The document "Letter to Lord Amherst" by Ram Mohan Roy provides a unique perspective on the interactions between British colonizers and Indian society during the 19th century. Roy, a prominent Indian social reformer, uses his letter to criticize the British government's policies towards India, specifically their actions towards the practice of sati (widow burning). Through his letter, Roy argues that the practice of sati is not a religious requirement and that the British government should not tolerate it.
Roy's perspective challenges the dominant viewpoint of British colonizers who often used cultural differences as a justification for their subjugation of Indian society. Instead, Roy's argument is based on rationality and human rights, appealing to universal values that transcend cultural differences. He argues that the British government has a responsibility to protect the human rights of all individuals, including Indian women who were often victims of the practice of sati.
Furthermore, Roy's perspective is informed by his own experiences as an Indian and his knowledge of Indian society and culture. He uses his understanding of the complex social and cultural dynamics of India to refute the arguments made by the British officials who defended the practice of sati as a religious requirement. Roy's letter provides an alternative viewpoint to the dominant colonial discourse and offers insight into the resistance movements that emerged in response to British colonialism in India.
Overall, the document provides an important perspective on the interactions between British colonizers and Indian society and the ways in which colonialism impacted Indian society and culture.