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INDIAN BURIAL ALIVE
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INDIAN BURIAL ALIVE
An Indian widow is buried alive beside her husband Date: 1737
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Media ID 23031160
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1737 Alive Beside Burial Buried Human Husband Sacrifice Widow
EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting image captures the tragic practice of sati, or the custom of widow immolation, which was prevalent in India during the 18th century. The photograph, dated 1737, depicts a young Indian widow being buried alive beside her deceased husband. Sati was a deeply rooted tradition in Hindu culture, believed to ensure the continuity of the husband's soul and the preservation of his family's honor. The widow, dressed in traditional Indian attire, is seen lying on a bed of straw, surrounded by mourners and priests. Her face is expressionless, yet her eyes convey a sense of resignation and acceptance. The husband, lying beside her, is covered in a white shroud. The scene is set against the backdrop of a somber and solemn crowd, who have gathered to witness the ritual. The practice of sati was a controversial and divisive issue during the colonial period, with European travelers and missionaries reporting on the practice with shock and horror. The British government eventually outlawed the custom in 1829, following a series of high-profile cases that drew international attention. Despite its abolition, the legacy of sati continues to be a subject of debate and discussion in India and beyond. Some view it as a barbaric and inhumane practice, while others see it as a symbol of devotion and sacrifice. Regardless of one's perspective, this photograph serves as a powerful reminder of a dark chapter in human history, and the complex and often contradictory nature of cultural traditions.
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