The Devadasi System: From Sacred Art to Social Injustice — A Historically Accurate Overview
🌿 1. What Was the Devadasi System?
The term comes from Sanskrit:
- Deva = God
- Dāsi = Female servant
In ancient Tamil, a similar word existed: Tevaratiyal (servant of God).
Devadasis were women dedicated to temple service. They:
- learned classical dance and music
- performed at rituals
- kept temple traditions alive
- sometimes helped manage temple lands and donations
Many historians believe the system became organized around the 6th century CE, especially in South India.
🛕 2. What Inscriptions Tell Us About Devadasis
Temple inscriptions give actual historical evidence. They describe Devadasis as artists, donors, landowners, and temple guardians.
Rameshwara Temple (c. 900 CE)
Mentions a Devadasi named Achchakka, known for dance and music.
Sadar Temple (872 CE)
Records a Devadasi donating 56 grams of gold — showing wealth and respect.
Inscription from 1119 CE
Devadasis described as “guardians of temples,” a respected title.
Rajarajeshwara Temple
A Devadasi is recorded acquiring tax-free land for the temple with support from managers and the king.
This shows they had influence, money, and authority.
Conclusion:
Early Devadasis were not exploited women but important cultural figures and active participants in temple society.
📚 3. Devadasis in Ancient Literature
Kalidasa’s Meghadūtam (4th Century CE)
Mentions women dancing in temples — likely courtesans, not yet the fully religious Devadasis.
Kalhana’s Rājataraṅgiṇī (12th Century CE)
Often called India’s first historical chronicle.
Describes women dancing in temples as respected temple guardians.
Tamil Periya Purāṇam (12th Century)
Uses the term Paṭilar for a woman whose background matches Devadasis.
Shows their roles were respected and connected to spiritual figures.
Across these texts and inscriptions, Devadasis appear as:
- respected
- skilled
- part of temple administration
- sometimes wealthy
Nothing like the negative stereotypes of today.
⚠️ 4. How the System Declined
If Devadasis once held respect, what went wrong?
Historians point to three big reasons:
A. Temple Wealth Collapse
Invasions and colonial rule damaged temple funding.
This affected:
- priests
- musicians
- teachers
- Devadasis
Wealthy Devadasis left the system, while poorer ones were trapped without income or education.
Some were forced into harmful roles simply to survive.
B. Temples Lost Their Role as Schools
Long ago, temples were universities where arts and sciences were taught.
When:
- British education
- new schools
- music academies
replaced temple learning, Devadasis lost their social purpose as teachers and performers.
C. Cultural Shift and Western Influence
Indian classical arts like Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music were misunderstood and looked down upon during colonial times.
The arts survived — but often without acknowledging the Devadasi community that preserved them.
This left many women marginalized.
❗ 5. Why the Modern Devadasi System Became Harmful
In modern times, the system changed into dedicating young girls (often from lower castes) without giving them:
- education
- freedom
- financial support
Even though Karnataka (1982) and Andhra Pradesh (1988) banned the practice, some illegal dedications still happen, leaving girls vulnerable.
Today:
- temples no longer require Devadasis
- priests are almost always men
- dance and music can be learned anywhere
- dedication brings stigma, not respect
So the system no longer protects or uplifts women — it harms them.
🌸 6. What Sanatana Dharma Actually Says
Sanatana Dharma traditionally honors women — mothers and goddesses are central figures. The original Devadasi system connected art and devotion.
But forcing girls into temple service, denying them education, or allowing exploitation can never be part of true dharma.
Real dharma protects dignity.
🌟 7. The Way Forward
The video’s message is clear:
- The modern Devadasi system has no spiritual or social purpose.
- It must be ended completely.
- Girls should be given education, choices, and independence.
- The arts that Devadasis preserved should be honored — and so should the women themselves.
📚 Key References Used
- Kalidasa — Meghadūtam (4th Century CE)
- Kalhana — Rājataraṅgiṇī (12th Century CE)
- Tamil — Periya Purāṇam (12th Century CE)
- Rameshwara, Sadar, and Rajarajeshwara temple inscriptions
These sources show that Devadasis once had a respected place before the system declined.