The Historical Context and Ban of the Practice of Sati in India

In the history of India, the practice of Sati has often been misunderstood and misinterpreted. Sati was never a 'practice' but rather a symbolic representation of different cultural expressions, both Hindu and history-related customs, particularly in the context of widowhood.

The Misconception of Sati

It is important to clarify that the practice of Sati, where widows were burnt alive on their husband's funeral pyre, never existed as a widespread 'practice' in the form commonly associated with the term. The misconception of Sati as a widespread practice often stems from a mix-up with a much older and more widespread tradition known as Jauhar, which was a ritual practiced by many communities, including Rajasthan's Rajput kingdoms, as a form of resistance against enemy invasions.

The Whipping Blow of Islamic Invasions

During the Islamic invasions, women and girls captured by Muslim warriors were subjected to rape and brutal treatment. Often, the practice involved enslaving these women and girls, where they were sold in Middle Eastern markets (Persia, Turkey, Arabia) and subjected to exploitation and eventually killed. To avoid this tragic fate, women in Rajput kingdoms and other regions would commit ritual suicide, known as Jauhar, by immolating themselves on pyres alongside the bodies of their deceased husbands.

The Symbolism of Sati in Hindu Texts

In Hindu mythology, the story of Sati immolating herself when her father insulted her husband Shiva is often misinterpreted as a Sati practice. However, the story of Sati and Shiva is not about a literal act but a symbol of virtue and divine causality. Sati represents the cycle of life and death, and her rebirth as Parvati illustrates the concept of creation and resurrection.

How Jauhar Became Sati: A Historical Transformation

The narrative shift from Jauhar to Sati is crucial for understanding the historical context and eventual ban of the practice. Jauhar, as a form of collective suicide by royal women, was a response to military defeat. In contrast, Sati was a misconception of a voluntary and individual act of widowhood.

The Ban of Sati by the British

The practice of Sati became illegal in India with the passing of the Bengal Sati Regulation on December 4, 1829, by Governor-General Lord William Bentinck. This regulation marked the beginning of an official stance against the practice. Later, in 1829, the Sati (Prevention) Act was passed to further criminalize Sati, making the act punishable under criminal law. Further, similar laws were passed in the princely states of India.

The Traces of Slavery and Sati

The end of the practice of Sati was also marked by the abolition of the slave trade, which made the practice of Sati less likely to occur. However, it is important to note that the act of suicide by women, not specific to Sati but related to Jauhar, was a widespread phenomenon in many parts of Asia, including Japan, where women of defeated armies often ended their lives to avoid degradation.

Why Women of Defeated Armies Committed Suicide

Women from defeated armies around the world, from various historical periods, often turned to suicide as a means to preserve their honor. The practice was not unique to India or Sati but was a part of a larger cultural and historical context.

The Legacies of Sati and Jauhar

The banning of Sati and the outlawing of these practices marked a significant step in the progressive advancement of society in India during the colonial period. Despite this, the cultural and historical legacies of these practices remain and continue to be a subject of academic and historical interest.