society, often justified through misinterpretations of religious texts.

The Regulation Act of 1829: Abolition of Sati

Raja Ram Mohan Roy campaigned vigorously against the practice of Sati. He presented petitions and arguments to the British authorities, highlighting the cruelty and inhumanity of the practice. His advocacy, coupled with the support of Governor-General Lord William Bentinck, led to the enactment of the Regulation Act of 1829 (also known as the Bengal Sati Regulation). This Act officially declared the practice of Sati illegal and punishable by law in the Bengal Presidency. It was later extended to other parts of British India.

Therefore, the social reform supported by the British through the Regulation Act of 1829 at the initiative of Raja Ram Mohan Roy was the Abolition of Sati.

Analysis of Options

• Abolition of Child Marriage: While Raja Ram Mohan Roy and later reformers worked against child marriage, the specific Regulation Act of 1829 did not directly address this. The Age of Consent Act came later.
• Abolition of Sati: This is the correct reform addressed by the Regulation Act of 1829 due to Raja Ram Mohan Roy's efforts.
• Abolition of Untouchability: Efforts against untouchability gained momentum later in the 19th and 20th centuries, championed by figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The 1829 Act was not related to this.
• Widow Remarriage: The Widow Remarriage Act was passed much later, in 1856, spearheaded by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Raja Ram Mohan Roy supported widow remarriage in principle, but the 1829 Act focused solely on Sati.