1829
Explanation
The abolition of Sati was a landmark event in the history of socio-religious reforms in India. It represented the first major social legislation enacted by the British colonial government to intervene in Hindu social customs, largely driven by the relentless campaigning of Indian reformers.
Detailed Analysis:
- 1829 (Correct): The practice of Sati (or Suttee) was declared illegal and punishable by criminal courts under the Bengal Sati Regulation XVII of 1829. This regulation was enacted by the Governor-General, Lord William Bentinck. The reform was heavily influenced by the advocacy of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who used ancient Hindu texts to prove that the practice had no religious sanction.
- 1856: This year is significant for the passing of the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act. The act was drafted during the tenure of Lord Dalhousie and passed by Lord Canning, primarily due to the efforts of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
- 1872: This year marks the enactment of the Native Marriage Act (Civil Marriage Act), which aimed to prohibit polygamy and child marriage, though its applicability was limited to those who declared they did not belong to established religions like Hinduism or Islam.
- 1929: This year is associated with the Child Marriage Restraint Act (popularly known as the Sarda Act), which established the minimum marriage age as 14 for girls and 18 for boys.
Key Takeaway: Sati was banned in 1829 through Regulation XVII passed by Governor-General Lord William Bentinck, following the social reform movement led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy.