www.ijcrt.
org © 2023 IJCRT | Volume 11, Issue 10 October 2023 | ISSN: 2320-2882
CHANGING STATUS OF DEVADASIS IN
INDIA
Dr. Kranthi Kumar Mandali1 and Dr. Rajasekhar.S2
1,2
Research Scholars, Department of Sociology & social work
Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh - India
ABSTRACT
Devadasi system was a complex institution with religious, cultural, and social dimensions. It played a
significant role in the history of India but eventually faced criticism for its exploitation of women. Efforts
have been made to eradicate the system and provide support for women who were once a part of it, while
preserving the rich cultural heritage associated with Devadasis. Devadasi is a name given to a girl ‘dedicated’
to a deity in a temple for worship and service of the deity for the rest of her life. This was prominent in
southern and parts of western India. The dedication of the girl takes place in a ceremony similar to marriage
and is called ‘pottukattu’. The practice often leads to the trafficking and forced prostitution of young girls.
Despite being outlawed in 1988, the system continuous to persist in certain pockets of the country. It is crucial
for society to work collectively to end the Devadasi system. The empowerment and protection of women and
girls across India. In this article, we have discussed the origin and background of this practice, and its various
prospects.
KEYWORDS: Devadasi, Religious, Cultural, Traditional
INTRODUCTION
The Devadasi system was a traditional practice in India with deep historical and cultural roots. The term
"Devadasi" is derived from two Sanskrit words, "deva" (meaning god) and "dasi" (meaning servant or slave),
and it referred to a system in which young girls were dedicated to serving a specific deity or temple. Here is
an introduction to the Devadasi system:
Historical Origins: The Devadasi system has ancient origins, dating back several centuries in India. It was
closely associated with Hindu temples, and the women who were dedicated as Devadasis played a significant
role in temple rituals and ceremonies
Religious Significance: Devadasis were considered to be married to the deity or god they served. They
were expected to lead a life of celibacy and purity, devoting themselves to the temple and its rituals. Their
service included singing, dancing, and other artistic and religious duties.
Cultural Contributions: Devadasis were often highly skilled in various forms of classical Indian art,
including dance (e.g., Bharatanatyam and Odissi) and music. They made important cultural contributions to
their communities and were an integral part of religious festivals and cultural events.
Evolution and Decline: Over time, the Devadasi system underwent significant changes and faced
criticism. It evolved into a practice that was often associated with sexual exploitation, with Devadasis being
forced into prostitution. The British colonial authorities and later the Indian government took measures to
abolish and regulate the system.
Legal Changes: Laws were enacted in India to address and restrict the Devadasi system. For instance, the
Karnataka Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1982, made it illegal to dedicate women as Devadasis
in the state of Karnataka
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www.ijcrt.org © 2023 IJCRT | Volume 11, Issue 10 October 2023 | ISSN: 2320-2882
Contemporary Issues: While the Devadasi system has largely been abolished, remnants of the practice
and its associated issues, such as human trafficking and the exploitation of women, may still persist in some
parts of India. Efforts to protect and rehabilitate the women affected by the system continue
In summary, the Devadasi system was a complex institution with religious, cultural, and social dimensions.
It played a significant role in the history of India but eventually faced criticism for its exploitation of women.
Efforts have been made to eradicate the system and provide support for women who were once a part of it,
while preserving the rich cultural heritage associated with Devadasis
DEVADASI SYSTEM
Devadasi is a name given to a girl ‘dedicated’ to a deity in a temple for worship and service of the deity for
the rest of her life. This was prominent in southern and parts of western India.
The dedication of the girl takes place in a ceremony similar to marriage and is called ‘pottukattu’.
In this article, we have discussed the origin and background of this practice, and its various prospects.
DEVDASI SYSTEM – ORIGIN & BACKGROUND
This tradition dates back to the sixth century where young girls were married to the deity, after which they
would act as the Tempe caretakers and perform all rituals, including dance and music in the honor of the
deity.
Originally, the girls learned and practiced the arts like Bharathanatyam, Odissi or other classical dance
forms, apart from taking care of the temple and engaging in rituals.
They traditionally enjoyed a high status in society as music and dance were integral parts of worship in
temples. They were consider auspicious as they were committed to the deity.
Later, after the involvement of Mughals and Britishers in the country, many temples were broken and their
status in the society deteriorated and they were being exploited and degraded. The children of Devadasis
were also made to learn music or were dedicated to the temples.
It is one such practice which is illegally being done in a few parts of India till date.
CAUSES FOR DEVADASI TRADITION PREVALENT IN INDIA
In India, there still are few states which continue to practice the Devadasi tradition despite the Supreme
Court orders to abolish this system.
Discussed below are the causes for the extent of the Devadasi System:
It is a religious belief that if a family devotes their daughter, it would make the deity happy and bless the
family. This is one of the biggest reasons why people still choose to practice this tradition.
