ETERNAL ECHOES: DEATH AND COMMEMORATION OF SATI IN INDIAN LITERATURE

Abstract

Through an analysis of various literary works, inscriptions, and historical texts, the study examines how sati is commemorated and immortalized, revealing insights into societal values, gender roles, and spiritual beliefs. The verses inscribed on Sati and hero-stones serve as a poignant reminder of the revered self-sacrifice, intertwining themes of valor, devotion, and eternal fame. By juxtaposing the heroic deaths of warriors with the spiritual choice of sati, the paper underscores the cultural narratives that glorify self-sacrifice as a means of achieving eternal glory. Furthermore, it discusses the societal responsibilities and honors bestowed upon those who embraced such fates, reflecting the intertwined notions of duty, honor, and the afterlife. This investigation into the literary commemoration of sati provides a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that shaped these narratives, offering a nuanced perspective on the enduring legacy of these practices in Indian literature.