Quick Links
Quick Links
UPSC Exams
Latest Update
TNPSC Group 4 Hall Ticket 2025 UPSC CAPF Exam Date 2025 Rajathan PTET Result in Hindi MAHATRANSCO Admit Card 2025 Rajasthan PTET Result 2025 BTSC Dresser Admit Card 2025 Fastag Annual Pass 2025 UGC NET Answer Key June 2025 UGC NET Exam Analysis 2025 UGC NET Question Paper 2025 AP LAWCET Result 2025 UGC NET City Slip 2025 UPSC DAF 1 2025 Rajasthan PTET Answer Key 2025 UPSC Prelims Result 2025 UPSC IFS Result 2025 8th Pay Commission Salary Hike News UPSC 2024 Prelims Answer Key UPSC 2026 Calendar UPSC Admit Card 2025 UPSC Prelims Result Date 2025 UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 UPSC Prelims 2025 Expected Cut Off UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2025 UPSC Final Result 2025 UPSC Topper Shakti Dubey UPSC Application Rejected List 2025 UPSC Application Date Re-Extended UPSC Interview Date 2024 UPSC Notification 2025 UPSC Admit Card 2025 for Prelims UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC IFS Notification 2025
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission
ISRO Space Missions
NVS-02 ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-A ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-B ISRO Space Mission Proba-3 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-N2 ISRO Space Mission EOS-08 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DS ISRO Space Mission XPoSat ISRO Space Mission Aditya-L1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-3 ISRO Space Mission NVS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-07 ISRO Space Mission INS-2B ISRO Space Mission EOS-06 ISRO Space Mission EOS-02 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-24 ISRO Space Mission INS-2TD ISRO Space Mission EOS-04 ISRO Space Mission EOS-03 ISRO Space Mission CMS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-01 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-30 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2BR1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan 2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2B ISRO Space Mission EMISAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-31 ISRO Space Mission Microsat-R ISRO Space Mission GSAT-7A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-11 ISRO Space Mission HysIS ISRO Space Mission GSAT-29 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1I ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6A ISRO Space Mission INS-1C ISRO Space Mission Microsat ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1H ISRO Space Mission GSAT-17 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-19 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-9 ISRO Space Mission Cartosat-2 Series Satellite INS-1A ISRO Space Mission INS-1B ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-18 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DR ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1G ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1F ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-15 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1D ISRO Space Mission Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) ISRO Space Mission GSAT-16 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1C ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1B ISRO Space Mission GSAT-14 ISRO Space Mission Mars Orbiter Mission Spacecraft GSAT-7 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3D ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1A ISRO Space Mission SARAL ISRO Space Mission GSAT-10 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-1 ISRO Space Mission Megha-Tropiques ISRO Space Mission GSAT-12 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-8 ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2 ISRO Space Mission YOUTHSAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-5P ISRO Space Mission GSAT-4 ISRO Space Mission Oceansat-2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-1 ISRO Space Mission IMS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4CR ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4B ISRO Space Mission SRE-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4A ISRO Space Mission HAMSAT ISRO Space Mission EDUSAT ISRO Space Mission IRS-P6 / RESOURCESAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3A ISRO Space Mission KALPANA-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3C ISRO Space Mission GSAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3B ISRO Space Mission Oceansat(IRS-P4) ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2E ISRO Space Mission IRS-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2D ISRO Space Mission IRS-P3 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2C ISRO Space Mission IRS-P2 ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1E ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C ISRO Space Mission IRS-1B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1C ISRO Space Mission SROSS-2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1B ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-D2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1A ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-II ISRO Space Mission Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) ISRO Rohini Satellite RS-D1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Technology Payload (RTP) ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-I ISRO Space Mission Aryabhata ISRO Space Mission
Home / IAS Preparation / Devadasi System

Devadasi System in India: History, Causes, Abolition & Challenges (UPSC Notes)

Last Updated on Mar 05, 2025
Also Read Devadasi System in Hindi
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Agriculture Notes For UPSC Public Administration UPSC Notes Modern History Books For UPSC Overseas Citizen Of India Caste System & Panchayati Raj Godavari River Federalism In India Indira Point New Development Bank Battle Of Sinhagad Sankalp And Strive Schemes Digital India High Yielding Varieties Economic Growth Development League Of Nations Ease Of Doing Business Mid Day Meal Scheme Wildlife Protection Act 1972 UPSC Notes International Union Conservation Nature

Devadasi System in India is a historic, age-old custom that dates back to the sixth century. In India, a devadasi is a female artist dedicated to worshipping and serving a deity or a temple for the rest of her life. Devadasi translates as “female slave to god.” Women’s conditions continue to deteriorate under this system. The devadasi system is currently most common in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, where it is especially common among the “Beriya” and “Nat” communities.

