Storia do Mogor 258.8

258.8

Among the caste of Rajahs it is imperative that on the husband's death the wife be burnt alive with his body, for should regard for her own honour even not force her to this act, the relations will force her to it, it being an inviolate custom of their caste. It is so whether the husband die at home of disease or of wounds upon the field of battle. The latter death is common among Rajahs (Rajputs), for all who are not princes are soldiers. In war they carry nothing but a sword or a short spear. It would be an insult if they were forced in an army to make use of bows and arrows or fire-arms, or anything taking effect at a distance. Since it is one of the fundamental rules of their caste never to give way, but either to die or conquer, those with a high sense of honour are usually compelled to die in battle. The only reward they gain by their efforts is the fame of not having turned the back on an enemy. In spite of all that, those who disregard what may be said against them, seek whatever means of saving their lives they think most appropriate.