Abolition of Sati Pratha: Governor-General of British India

The question asks about the Governor-General of British India at the time when the practice of 'Sati Pratha' was declared illegal and punishable.

Sati Pratha was a historical practice among some Hindu communities where a recently widowed woman would immolate herself, either voluntarily or under coercion, on her husband's funeral pyre. This practice was seen as barbaric and inhumane by social reformers and many officials.

During the British rule in India, there were growing demands and efforts to abolish this practice. Key figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy strongly advocated against Sati Pratha and worked towards its prohibition.

The crucial step towards making Sati illegal was taken during the tenure of Lord William Bentinck. He served as the Governor-General of Bengal from 1828 to 1835 and later as the first Governor-General of British India.

On December 4, 1829, Regulation XVII was passed by the Bengal Presidency. This regulation declared Sati illegal and punishable as culpable homicide.

Let's look at the options provided:

• Lord Wellesley: Served as Governor-General from 1798 to 1805. His tenure is known for the Subsidiary Alliance system and expansion of British territory. Sati Pratha was not legally abolished during his time.
• Lord William Bentinck: Served as Governor-General from 1828 to 1835. His tenure is famous for social reforms, including the abolition of Sati Pratha in 1829 and the suppression of Thuggee.
• Lord Cornwallis: Served as Governor-General from 1786 to 1793 and again briefly in 1805. His tenure is known for judicial and land reforms (Permanent Settlement). Sati Pratha was not legally abolished during his time.
• Warren Hastings: Served as Governor of Bengal from 1772 to 1774 and the first Governor-General of Bengal from 1774 to 1785. His tenure saw administrative consolidation and early conflicts. Sati Pratha was not legally abolished during his time.

Based on the historical facts, Lord William Bentinck was the Governor-General when Sati Pratha was made illegal and punishable through Regulation XVII of 1829.

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Revision Table: Key Social Reforms in British India

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Additional Information: Lord William Bentinck and His Reforms

Lord William Bentinck's period as Governor-General is significant for several administrative and social reforms. Besides the abolition of Sati and suppression of Thuggee, he also made efforts towards:

• Financial reforms to reduce expenditure.
• Educational reforms, including the promotion of English education following Macaulay's Minutes.
• Abolition of provincial courts of appeal and circuit.
• Ending female infanticide in certain regions.

His reformist approach marked a shift towards greater intervention in Indian social practices by the British administration, often influenced by liberal ideas prevailing in Britain and demands from Indian social reformers.