Devadasi System

Why in News?

Karnataka is drafting the Karnataka Devadasi (Prevention, Prohibition, Relief and Rehabilitation) Bill to replace the 1982 law. The new law aims to strengthen the fight against the Devadasi system by allowing paternity tests and granting property rights to Devadasi children.

Description:

Definition:

• Devadasi means “female servant of God.”
• A girl is dedicated to a deity in a temple through a ritual similar to marriage, known as ‘Pottukattu’.
• Practised traditionally in southern and western India, especially in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Historical Background:

• Dates back to the 6th century CE.
• Girls were married to a deity and served as temple caretakers, performing rituals, dance (Bharatanatyam, Odissi), and music.
• Held high social status as art and devotion were integral to temple worship.

Decline and Exploitation:

• Status declined during Mughal and British periods.
• Temples were destroyed; many Devadasis were pushed into prostitution and exploitation.
• The system persisted under religious and social pressure, especially among economically weaker families.

Present Scenario:

• Though legally banned, the Devadasi practice continues illegally in parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc.
• Often tied to superstition, poverty, and lack of awareness.

Key Terminology:

• Pottukattu: The ritual marriage of a girl to a deity.
• Flying Coffins: Term used for MiG-21 jets due to frequent crashes — not related to Devadasi but often asked in current affairs.

Laws to Abolish Devadasi System:

1. Bombay Devadasi Protection Act, 1934
2. Madras Devadasi (Prevention of Dedication) Act, 1947
3. Karnataka Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1982
4. Andhra Pradesh Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1988
5. Maharashtra Devadasi (Abolition of Dedication) Act, 2006
6. Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1956
7. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
8. Trafficking of Persons Bill, 2018

Challenges in Abolition:

• Superstition & religious beliefs
• Lack of awareness & education
• Social stigma
• Inadequate law enforcement
• Non-reporting by victims

Way Forward:

• Surveys by Women and Child Development departments
• Awareness campaigns
• Rehabilitation and employment for Devadasis
• Education for children of affected women
• Inclusion under IPC & stronger legal action

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