Sati handprints

Day 19 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

Perched atop a 410-foot cliff in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, stands the Mehrangarh Fort, a masterpiece of Rajput architecture known for its indomitable strength. It was named the ‘Best Fortress in Asia’ by Time magazine in 2007.

But within that royal grandeur lies a small, poignant detail: a set of tiny, gilded handprints.

These handprints, impressed into the wall to the left of the Loha Pol (Iron Gate), are known as Sati marks. 

They serve as a sombre memorial to the royal consorts who committed Sati, a traditional practice of self-immolation on their husband’s funeral pyre.

These prints were made by the widows as they left the fort for the last time. Before departing, the women would be dressed in their wedding finery, signifying a final act of union.

Image courtesy: Amaury Laporte/Atlas Obscura

While the British outlawed Sati in 1829, the regulation did not initially apply to the Rajput state of Jodhpur. As the state was autonomous, its rulers could continue their traditions without British interference.

Historical records indicate that these marks most likely date back to the death of Maharaja Man Singh in 1843.

In those days, the act was viewed as a supreme testament to a wife’s devotion and religious faith. The marks also memorialised the high status of the men for whom these women sacrificed their lives.

(Information sources: Atlast Obscura, University of St Andrews, Incredible India)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan	Om Banna Temple
Piplantri	Qila Raipur	Roopkund

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