Suttee, also commonly spelled as sati, refers to an ancient Hindu practice that involved the self-immolation or voluntary death by a widow on her husband's funeral pyre. This term is derived from the Sanskrit word "sati," which means "faithful wife" or "chaste woman." Suttee was traditionally seen as a supreme act of devotion and piety in Hindu culture.
The practice of suttee was prevalent in India for several centuries, particularly during the medieval period. Widows, often pressured by societal norms, religious beliefs, and cultural traditions, would willingly sacrifice their lives to show their devotion and loyalty to their deceased husbands. In Hindu mythology, it was considered that a woman dying in this manner would ensure her husband’s smooth journey to the afterlife and bring eternal blessings upon herself and her family.
Suttee was both celebrated and condemned throughout history. While proponents argued that it was the pinnacle of marital devotion, critics regarded the practice as a manifestation of gender inequality and a violation of basic human rights. The British Raj in the early 19th century outlawed suttee under the Bengal Sati Regulation Act of 1829, considering it a criminal act.
The abolition of suttee marked a significant societal shift, indicating a growing recognition of women's rights and the need for gender equality. Consequently, this practice has become obsolete and is no longer observed in modern Hindu society. However, suttee continues to hold historical and cultural significance as a symbol of antiquated beliefs and customs.
