The movement against sati was headed by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. He made humanitarian and scriptural interpretations seeking to oppose the practice. It is due to his continued efforts, the results can easily be traced to a subsequent act of 1829 by Lord William Bentinck which prohibited the immolation of widows.
Roy fought to establish the rights of women in Indian society. His denunciation of polygamy, child marriage among others was condemned. He advocated education of women and rights to property which was a test of existing limits imposed on widows.
Roy was the advocate of modern education. He established Anglo-Hindu School and Hindu College. These schools focused on teaching in English, science and math as well as western philosophy and Indian customs to fight against superstition.
In 1828, Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj aimed at reforming Hinduism. This movement was against the worshipping of idols, the differences of castes and the rituals done, which became excessive. It encouraged a logical monotheistic belief that was grounded on the Upanishads.
Roy engaged himself in political reforms. He called out to have freedom of the press and supported judicial reforms. He would demand just trials by Indian judges and juries, and he could petition the government on Indian behalfs.
Conclusion:
Raja Ram Mohan Roy basically transformed the Indian society with dire reforms. His decriminalisation of sati, championing of women rights, development of modern education, institution of the rational Brahmo Samaj and his quest of political reforms had a base of a social progress and rationality in modern India.
