Sati Regulation

This paper is a part of internal assessment of History curriculum. It would be deal with the first question on a broad theme of 'gender and law'. Through this paper the author would make an attempt to ascertain the motives of the British behind regulation of Sati. Whether Sati was regulated due to their obligation to civilize the native barbarian or there were other reasons for the same. The paper will try to ascertain the real intentions of the British behind the legislative reforms by analysing the socio-political environment leading to legislations. This would be illustrated by their acts such as discourse towards religious scriptures to legitimize their stance; their change in stance on issue of sati from partial to complete restraints; existing judicial and executive perception over the issue of Sati at that time; and material gain if any of the British in regulating Sati.
The paper is primarily dependent on Lord William Bentinck's speech1 made on 8 November 1829 before the passing of the Bengal Sati Regulation, 1829. This speech is crucial as Lord Bentinck who was the Governor General of India at that time, played a critical role in the passing of this legislation. This speech could be considered as the legislative intent behind the act. Apart from this another important source used in this paper is a missionary's report on the issue of Sati2. The author will analyse the legislative intent in light of existing socio political scenario at that time. Also an analysis of difference, if any between Lord Bentinck's version of Sati and missionary's version will be carried out to ensure that the British Empire (hereinafter Empire) was not using Sati as covert for some other agenda.
Lord William Bentinck in his speech in prior to passing of Bengal Sati Regulation, 1829 begins by placing humanity and religion on one hand and putting sanctions of Muslim rulers on the other 3. Depicting the earlier Indian rulers in bad light, a fashion similar to what they did