Lord William Bentinck served as the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835. He is known for his progressive reforms in social, educational, and administrative fields. His tenure is marked by the abolition of Sati, the promotion of English education, and economic reforms.
Key Contributions of Lord William Bentinck
1. Abolition of Sati (1829)
✅ Sati was the practice where widows were forced to self-immolate on their husband’s funeral pyre.
✅ Bentinck banned Sati in Bengal Presidency through Regulation XVII of 1829.
✅ The law was based on the ideas of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who fought against Sati.
✅ The ban was later extended to the whole of India.
👉 Effect: A major social reform that saved the lives of thousands of women.
2. Introduction of English Education (1835)
✅ Bentinck promoted English as the medium of instruction in India.
✅ His policy was based on Macaulay’s Minute (1835), which argued that Western education was superior to Indian traditional learning.
✅ Set the foundation for modern education in India.
👉 Effect: This led to the rise of Indian elites educated in English. They later played a major role in the Indian independence movement.
3. Suppression of Thuggee (1830s)
✅ Thugs were bands of robbers who looted and murdered travelers in India.
✅ Bentinck launched a military campaign against them, led by Captain William Sleeman.
✅ Thousands of Thugs were captured and executed.
👉 Effect: Made travel safer in India and strengthened British control.
4. Modernization of Army & Administration
✅ Reduced unnecessary army expenses to improve British finances.
✅ Started the practice of recruiting Indians in the British Army.
✅ Reformed police and judicial systems, making them more efficient and fair.
👉 Effect: Helped the British rule India more effectively.
5. Charter Act of 1833
✅ This Act made Lord William Bentinck the first Governor-General of India (before 1833, the title was Governor-General of Bengal).
✅ Allowed Indians to work in government jobs (though discrimination continued).
✅ Ended the monopoly of the East India Company in trade with China.
👉 Effect: Strengthened British political and economic control over India.
Comparison with Other Governors-General
| Governor-General | Major Contributions |
|---|---|
| Lord Wellesley (1798–1805) | Subsidiary Alliance, Anglo-Mysore War, Anglo-Maratha War |
| Lord Hastings (1813–1823) | Third Anglo-Maratha War, Pindari War, Anglo-Nepal War |
| Lord William Bentinck (1828–1835) | Abolition of Sati, English Education, Thuggee Suppression |
| Lord Dalhousie (1848–1856) | Doctrine of Lapse, Railways & Telegraph, Public Works |
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which Governor-General abolished Sati in India?
a) Lord Wellesley
b) Lord Hastings
c) Lord William Bentinck
d) Lord Dalhousie
✅ Answer: c) Lord William Bentinck - Who played a key role in influencing the abolition of Sati?
a) Swami Vivekananda
b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
d) Jyotiba Phule
✅ Answer: b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy - Which act made Lord William Bentinck the first Governor-General of India?
a) Pitt’s India Act (1784)
b) Regulating Act (1773)
c) Charter Act of 1813
d) Charter Act of 1833
✅ Answer: d) Charter Act of 1833 - Who led the campaign against Thuggee under Lord William Bentinck?
a) Robert Clive
b) Captain William Sleeman
c) James Outram
d) John Shore
✅ Answer: b) Captain William Sleeman - Which educational policy was introduced during Lord William Bentinck’s tenure?
a) Orientalist Education Policy
b) Macaulay’s Minute on Education
c) Wood’s Despatch
d) Hunter Commission Report
✅ Answer: b) Macaulay’s Minute on Education
Conclusion
Lord William Bentinck was a progressive reformer who modernized India’s education, administration, and social system. His efforts to abolish Sati, suppress Thuggee, and introduce English education had a lasting impact on Indian society.
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