Sati system in Orissa - An inhuman practice on Hindu society

Creation of woman is the wonderful phenomenon of Creator. She is mother, sister, Goddess, lover and wife in all. She is regarded as the better half of man and integral part of society. In spite of that, she has been bearing the brunt of all sorts of sufferings and exploitation since time immemorial in the male dominated society. Every rule - ethical, moral and social are applicable to woman only. When we look at the past scenarios, there were various man made customs and traditions in the Orissan society. Worst among them was the practice of Sati. It was an inhuman and obnoxious custom for the Hindu women. It was seen that whatever religious sacrament might have the practice of sati but it was machination of material gain not only for the member of family but also performable priests. However during the Governor Generalship of Lord William Bentinck and incessant endeavour of some of the social reformers of India like Ram Mohan Roy, the inhuman practice of sati was abolished in Regulation XVII passed on 4 December, 1829 A.D. and relieved to women. This system was vigorously practices in the Royal families, aristocratic and high caste people after the death of one's husband to prove her truthfulness.