SUTTEEISM Meaning and
Definition
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Sutteeism is a term derived from the Hindi word "sati," which refers to the ancient Hindu practice of widow immolation or self-immolation. This term specifically describes the act of a widow voluntarily or involuntarily sacrificing her life by willingly or under societal pressure to be burned alive on the funeral pyre of her deceased husband.
Historically, sutteeism was prevalent in parts of India, particularly during the 17th to the 19th century. It was considered to be a significant aspect of religious and cultural traditions, practiced in accordance with Hindu scriptures and beliefs. Sutteeism is believed to have been motivated by the widow's desire to reunite with her husband in the afterlife or for her salvation. However, it also had societal underpinnings, driven by notions of preserving family honor and preventing widowhood.
In modern times, sutteeism is condemned as a highly controversial and inhumane practice. It has been universally outlawed due to its violation of human rights and the fundamental principles of equality, freedom, and the dignity of human life. The prohibition of sutteeism has been a result of extensive social and legal reforms in many countries, including India, where it was officially abolished in 1829 by the British colonial administration.
Despite its prohibition, the term sutteeism continues to be used as a historical reference to understand and analyze the cultural, religious, and social dimensions associated with this ancient practice. Today, it serves as a stark reminder of the progress made in women's rights and the importance of upholding principles of gender equality.
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The practice of self-immolation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SUTTEEISM
- autteeism
- zutteeism
- xutteeism
- dutteeism
- eutteeism
- wutteeism
- sytteeism
- shtteeism
- sjtteeism
- sitteeism
- s8tteeism
- s7tteeism
- surteeism
- sufteeism
- sugteeism
- suyteeism
- su6teeism
- su5teeism
- sutreeism
- sutfeeism
Etymology of SUTTEEISM
The word "sutteeism" is derived from the Sanskrit term "sati", which means "virtuous woman" or "good wife". Sati was a Hindu funeral practice that took place in historical India where a widow would self-immolate (burn herself) on her husband's funeral pyre. The term "sutteeism" emerged in the early 19th century during British colonial rule in India, which introduced the practice to a wider Western audience. It was used to describe and critique the ritualistic act of sati, often with negative connotations and as a symbol of the perceived barbarism of Indian culture by the colonizers. Today, the term is considered outdated and culturally insensitive, and the practice of sati itself was officially abolished in India in 1829.
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