History of Sati Pratha | Banned Funeral Custom in India | Widow Burning | Raja Ram Mohan Roy | UPSC

Summary

This video script delves into the historical and cultural aspects of the practice of Sati in India, tracing its origins and evolution through various eras. It recounts the tragic incident of Roop Kanwar in 1987, which ignited a nationwide debate. The script explores the lack of evidence supporting Sati in ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Vedas and the Ramayana, and highlights efforts by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy to abolish the practice. The narrative also addresses misconceptions and the colonial-era's impact on the prevalence of Sati, culminating in the Sati Abolition Act of 1829, which criminalized the practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script discusses the historical and cultural context of the practice of Sati in India, which is the act of a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre.
• 📜 The term 'Sati' originates from the Sanskrit word for 'truthful' or 'loyal wife', and is associated with the Hindu goddess Sati, who is said to have immolated herself in protest against her father's disrespect towards her husband, Lord Shiva.
• 🔥 The script mentions the case of Roop Kanwar in 1987, which caused an uproar in India and is considered the last reported case of Sati, highlighting the persistence of the practice into modern times.
• 🏛 It is noted that the construction of a memorial shrine glorifying Sati, where Roop Kanwar's Sati took place, attracted large crowds and indicated a revival of the practice.
• ⚖️ The incident led to legal action, reaching the High Court and resulting in criticism of the state government and the resignation of the Chief Minister, Haridev Joshi.
• 👥 The script reveals that Sati was not a solitary incident in the village of Deorala but was the third such event, indicating a deeper cultural acceptance of the practice.
• 📚 The script explores the origins of Sati, questioning whether it is rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and the Ramayana, and finds no direct mention or endorsement of the practice.
• 🏛️ The first concrete evidence of Sati is traced back to the 5th century CE, with inscriptions found in Nepal and Madhya Pradesh, India.
• 🛡️ The practice of Sati is suggested to have evolved due to Islamic invasions and atrocities, where women chose to immolate themselves to avoid capture and dishonor.
• 🌏 The script discusses the efforts to abolish Sati, including the Sati Prohibition Act of 1987, and the contributions of figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy in raising awareness against the practice.
• 🌱 The script concludes by reflecting on the persistence of harmful social practices in modern India, despite the legal abolition of Sati, and invites viewers to share their thoughts in the comments section.

Q & A

What significant event took place in 1987 in Rajasthan's Sikar district that caused a nationwide uproar?

In 1987, a young woman named Roop Kanwar from the village of Deorala in Rajasthan's Sikar district was reported to have been the last reported case of Sati in India, which caused a nationwide uproar.

What is the meaning of the term 'Sati' in the context of Indian tradition?

The term 'Sati' originates from the Sanskrit words 'Sati' meaning 'loyal' and 'Saty' meaning 'truthful wife'. It also has a connotation of 'Sahamana' or 'Saha', which means 'to die together with'.

What is the origin of the practice of Sati according to the script?

The script suggests that the origin of the practice of Sati is attributed to the story of Goddess Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva, who immolated herself in the fire out of respect for her husband.

What is the significance of the Rigveda in relation to the practice of Sati?

The Rigveda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, does not mention the practice of Sati, indicating that the practice was not prevalent or documented during that time.

How did the British Raj's survey of Sati cases in the 19th century impact the practice?

The British Raj's survey from 1815 to 1824 revealed that over 6,000 women were immolated in Sati over a 10-year period, which led to increased awareness and eventually the abolition of the practice.

What was the role of Raja Ram Mohan Roy in the abolition of Sati?

Raja Ram Mohan Roy played a significant role in the abolition of Sati. After witnessing the forced Sati of his brother's wife in 1811, he initiated a campaign against the practice, leading to the Sati Abolition Act of 1829.

What was the first concrete evidence of Sati found by historians?

The first concrete evidence of Sati was found in inscriptions dating back to the 5th century CE in Nepal and the 6th century CE in Madhya Pradesh, India.

How did the Islamic invasion of India influence the practice of Sati?

The Islamic invasion and the subsequent atrocities led to an increase in the practice of Sati, as women chose to immolate themselves to avoid capture and dishonor.

What is the script's view on the prevalence of Sati in Bengal during the British era?

The script suggests that the prevalence of Sati was higher in Bengal during the British era compared to other regions, attributing it to social, economic, and cultural factors.

What were the three factors contributing to the high incidence of Sati in Bengal according to Uma Narayan?

According to Uma Narayan, the three factors contributing to the high incidence of Sati in Bengal were the belief that Sati was sanctioned by the Vedas, the inheritance of property by Hindu widows, and the encouragement of Sati by some widows to escape poverty and famine.

What is the script's perspective on the modern-day remnants of Sati in Indian society?

The script implies that while the practice of Sati has been abolished, its remnants can still be seen in modern Indian society through practices like dowry, child marriage, and other traditions that are based on regressive thinking.