Anumarana

Anumarana, also known as sahagamana, is a historical practice within certain communities in India where a widow immolated herself on her deceased husband's funeral pyre. The term anumarana literally means "following after death". This practice was often presented as a demonstration of devotion and loyalty to the husband.

While often conflated with the term sati, there are subtle distinctions. Sati (from which the now-obsolete English term "suttee" is derived) generally refers to the ideal of wifely devotion and may encompass other forms of self-sacrifice, whereas anumarana specifically refers to the act of immolation. Some texts distinguish between anumarana (following the husband in death) and sahamarana (dying together with the husband, perhaps when he dies away from home). However, these terms are frequently used interchangeably.

The practice of anumarana has been documented in historical records and travelers' accounts, particularly from the medieval and early modern periods. The prevalence of anumarana varied geographically and across different social groups within India. It was more common in some regions than others, and more frequently observed among certain castes.

Opposition to anumarana gradually grew, fueled by reformers and intellectuals who viewed it as a barbaric and inhumane practice. Social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy played a crucial role in advocating for its abolition. Their arguments centered on both humanitarian and religious grounds, challenging the notion that the scriptures mandated or even approved of such an act.

The British East India Company initially adopted a policy of non-interference, but growing public pressure eventually led to the enactment of the Bengal Sati Regulation in 1829, which officially outlawed the practice of sati, including anumarana, throughout British India. While officially illegal, isolated incidents continued to be reported even after the ban. Modern India considers anumarana to be illegal and a criminal act.