Page:History of India Vol 9.djvu/130

 98 THE PRACTICE OF SUTTEE be in such a hurry to rejoin in the other world the hus- band who so often made her wretched in this. It would be quite possible, therefore, by the display of firmness, combined with prudence, to strike, without any con- siderable danger, at the very root of this shocking prac- tice. Certainly it reflects discredit on the government which tolerates it and manifests no great indignation with regard to it. It was principally in the noble caste of rajas that suttee originated. It was looked upon as a highly hon- ourable proof of wifely attachment and love, which enhanced the glory of the families of these wretched victims of blind zeal. Should a widow, by reason of a natural fondness for life or through lack of courage, endeavour to avoid the honour of being burnt alive on the funeral pyre of her deceased husband, she was con- sidered to be offering a gross insult to his memory. I was once able thoroughly to convince myself of the influence which this false point of honour still exercises over the minds of fanatical Hindus, and at the same time to discern that this act of devotion to which these wretched victims sacrificed themselves is not always the result of their own free will and resolution. The Poligar, or Prince, of Kangundi in the Karnatic having died, neither entreaties nor threats were spared to in- duce his widow to allow herself to be burned alive with him. It was urged that this honourable custom had been observed for a long time past in the family, and that it would be a great pity, indeed, to allow it to fall into disuse. The funeral ceremonies were delayed from