Twilight of the Sultanate c17.s5.14

c17.s5.14

A word may here be said about the important though cruel customs of Satī and Jauhar prevailing in medieval times. With the loss of power and constant danger of attack, the customs of Satī and Jauhar were gaining strong roots not only among the Kshatriyas, but among other people also. However, the most significant fact about these customs is that except perhaps by Muhammad Tughlaq, no serious attempt was made to put a stop to such an inhuman system of self-immolation. On the other hand it was universally admired. Even an extremely cultured man like Amīr Khusru exclaimed: "See how noble it is".⁶⁴ Ibn Battūta witnessed the Satī on many occasions and gives many unhappy details.⁶⁵ Jauhar was prevalent both in the north and the south.⁶⁶ During Tīmūr's invasion Muslim women also performed Jauhar when Bhatnīr was sacked.⁶⁷