Since in the earlier times, Devadasis were given a higher status in the society, many economically weak
families believe that devoting their daughters will improve their social status.
Even after strict orders from the Supreme Court to abolish this practice, certain states have not yet
enforced laws or acts to prevent the Devadasi culture.
Superstitious beliefs and the continuation of lineage is another cause for the present existence of the
tradition.
DEVADASI SYSTEM – LAWS & OFFENCES
Kerala-based NGO, S.L. Foundation had borough to the notice of the judiciary the existence of this
practice in multiple parts of the country. In was in 2016 that the Supreme Court had ordered the states to
implement strict laws to completely abolish the system.
The following laws have been passed to stop the Devadasis tradition:
Bombay Devadasi Protection Act, 1934
Madras Devadasi (Prevention of Dedication) Act of 1947
Karnataka Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1982
Andhra Pradesh Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1988
Maharashtra Devadasi (Abolition of Dedication) Act, 2006
Juvenile Justice Act 2015 (JJ Act)
To stop abandoning young girls in name of a tradition for sexual exploitation and prostitution, Immoral
Traffic Prevention Act, 1956 (ITPA Act) and Trafficking of persons (Prevention, Protection and
Rehabilitation) Bill 2018
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www.ijcrt.org © 2023 IJCRT | Volume 11, Issue 10 October 2023 | ISSN: 2320-2882
ABOLITION OF DEVADASI SYSTEM – CHALLENGES
To completely remove the tradition from the society there are certain challenges which are being faced by
the law-enforcing authorities. These include:
Lack of awareness of this ill tradition in the name of religious practice. People are not completely aware
of how this system illegal and a punishable offence
Since it is considered a tradition, people are not willing to accept the abuse faced by a girl as a result of
this system. It is still believed to bring a blessing to the family performing the devotion.
Lack of legal actions is also a challenge which has been faced. People do not report cases which
ultimately leads to ignorance of such issues
Law enforcement is not very strict
The Devadasis themselves do not register complaints against their families and accept the social pressure
Educating the lower and economically backward sections of the society is one of the first initiatives which
must be taken into consideration for completely removing this malpractice.
DEVADASI SYSTEM – MOVING FORWARD
The Department of Women and Child Development must conduct regular surveys to check the
prevalence of this tradition provide rehabilitation to the young girls affected. They must also promote
employment opportunities for the Devadasi women for a better future of their children.
Devadasis cases must be brought under the purview of IPC and the authorities must try spreading
awareness of the existence of this practice.
Steps must be taken to educate the children of the affected women.
Reforms must be brought in to completely put an end to the malpractice.
DEVADASI SYSTEM – CHALLENGES
There are many challenges faced by the Devadasi System. Some of the challenges are listed below:
Changing community behavior through public awareness programmes. The awareness to abolish the
Devadasi system should be effective, and it should affect public behavior towards eradicating it.
Health Diseases: Girls who are forced into the Devadasi System are vulnerable to various sexually
transmitted diseases such as AIDS, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis.
Inefficient Police Role: The role of local police is very important as it is seen, that due to pressure from
the community, the police neglect to take suo motu actions in cases of the Devadasi System and do not
register the cases that are brought to them.
Response by Community and Society: Society accepts and celebrates the Devadasi System which led to
the sexual abuse of these young girls. Those who would report but hold back so out of concern for the reaction
of the Community and Society.
Preventive Measures are not Adequate: The authorities are not doing much to stop the Devadasi System
and are instead concentrating on projects to benefit the older Devadasis. There is also a lack of co-ordination
between various departments, agencies and functionaries.
Lack of co-operation from Victims: It might be difficult to get victims to report crimes against their
parents or other family members. There is a strong likelihood that the victim will become even if the
complaint is registered.
CONCLUSION
The Devadasi System is a deeply ruled cultural practice in India. It has a significant implication for the
lines of the women involved. This system was originally intended to honor deities through Dance and Music.
But it has been marred by exploitation and abuse over time. The practice often leads to the trafficking and
forced prostitution of young girls. Despite being outlawed in 1988, the system continuous to persist in certain
pockets of the country. It is crucial for society to work collectively to end the Devadasi system. This thus
ensures the empowerment and protection of women and girls across India.
IJCRT2310446 International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT) www.ijcrt.org d947
www.ijcrt.org © 2023 IJCRT | Volume 11, Issue 10 October 2023 | ISSN: 2320-2882
REFERENCES
1) Bapu Haranath, CH, 2003. Kalavantulu, Edited by K.S.Singh, people of India. Anthropological Survey of
India, Affiliated East-West press pvt.ltd, New Delhi.
2) Thurston, 1909, Scating –up treatment for HIV/AIDS: Lessons Learned from multidrug-resistant
tuberculosis The Lancet, vol.363, PP.320-324
3) Women of pride by Lakshmi Viswanatham
4) The Devadasi and the saint: The life and times of Bangalore, Naga Rathanamma
5) Devadasis in South India. S.Jeevanandam Rekha pande
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