Nithisha PJ

Sati: A Comprehensive Exploration of History, Culture, and Law. Content Warning. AI-Generated.

Sati, or self-immolation, is a historical practice in which a widow sacrifices herself by ascending her deceased husband’s funeral pyre. Though often misrepresented as a religious rite, sati is a cultural tradition rooted in patriarchal norms and feudal honor systems. Banned in India since 1829 under British colonial rule and reinforced by modern legislation, sati remains a contentious symbol of gendered violence and societal control. This essay delves into the origins, evolution, regional variations, socio-cultural context, legal framework, and contemporary implications of sati, dispelling myths and highlighting its complex legacy.