Satipratha O Panpratha

• Author: Subrata Sen
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• Genre: Social Studies (Samajchitra - Samajbidya)
• Edition: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789350406120
• Pages: 404
• Weight: 725 grams

Book Description

Satipratha O Panpratha (Translation: The Sati System and Dowry System) by Subrata Sen delves into two of the most controversial and deeply ingrained social practices in Indian history—Sati and Dowry. In this well-researched work, the author analyzes these age-old customs from both historical and sociological perspectives, offering a critical examination of their origins, impact, and the role of society in perpetuating them.

• Key Features:

  • In-depth Analysis: The book provides an historical overview of the Sati system (the practice where widows were expected to self-immolate on their husband's funeral pyre) and the Dowry system (the tradition of the bride’s family giving gifts or money to the groom's family).
  • Impact on Women: The author discusses the severe consequences these practices had on women, particularly in terms of their status in society and their rights.
  • Sociological Insight: The book traces the social, cultural, and religious factors that contributed to the entrenchment of both Sati and Dowry, illustrating how they were justified as part of the Indian cultural fabric.
  • Legal and Social Reforms: A significant part of the book is dedicated to reform movements and legal interventions that sought to abolish Sati and regulate the Dowry system, including the role of social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy in the abolition of Sati.

• Key Sections:

  • Sati System: A comprehensive history of the practice of Sati, the religious texts that influenced it, the social conditions that allowed it to thrive, and the reform movements that eventually led to its prohibition.
  • Dowry System: A deep dive into the origins of the Dowry system, its growing prevalence in Indian society, and its evolution into a form of social transaction and economic burden.

• Critique of Society: Sen critically examines the role of patriarchy, caste systems, and religious dogma in sustaining these practices, and how they were often used as tools to control women’s lives.

Key Highlights:

• Historical Context: Understanding the deep roots of Sati and Dowry within Indian society and the social norms that upheld them.
• Women’s Empowerment: A discussion on how these practices impacted the status and autonomy of women.
• Legal Reforms: Insight into social reform movements and legislation like the Sati Prevention Act and Dowry Prohibition Act.

Perfect For:

• Students of Sociology and History: Ideal for those studying social structures and reforms in Indian society.
• Social Activists: A valuable resource for anyone working on women's rights, gender studies, or social justice.
• Readers Interested in Social Change: A thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the evolution of social practices and the role of legal reform in India.