Devadasi System is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the Indian Society topic of the GS Paper-1 syllabus. In this article. We shall study devadasi’s meaning, causes of the devadasi system, laws associated with it, and issues and challenges pertaining to the devadasi system.

Candidates looking for some guidance for UPSC preparation must check out Testbook’s flagship UPSC Online Coaching program. Also, check out the article on Social Empowerment for UPSC here!

What is the Devadasi System?

The Devadasi system is a social and religious practice in India. Young girls are dedicated to a Hindu deity and are expected to serve the temple and its priests for life.

Origin and History

  • The origin of the Devadasi system dates back to the sixth century, when young girls, frequently from wealthy families, were sacrificed at the local temples.
  • They would be “married” to the deity after the dedication ceremony. Then, they would take on the role of temple keepers and carry out rites, dances, and musical performances in the god’s honour.
  • Devadasis were treated with tremendous respect back then because they were married to the gods. They were dedicated to a life without marriage and were regarded as auspicious.
  • They were not permitted to marry human husbands due to their devadasi status. Their primary responsibilities included looking after the temple and studying ancient Indian dances, particularly Bharatanatyam, which they used to perform at temple rituals.
  • The tradition gradually deteriorated, especially throughout the Mughal Empire, British, and medieval sultanate periods.
  • Their prestige declined due to the destruction of numerous temples and a loss of patronage, which led to their exploitation.
  • Many Devadasis married into the local nobility or became mistresses of them. The offspring of such a relationship would be given to the temples as offerings.
  • The sons of such couplings would get musical training, while the daughters would be devoted to the temple. This resulted in religious prostitution, still practised in Indian temples, particularly in South India.
  • Devadasis had some rights, such as owning, managing, and transferring property. Despite this, the devadasi system evolved into a tool for the systematic sexual exploitation of the most vulnerable sections of Indian society.

Study in detail about the Position of Women in Medieval India with this link!

Causes for the Devadasi System Still Being Practised in India

The problem of the Devadasi system is a national one, and it is still prevalent in some parts of India. The absence of reliable statistics on the prevalence of the Devadasi practice is one of the main obstacles to understanding why it is not diminishing. There were 48,358 Devadasis in India, according to an estimate from the National Commission for Women in 2011. However, according to the Sampark Report, presented to the International Labour Organization in 2015, roughly 4,50,000 Devadasis are living throughout India.

Some of the main causes of the devadasi system to be still practised in India are listed below.

  • Caste Domination: Due to years of upper caste dominance, the practice generally persists among socially and economically backward castes. Families heavily impacted by relevant caste and class factors think dedicating the girl is crucial to carrying out their responsibilities. Due to the involvement of the family and the entire Devadasi community in the commitment, the Devadasi system, like child marriage, is particularly difficult to eradicate.
  • Religion: According to religious beliefs, families will be blessed if they dedicate their daughter to a deity because the deity will be delighted. This is one of the key reasons why people still practice this tradition.
  • Poor Enforcement of Laws: The laws that regulate the Devadasi system are allegedly not strictly enforced by state governments. Additionally, the funds set aside to rehabilitate females have yet to be used effectively.
  • Poverty: The majority of Devadasis today are from the lower social levels. Some families see offering their daughters as a way to advance in the rigid caste system and think it will raise their social status.
  • Patriarchy: It is also one of the major causes behind the still-practised Devadasi system
  • Lack of Awareness: Some girls and even their families do not have proper awareness about this tradition, and as a result, they also become part of the devadasi system.

Study the Role of Women in Public Life with this link!

Laws and Acts Against Devadasi System

Under British rule, the Devadasi system was initially made illegal in 1924. There are various laws enacted to put a ban on the devadasi system. Some of the reforms and laws are mentioned in the table below.

Acts Related To Devadasi Abolition 

Acts

Provisions

The Karnataka Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act 1982

According to the Act, it is illegal and forbidden to dedicate any girl as a Devadasi.

The Tamil Nadu Devadasis (Prevention of Dedication) Act 1947

The Tamil Nadu Act was passed before independence, and since then, it has not been reviewed or amended. The commitment of a woman as a Devadasi is deemed illegal and void under this law, regardless of whether the woman gave her consent or not.

The Andhra Pradesh Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act 1988

This act also prohibits the devadasi pratha.

The Maharashtra Devdasi System (Abolition) Act, 2005

It states that no marriage performed by a Devadasi shall be void, that the presumption of marriage shall be raised by any man living with a Devadasi as a husband for a suitably extended period of time, and that any offspring shall be assumed to be legitimate with all property rights.

