An Archaeological Perspective about Devadasis
Devadasi is a woman who did the service to some god in a temple. They were temple servants who were dedicated to temple gods as little girls by rituals that were similar to Hindu wedding ceremonies. The devadasi was a dancer and did the temple services. Later they were compelled into prostitution.
Historical Origins
The devadasi system’s origins are debated, with some tracing it back to the third century CE, others to the sixth century, and some to the seventh century during the Chola, Chela, and Pandya dynasties. Initially, devadasis were dedicated to temples as sacred handmaidens, performing dance and music for the gods. Revered and respected, they were educated in sacred arts and scriptures and held high status, often regarded on par with priests. The tradition emphasized celibacy and devotion, with devadasis seen as essential to temple life and cultural preservation.
Archaeological Evidence: Tracing the Lives of Devadasis through Relics and Inscriptions
Although conclusive evidence is still rare, archeological data sheds some light on the Devadasi system. The figures seen in Mathuran and Andhra Pradesh sculptures may be a holdover from temple dancers. The flourishing state of the institution is indicated by inscriptions that reference devadāsīs like Sutanukā, such as the Jogimārā cave inscription from the third century BCE. In addition to performing temple dances, these women were regarded as public prostitutes. Temples used to hire women for dancing and music throughout the Pallava and Chola periods, when devadāsi networks were well-organized. Their functions and pay are described in detail in inscriptions from these eras, including those found in Tanjore and Karnataka. Likewise, in Rajasthan and Orissa, inscriptions mention devadāsīs as part of temple services, highlighting their role in religious festivals and temple life.
Transition from honour to stigma
At first, Devadāsīs were revered as holy women who were married to gods, with privileges including owning property and carrying out specific rituals. They were self-sufficient and frequently paid with land. Due to financial need, many mothers from lesser varnas donated their daughters to temples, and the custom eventually became inherited. As the organization developed, devadāsīs became more closely linked to prostitution, particularly following societal shifts and economic difficulties. Despite their initial status as highly esteemed temple performers, the practice changed by the colonial era from sacred dancers to despised prostitutes.
The Reformists and the Revivalists of the Devadasis
In the late 1800s, social movements emerged against the devadāsi system, dividing into Reformist and Revivalist movements. Reformers, primarily educated upper-class Hindus, sought to abolish the devadāsi system, targeting temple dances linked to prostitution. Muthulakshmi Reddi proposed a bill in 1927 to illegalize the dedication of women to temples, arguing against their perceived immorality. However, devadāsīs defended their roles as religious artists and opposed the stigma of prostitution.
Muthulakshmi Reddy
In contrast, the Revivalist movement, supported by the Theosophical Society and figures like Rukmini Devi Arundale, advocated for reviving the devadāsi dance, Sadir, disassociated from prostitution. They rebranded it as Bharatanatyam, emphasizing its spiritual significance. While Rukmini Devi focused on respectability and spiritual purity, traditional devadāsi dancers like Balasaraswati defended the sensual aspects of the dance as central to its devotion.
Rukmani Devi Arundale
Conclusion:
Over time, the devadāsi tradition was redefined, with upper-caste women performing Bharatanatyam, leading to a shift in the perception of the dance from lower-caste immorality to an upper-caste, nationalized art form.
Bibliography
Reddy, Y Ramachandra, and Rm SrIdevi. 2019. “The Origin and Historical Development of Devadasi System in India.” International Journal of Applied Research 5 (1): 106–9. https://www.allresearchjournal.com/archives/2019/vol5issue1/PartB/5-1-11-352.pdf.
Shingal, Ankur. 2015. “THE DEVADASI SYSTEM: Temple Prostitution in India.” UCLA Women S Law Journal 22 (1). https://doi.org/10.5070/l3221026367.
Shankar, Shreya, and Pranav Ganesan. 2021. “The Devadasis, Dance Community of South India: A Legal and Social Outlook.” International Journal on Minority and Group Rights 29 (1): 102–40. https://doi.org/10.1163/15718115-bja10052.
About the Author:
Author: DARSHANA PRIYAA. S
Darshana Priyaa is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in History, Archaeology, and Museology at Madras Christian College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Her academic interests include digital archaeology, numismatics, prehistoric archaeology, and bioarchaeology. She is deeply passionate about expressing her insights and ideas through writing. Additionally, as a dedicated traveler, she seeks to broaden her understanding by exploring and engaging with
diverse cultures.
