Sati: Hindu practice of Self-immolation

Sati (written Suttee by older English writers) is the traditional Hindu practice of self-immolation by a widow on her husband's funeral pyre. The word Sati means “a virtuous woman”, was applied erroneously by the British to the practice. The practice of sati was declared illegal in 1829 during the governor-generalship of Lord William Bentick.

Sati was never a widespread practice. It has been sporadically been referred to in history.  

Suttee, by James Atkinson 1831

Whether the practice of sati was prevalent in the Vedic period is in the realm of debate. The first datable reference to sati is found in the Greek accounts of Alexander invasions and the first memorial, dated 510 AD to the custom is found at Eran near Sagar in the state of Madhya Pradesh. In medieval India, the practice became very common.

The practice of sati was disapproved of by Bana, the court poet of Harsha.

During the Vijayanagar period, the Sati or Sahagaman was performed only by royal women.