ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book discusses that the history of the rite sheds light on dark passages of Indian and British relations, and on certain periods and personalities of the last century; also the conclusions of value for to-day drawn. There were many other barbarities practised in India a century ago; but some were dismissed as mere superstition, or as the crimes of backward tribes and perverted sects of Hinduism, such as those who practised human sacrifice. Suttee appeared to have sprung from, as well as was perpetuated, some of the vilest feelings of human nature. It began in selfishness, it was supported by falsehood, and it ended in cruelty such as support given to fiends. Abolition of suttee cannot be claimed as a triumph of "British justice" or an example of the righteous and fearless character of our administration.
