Sati or suttee was a historical Hindu practice, in which a widow sacrifices herself, generally by sitting atop her deceased husband's funeral pyre.

Quotes

• They [the Mughals] do not, indeed, forbid it (satī) by a positive law, because it is a part of their policy to leave the idolatrous population, which is so much more numerous than their own, in the free exercise of its religion ; but the practice is checked by indirect means.
  • François Bernier, Travels in the Mogul Empire A.D. 1656-1668, p. 306. As quoted in The Languages of Political Islam: India 1200-1800 (2004) by Muzaffar Alam, p. 76.

• A word may here be said about the important though cruel customs of Sati and Jauhar prevailing in medieval times. With the loss of power and constant danger of attack, the customs of Sati 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 Amir Khusru exclaimed: “See how noble it is”. Ibn Battiita witnessed the Sati on many occasions and gives many unhappy details. Jauhar was prevalent both in the north and the south. During Timir’s invasion Muslim women also performed Jauhar when Bhatnir was sacked.”
  • K.S. Lal, Twilight of the Sultanate (1963) p. 269

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