A Devadasi (Sanskrit for “female servant of god”) is a woman dedicated to the worship and service of a deity or a temple for the rest of her life in South and West India. The practice has a complex history, evolving from a respected tradition of temple artists to a system largely associated with exploitation and prostitution, leading to its eventual abolition by law. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Historical Context
- Original Role: Historically, particularly between the 6th and 13th centuries, Devadasis held a high rank in society. They were trained in classical Indian arts, such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kuchipudi, and performed essential religious rituals, music, and dance within the temple premises. They were often affluent, receiving patronage from royalty and wealthy individuals.
- Decline: The status of Devadasis deteriorated during medieval times, partly due to the destruction of temples and the loss of royal patronage, leading to financial hardship. During the British colonial era, the tradition was viewed through a Victorian lens and largely seen as vulgar, which further marginalized the women and led to the association with prostitution. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8]
Modern Context and Controversy
In the modern era, the term “Devadasi” is primarily associated with a system of ritualistic sexual exploitation. Young girls, often from lower castes and poverty-stricken families, are “married” to a temple deity in a ceremony (called pottukattu) and subsequently forced into sexual servitude to priests, local landlords, and upper-caste men. The system is widely condemned as a form of human trafficking and organized prostitution. [2, 9, 10, 11]
Legal Status
The Devadasi system is illegal in India.
- The first law to abolish the practice was the Bombay Devadasi Protection Act of 1934.
- The Madras Devadasi (Prevention of Dedication) Act of 1947 outlawed the practice in the state of Madras, granting Devadasis the legal right to marry.
- The practice was completely outlawed across India in 1988. [4, 12, 13]
Despite the legislation, the practice continues in secret in certain rural areas, especially in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, often among the Dalit communities. NGOs and activists work towards the rehabilitation of the women involved and the complete eradication of the practice. [3, 10, 11, 14, 15]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1] https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/devadasi-system/
[2] https://childrenofindia.in/what-is-devadasi-system-in-india/
[3] https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/devadasi-system
[4] https://www.iilsindia.com/blogs/devadasi-system-india/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devadasi
[6] https://idsn.org/key-issues/forced-prostitution/devadasi-article/
[7] https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/jan/21/devadasi-india-sex-work-religion
[8] https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/downloadpdf/display/book/9781447336365/ch004.pdf
[9] https://vc.bridgew.edu/jiws/vol24/iss1/8/
[11] https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4887242
[12] https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2307577.pdf
[13] https://www.shankariasparliament.com/current-affairs/the-mathamma-system
[15] https://www.keker.com/Templates/media/images/news%20items/Devadasi%20Paper.pdf
A Devadasi (Sanskrit for “female servant of God”) is a woman who, often as a young girl, is ceremonially “married” and dedicated to a deity or a temple for the rest of her life.
Historically a revered role, the tradition has evolved over centuries from a prestigious spiritual and artistic vocation into a modern system of exploitation.
Historical Significance
- Artistic Guardians: Historically, Devadasis were highly educated and served as the primary custodians of Indian classical arts, including dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Odissi.
- Temple Duties: Their roles included performing rituals, singing devotional songs, cleaning temples, and lighting lamps for the deity.
- High Social Status: Between the 6th and 13th centuries, they held high social status, owned property, and were supported by royal patrons.
Modern Exploitation
- Sanctified Prostitution: Over time, particularly during the colonial era, the system degraded. Without royal patronage, many were forced into sexual servitude for local powerful men or priests under the guise of religious tradition.
- Caste and Poverty: Today, the practice is primarily found among marginalized communities, such as Dalits, in states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
- Regional Variations: The practice is known by various names, including Jogatis in Karnataka, Muralis in Maharashtra, and Mathamma in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Legal Status
The Devadasi system is illegal in India. Key legislations include:
- The Bombay Devadasis Protection Act (1934)
- The Madras Devadasis (Prevention of Dedication) Act (1947)
- The Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Act (1988), which outlawed the practice nationwide.
Despite these laws, the practice persists in some rural areas due to deep-rooted social beliefs and poverty.