In the early 19th century, some Hindu groups practiced Sati (also known as suttee). In Ancient India, a heinous widow commits suttee, a ritual of self-immolation. Near San Thome and other sites in India, he observed on the rites of suttee. The practice of suttee was banned in 1829. He began working with a core group of Dallas-based studio musicians, including pianist Madge Suttee. There he bore witness to the practice of suttee, much to his distress.