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

This act only prosecutes persons who are not a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe for the act of dedication. As a result, the Act would not apply to many situations where a woman or young girl from a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe is dedicated as a Devadasi because most dedications are performed by family members who are themselves from one of these groups.

Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860

In accordance with Section 370 of the IPC, it is likewise illegal to traffic people for the purpose of exploitation.

The Immoral Traffic Prevention Act (ITPA) 1956

The ITPA makes it illegal to operate brothels, engage in prostitution knowingly while over the age of 18, and obtain, induce, or take someone for prostitution. 

The punishment for those found guilty of prostitution trafficking faces a first-time sentence of seven years in prison and a second-time sentence of life in prison.

The Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act 2015

The JJ Act 2015 is also legal for the protection of Devadasi women because most of the girls are induced into the devadasi system when they are minors and would fall under the category of a “child in need of care and protection”.

Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act (“POSCO Act”)

The POCSO Act would apply if the Devadasi girl was a minor when the offences covered by the Act were committed.

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

A Devadasi woman is always entitled to seek relief and remedies against domestic violence.

Study in detail about Gender Issues in India with this link!

Issues Faced by Devadasi System

There are many challenges faced by the devadasi system. Some of the challenges are listed below.

  • Changing Community behaviour through public awareness programmes: The awareness to abolish the devadasi system should be effective, and it should affect public behaviour towards eradicating it.
  • 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 action 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 do 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 coordination between various departments, agencies and functionaries.
  • Lack of Cooperation 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 hostile even if the complaint is registered.

Study in detail about the Elimination of Violence against Women with this link!

Challenges Towards Abolition of Devadasi System

Eliminating the Devadasi tradition faces several challenges for law enforcement:

  • Limited Awareness: Many people are unaware that this tradition is illegal and punishable due to its religious association.
  • Tradition Endorsement: Some still view the abuse suffered by girls as a blessing for the family, making it difficult to combat.
  • Underreporting: Cases often go unreported, leading to a lack of legal action against the practice.
  • Weak Enforcement: Enforcement of laws against the tradition is not consistently strong.
  • Victims' Silence: Devadasis themselves often don't report their families due to social pressure.

Addressing these challenges requires educational initiatives, particularly among economically disadvantaged communities.

Way Forward
  • The Department of Women and Child Development should periodically conduct surveys to assess the prevalence of the Devadasi tradition and offer rehabilitation to affected young girls. Additionally, they should create employment opportunities for Devadasi women to ensure a better future for their children.
  • Collaborate with the healthcare system to provide care, counseling and treatment for the medical/psychological issues former devadasis may face due to the system.
  • Devadasi cases should be brought within the scope of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and efforts should be made to raise awareness about the existence of this practice.
  • Collect empirical data and evidence on the current prevalence. Monitor progress made over time to strengthen interventions where needed. Hold officials accountable for eliminating the system.
  • Steps must also be taken to educate the children of affected women, and comprehensive reforms should be implemented to entirely eradicate this malpractice.

You might also be interested in reading about the Social Structure of India.

Conclusion

The Devadasi system is a deeply rooted cultural practice in India. It has a significant implication for the lives 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 continues 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.

UPSC Mains Previous Years Question on Devadasi system
  • What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (UPSC 2019)
  • Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (UPSC 2018)
  • The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th-century social reform movement. What are the major issues and debates concerning women in that period? (UPSC 2017)

Devadasi System – Meaning, Causes, Challenges and Related Acts for UPSC: Download PDF here!

Testbook provides a set of comprehensive notes for different competitive exams. Testbook is always on the top of the list because of its best quality assured products like live tests, mocks, Content pages, GK and current affairs videos, and much more. To study more topics for UPSC, download the Testbook App now.For further information and an explanation of the topic, visit UPSC CSE Coaching here!

More Articles for IAS Preparation

Devadasi System - FAQs

A girl who dedicates herself to a deity in a temple for devotion and its service for the rest of her life is known as a devadasi.

“Pottukattu” is a term given to a ceremony similar to marriage in which the devadasi is dedicated to the temple deity.

Yes, Devadasi system is still known to illegally exist in some parts of south India, such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Yes, Devadasi system is illegal in India. There have been many efforts to abolish this system, and several acts such as Karnataka Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1982 have been passed to preserve the ban on this system.

Devadasi dance is a dance performed by a young girl often referred as devadasi. The dance was performed in temple and the type of dance performed was bharatnatyam.

Girls as young as 12 are married off to the village deity as part of the centuries-old Jogini system, which is predominantly illegally practised in the marginalised Dalit-Bahujan communities.

Periyar E. V. Ramasamy played a role in advocating for the Devadasi Abolition Bill. However, due to intense protests from devadasis in the Madras Presidency, he recommended that the bill be introduced as a private bill rather than a public one.
Report An Error
Exams Tests Super Practice