Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s1.122

c7.s1.122

We gather from other sources what corroborates the account of Ibn Batuta and emphasizes the religious element and the eloquent persuasions of the Brahman priest, who did not miss this exceptionally suitable opportunity of explaining to the widow the essentially transient and deceptive character of this life and the reality of the life beyond. Once she was burnt, so the priest assured her, a Sati was sure to find awaiting her the company of her husband for all eternity, riches, apparel, honour, and happiness beyond measure. The widow was led to believe, in this manner, that her self-immolation in fire was even more auspicious than the day of her nuptials, for it promised the company of her husband for all times without a break or interruption.² In case she pursued a contrary course, she was sure to wander as a discontented ghost in the region of unhallowed spirits.³ There was no other choice. For the people in general it was an amusement and almost a pleasure to watch the spectacle of a widow burning herself.⁴ Others who were a little more far-sighted and practical treated her as something of a free courier to the other world. They sent through her all sorts of messages to those on the other side.⁵