490 21. sati Self immolation of a woman along with her deceased husband is termed Sati" (Suttee). The Bhonsle Vamsa Caritra states that Sulakshanamba Boianc Rajasa Boi, the queens of Pratap Singh committed Sati. It is also said elsewhere that the consorts of Amar Sing committed Sati. There are instances of some forward caste women committing “Saga gamana” or Sati and the Maratha Rulers offered a grant of 5 chakrams in each case. - T This was viewed as a cruel act by the British and according to a regulation in Council during Lord William Bentink's tenure those who assisted Sati were declared guilty of “culpable homicide”. 22. Deva dasis and Sale of Women Some women were employed in temples as workers and those well versed in dance and music would dance and sing in the temples on certain specific occasions. They were not harlots or prostitutes. They were spinsters who might leave the service in the temples and enter into married life if they should so desire. But in later days the practice of dedicating girls to temples by tying "tali" came into vogue and there were such “ dasis" in each and every temple. Such girls were aiso purchased for the temples. If a girl should choose to dedicate herself to the temple as a "dcva dasi", she was given some incentive by way, of money. Such girls were employed on monthly salary ( of 5 Fanams and one kalam of paddy ). As they became prostitutes, they begot children. Good looking girls were invariably introduced to the profession of the mother. At the death of a “ dasi ”, another would at once be appointed in her place. A devadasi, Sundari by name, a favourable courtesan of Serfoji il, enjoyed special privileges in his court.
Some restrictions were imposed on the devadasis with regard to their dress, jewels etc. Some girls who were purchased had to spend their life time as maid servants. The British engaged themselves in slave trade also. Muslim and Christians also purchased girls for conversion. Instances are not wanting to show that some girls Were at firs: mortgaged and then sold off Minor girls were the victims in such tradet There is also an instance of a girl being sold by the parents after her marriage.
