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Uncompiled Stories

Girish's Personal Writings

Erasing the Sati System: A Thought on History

Girish Mani

If you could erase one trend from history, what would it be?

Maybe it’s not a trend, but a practice: the Sati system in India during ancient and medieval times.

It was a historical practice in parts of the Indian subcontinent in which a widow was expected—or sometimes pressured or forced—to immolate herself on her deceased husband’s funeral pyre.

It was a horrific practice. Although it was never universal across India, it caused immense suffering wherever it occurred.

If this practice had never existed, countless women could have lived their lives instead of losing them to social pressure and tradition.

Today, sati is illegal and abolished in India, and I hope such a practice never returns.

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6 responses to “Erasing the Sati System: A Thought on History”

  1. Viz_blogger Avatar
    Viz_blogger

    “Thank you for highlighting this. Practices that deny people their dignity and choice deserve to remain in the past.”

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Girish Mani Avatar
      Girish Mani

      Indeed, it should not have happened in the past too…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Viz_blogger Avatar
        Viz_blogger

        “Absolutely. Thankfully, history also shows that societies can learn and change. Hopefully, we will continue moving toward greater dignity and equality for everyone.”

        Liked by 2 people

  2. unicharles131 Avatar
    unicharles131

    There are many lessons that come with time, and one of the most meaningful is that beauty continues to evolve. As we grow older, our experiences, confidence, and character begin to shine through, creating a presence that goes far beyond physical appearance.

    True beauty is not about looking younger. It is about becoming more comfortable in your own skin and embracing the journey that has shaped you. Every smile, every challenge, and every milestone adds depth to who you are and reflects a life genuinely lived.

    Confidence, wisdom, and authenticity have a way of making people more attractive with age. When you stop chasing perfection and start embracing yourself, your natural beauty becomes even more noticeable to those around you.

    Growing older is not something to fear. It is a privilege that allows your face to tell your story, your character to become more visible, and your inner strength to shine in ways that no youthful appearance ever could.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Hazel Avatar
    Hazel

    Wait. Immolate? How? This sounds intriguing to me.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Girish Mani Avatar
      Girish Mani

      It meant that a widow was made or expected to die on her deceased husband’s funeral pyre, which was a wooden structure used for cremation.

      In some cases it may have been voluntary, but in many others women faced immense social pressure or coercion. Thankfully, the practice was abolished and is illegal in India today.

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