The devadasi reform movement in India between 1857 and 1947 reveals changing social, religious, and political values, with devadasis initially seen as sacred servants and later as prostitutes. Court cases, executive correspondence, and legislation trace the shift in official attitude.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2024
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

The devadasi reform movement in India between 1857 and 1947 provides a fascinating window into the changing social, religious, and political values of the time. The devadasis were women married to Hindu deities who performed dances and sang for them. They were often seen as sacred servants of the gods, but their status began to change in the mid-nineteenth century as the British and Indian Westernized elite began to view them as prostitutes. This study examines the shift in the official attitude toward the devadasis through a comprehensive analysis of court cases, executive correspondence, and legislation. Initially, colonial courts recognized the customary law of the devadasis, which included female ownership of property, adoption of daughters, and inheritance from mother to daughter. However, as the British and Indian Westernized elite gained influence, they began to view the devadasis as a threat to social order and morality. They introduced laws and regulations that aimed to restrict their activities and limit their freedom. The devadasis were forced to live in brothels and were subjected to various forms of abuse and exploitation. Despite these challenges, the devadasi reform movement gained momentum in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Social reformers and activists worked to raise awareness about the plight of the devadasis and to advocate for their rights. They argued that the devadasis should be treated as equal citizens and that their traditional practices should be respected. The movement was successful in achieving some reforms, such as the abolition of child marriage and the legalization of prostitution. However, the devadasis continued to face discrimination and exploitation in many parts of India. In conclusion, the devadasi reform movement in India between 1857 and 1947 provides a valuable insight into the changing social, religious, and political values of the time. The devadasis were initially seen as sacred servants of the gods, but their status began to change as the British and Indian Westernized elite gained influence. The devadasi reform movement was successful in achieving some reforms, but the devadasis continued to face discrimination and exploitation in many parts of India. It is important to continue to work towards the empowerment of women and to address the issues that continue to affect them.

Sacred Servant to Profane Prostitute: Examining the Devadasi Reform Movement in India

The devadasi reform movement in India between 1857 and 1947 provides a fascinating window into the changing social, religious, and political values of the time. The devadasis were women married to Hindu deities who performed dances and sang for them. They were often seen as sacred servants of the gods, but their status began to change in the mid-nineteenth century as the British and Indian Westernized elite began to view them as prostitutes. This study examines the shift in the official attitude toward the devadasis through a comprehensive analysis of court cases, executive correspondence, and legislation. Initially, colonial courts recognized the customary law of the devadasis, which included female ownership of property, adoption of daughters, and inheritance from mother to daughter. However, as the British and Indian Westernized elite gained influence, they began to view the devadasis as a threat to social order and morality. They introduced laws and regulations that aimed to restrict their activities and limit their freedom. The devadasis were forced to live in brothels and were subjected to various forms of abuse and exploitation. Despite these challenges, the devadasi reform movement gained momentum in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Social reformers and activists worked to raise awareness about the plight of the devadasis and to advocate for their rights. They argued that the devadasis should be treated as equal citizens and that their traditional practices should be respected. The movement was successful in achieving some reforms, such as the abolition of child marriage and the legalization of prostitution. However, the devadasis continued to face discrimination and exploitation in many parts of India. In conclusion, the devadasi reform movement in India between 1857 and 1947 provides a valuable insight into the changing social, religious, and political values of the time. The devadasis were initially seen as sacred servants of the gods, but their status began to change as the British and Indian Westernized elite gained influence. The devadasi reform movement was successful in achieving some reforms, but the devadasis continued to face discrimination and exploitation in many parts of India. It is important to continue to work towards the empowerment of women and to address the issues that continue to affect them.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 158 x 244 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788173044687