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Mughal emperors attempted to ban sati in India

Mughal emperors attempted to ban sati in India.Most notably, Akbar outlawed sati during his reign (1556-1605).Aurangzeb also tried to end the practice later in the 17th century.However, it's important to note that these attempts were not always fully successful, and sati continued to be practiced in some areas even after these edicts.

  • Akbar (1556-1605): Akbar was the most vocal opponent of sati among the Mughal emperors. He issued edicts prohibiting the practice and even went so far as to personally intervene to save widows from being forced to immolate themselves. His efforts, however, were not always successful, and sati continued in some regions.

  • Aurangzeb (1658-1707): Aurangzeb also sought to ban sati and issued orders against the practice. However, like Akbar, his efforts were not entirely effective, and sati persisted in certain areas.

It's important to note that while these emperors attempted to ban sati, their efforts were not always consistent or uniformly enforced. Sati remained a controversial issue throughout the Mughal period, and its practice continued in some parts of India despite the edicts against it.

Several travelers during the colonial period in India documented their observations of the sati practice. These accounts offer valuable insights into the social and cultural context of this custom:

  • Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (17th century): A French gem merchant, Tavernier described sati as a "barbarous custom" and noted that widows were often coerced into it.

  • Francois Bernier (17th century): Another French traveler, Bernier observed that sati was prevalent among Rajput clans and that it was often seen as an act of devotion and a means of attaining salvation.

  • James Forbes (18th century): A British historian, Forbes described sati as a "shocking spectacle" and noted the pressure placed on widows to perform it.

  • William Carey (19th century): A British missionary, Carey documented numerous instances of sati and was a vocal opponent of the practice. He played a significant role in raising awareness about sati in Britain and advocating for its abolition.

These accounts, while often written from a European perspective, provide valuable firsthand observations of the sati practice and its impact on Indian society. They highlight the diverse range of views on sati, from admiration of its perceived devotion to condemnation of its perceived cruelty.

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