The Sati System

The Sati (Su-thi , a.k.a. suttee) is the traditional Hindu practice of a widow immolating herself on  her husband's funeral pyre. Sati was prevalent among certain sects of the society in ancient India, who either took the vow or deemed it a great honor to die on the funeral pyres of their husbands.

In this section at Kamat's Potpourri, we take a look at the origins, development, and instances of Sati as recorded by witnesses. We have also culled a pictorial exhibition from our archives on the topic.

Warning: This section deals with the controversial topic of suicide. It merely is a study of a social practice and it does not mean we endorse the Sati system.

-Kamats

First Online: February 01, 2001
Page Last Updated: March 09,2008

Table of Contents

• The Tradition of Sati System

• Eye Witness Account of a Sati (19th Century)
• Eye Witness Account of a Sati (16th Century)
• FAQ on The Sati System
• The Origins of the Mahasati System
• The Sati Practice - The Timeline

• Bridal Makeup of a Woman Commiting Suicide
• Decorated Sati from a Hero-stone (Mahasati Stone)
• Hero-Stone Depicting Fierce Battle
• A Memorial for a Brave Lady
• Memorial to a Mahasati
• Memorials Erected for Women Who Committed Sati
• Sita's Trial by Fire
• Woman Commits Suicide on Funeral Pyre
• A Woman Goes Sati

References

• Nagegowda H. L., Pravasi kanda India (India through the eyes of foreign travelers), Vol 1-4, 1966-1972
• Kamat Jyotsna,  Mahile - Ondu Adhyayana (Studies in Womanhood), Navakarnataka, 1999
• Kamat Jyotsna, Social Life in Medieval Karnataka, Abhinav, 1980 (buy)
• Sleeman W.H., Rumble and Recollections of an Indian Official, 1844
• Susan Abraham, The Deorala Judgment Glorifying Sati", The Lawyers Collective, 1997

See Also:

• The Call of Yama -- Discussion of death in Hinduism; includes answers to frequently asked questions, and proceedings of a Hindu funeral.
• Death by Demand -- India perhaps has the longest history of assisted suicides. Different types of suicides including Sati are discussed.

Internet Links

• Susan Abraham's Essay on the Judgment Glorifying the Sati

• Virtuous Woman Through Self-Sacrifice by Vanessa Parrilla

• Duarte Barbosa's description of Sati (apprx. 1510)

Kamat's Potpourri Timeless Theater Women of India Sati System