The Cambridge History of India, Vol. III: Turks and Afghans v3.c20.37

v3.c20.37

¹ This Hindī word signifies ‘taking one’s own life’ and is applied to a rite performed by Rājputs when reduced to the last extremity. First the women and children are destroyed, or destroy themselves, usually by fire, and the men, arrayed in saffron robes, rush on the enemy sword in hand and fight until all are slain. Instances of the performance of this rite, the object of which is to preserve the honour of the women from violation by the enemy, are common in Indian history.