Raja Ram Mohan Roy Abolished Sati System
Raja Ram Mohan Roy helped end the Sati system in India during the 19th century. Sati was when widows had to burn themselves on their husband’s funeral pyre. Here’s how he did it:
1. Social Activism: Raja Ram Mohan Roy started by raising awareness about the negative aspects of the Sati system. He engaged in social activism, organizing meetings, and writing articles and pamphlets condemning the practice.
2. Educational Initiatives: Roy believed that education was a powerful tool for social reform. He established the Hindu College in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1817, where he promoted modern and scientific education. Through education, he aimed to enlighten people and change their perspectives on traditional customs like Sati.
3. Appealing to Reason and Logic: Roy was known for his rational and logical arguments. He engaged in debates and discussions, challenging the religious and cultural justifications for the Sati system. He used scriptures to demonstrate that Sati was not a mandatory religious practice but a social custom that could be abandoned.
4. Formation of Brahmo Samaj: In 1828, Raja Ram Mohan Roy co-founded the Brahmo Samaj, a socio-religious reform movement. The Brahmo Samaj aimed to promote monotheism, reason, and social justice.
5. Legal Advocacy: Roy also recognized the importance of legal measures to abolish the Sati system. He actively contacted the British East India Company and the British authorities to enact laws against Sati. His efforts enabled the Bengal Sati Regulation in 1829, which declared the practice illegal.
6. Public Support: Raja Ram Mohan Roy gained support from like-minded individuals and groups who were also committed to social reform.
7. Personal Sacrifice: Roy, in his personal life, took a stand against Sati. When his sister-in-law was forced to commit Sati, he opposed it vehemently and, despite facing social backlash, worked to prevent such incidents in the future.
Sati Abolition: History & Act
Sati Abolition: The practice of Sati was abolished through the Sati Abolition Act, of 1829, also known as the Bengal Sati Regulation. It was passed by Lord William Bentinck. The practice of sati was declared illegal and punishable to reform Indian society by the British East India Company. This Act became the turning point in the reforms of Indian society.
Sati Abolition
Table of Content
- What Is Sati?
- What Is Sati Practice?
- Why Was Sati Abolished?
- Abolition Of Sati – UPSC Exam
- Role Of Raja Ram Mohan Roy
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy Abolished Sati System
- Bengal Sati Regulation/Sati Abolition Act, 1829
- The Commission Of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987