Chapter- 7
Conclusion
Devadasi
system is comparatively one of the worst social evil ever to be existed, or to
be more accurate, still existing in some parts of South India. Since, it is the
combination of religion and its beliefs the temples and the corrupted officials
exploited the women and made this custom into a worst one, and loosen its ties
with the past, where it was glorified as one of the most sacred practice ever
to be existed. During the ancient and medieval period, the practice had a
respectable position in the society but the scene changed with the arrival of
the Britisher’s on Indian soil. They misinterpret the practice and used of
their own good, and the legislations they bring forth wasn’t in favour of the
temple authorities and with the decline of temple power the devadasis were
forced to underwent the prostitution work.
Not
only in India, but there are references that the devadasi system was existed in
other parts of the world as well. Such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greek, Babylon,
and even in our neighbouring country Sri Lanka. In these they devote their
children to the Gods. They done this out of devotion or out of fear, which was
in most cases similar to the practice existed in India.
With
the advent Gods in Indian context, all thing thoughts and activities were
started to circle around them only. In the Vedic period, Indra became the
prominent God. For worshipping them temples have been erected. Another
distinguishing factor happened in the later Vedic period was the introduction
of caste system, in which people began to follow a hierarchical order- on the
top seated Brahmanas, followed by Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra respectively.
The Brahmanas as the head of the temple, created customs and laws for the
worshipping of God, eventually they became the power behind the kind, who
controlled the king as they like. The king supported the construction of
temples, as it was the symbol of his grandeur. Eventually, stories began to
spread how the deity is protecting people, so to celebrate the deity the
introduced rituals and celebration, in which all the people in the society
joined together. One such ritual is that, the Devadasi System.
In
India, the earliest evidence points out to the existence of devadasi system was
from Harapan period. It is then followed by Vedic and later Vedic periods
respectively. The reason which devadasi system grew in the ancient period was
the enrichment of the temples, rituals and Gods. The king and the society
promoted the system with their whole heart. Eventually the dancing girls became
a profession and later own became a caste as well. The works/ plays which were
written during the ancient period indicates the existence of devadasis custom.
The inscription even notes the temples in which the practice was prevalent. The
inscription also points out the existence of devadasis in Buddhism as well as
Jainism. The Bhakti literature also portrays the life and passions of the
devadasis. It also provides information about the devadasis inside the temple
as well. When the girl child attains puberty, they were either offered to the
temples by their parents or the join the temple as dancers due to economical
matters. In any case, the temple compensated their families with enough money
and they received prestige in the society. The devadasis were considered to be
as ‘nityasumangali’,
they were always invited to my every social function such as marriage,
festivals etc. they believed that their presence itself will bring good luck to
the society and to the newlyweds. There other duties were to dance and sing in
the temple functions as well as in royal courts. Most of the times they even
assumed the titles of priestess. They had other functions such as, looking
after the temple properties, decoration of God/ Goddess, gathering temple
resources, and the narration of religious texts. The custom became more
widespread during the sixth century, due to the wide spread of puranas, where
it hinderance of devadasi customs.
Construction of temples began during
the period of Pallava king, for the first time introduced dance and music in
the temples. The Pallava kings donated a lot of money and wealth to the temples
and soon they came to be known as Kovil. The construction of temples in
a massive scale started during the Gupta period, where they promoted the old
customs and traditions which includes the devadasi custom as well. Later on,
the trend was followed by Chola, Chalukya, Pallavas and Rashtrakuda kingdoms.
Apart from that, they had received a
good fortune from the temple, and shared a part of wealth from the temple. The
made good fortunes, which enabled them to even pay for the temple
reconstructions. Not only the devadasis but also the musicians also got a good
amount for their services. They were all protected by their respective
kingdoms.
Devadasi custom was prevalent in
North India (mainly Orissa- Ganga kingdom) and South India. In Orissa it was
prevalent in Jagannath Temple during the 12th century. They only
danced for God, not for the public. They were divided into two sects, Bhitar
Gaunis and Bahar Gaunis. During the festivals and possession times, the Bhitar
Gaunis sang in the festival meanwhile, the Bahar Gaunis danced in the temple main
hall. But in time in northern part the devadasi practice died soon.
In
the Southern part of India, the temples began their dominance in south India
from 9th century onwards. As the economic structure of the temple
increases as well as the rituals and celebrations. The priestly class and the
temples were the major reasons for the growth of devadasi custom. Another
reason is the basavi system. The majority of the historical evidences
came from the Chola period, Vijayanagara period. During these periods they
enrich the cultural activities, poetry and art. The people envied them. The
core centre of devadasi system prevailed on Karnataka region and the devadasi
system was spread in various cults such as Yellamma Cult, Renukamba Cult and
Khandoba Cult. Yellamma Cult is the most important and existed even after the
independence of our nation.
Initially, even though they had more
than one patron, they weren’t considered their job wasn’t considered as
prostitution. But later on, with starting of medieval period, the travellers
who came were only interested in the women, not to God, which has been
portrayed vividly by the foreign travellers such as Abbe Dubios, Al Beruni,
Domino Paes etc. While choosing their patrons, they were encouraged to choose
the richest one, because they couldn’t bring development for the temple as
well, meanwhile, the patrons, irrespective of the expense, they looked forward
to having a devadasi, because according to them, they could only bring social
and economic welfare. The authorities encouraged these practices, because they
could get a good amount of tax from the foreigners, which is supported by the
foreign accounts. They even had the right to adopt a child, mostly they adopted
girl child. There are three methods of adoption;
1.
Datta
2.
Vikrita
3.
Bhrutta
But
in time all these rights have been declined. Initially the king and the court
had the power and authority to be close with them, but when time passes by the
rich merchants, land owners and priests became close to them. The devadasis lose
their powers in the temple and courts, they became tools of sexual pleasure for
them and eventually even for the common men.
The devadasi custom didn’t only exist
in the Hindu religion, but also there are reference of their existence in Islam
as well. Where the community offers the girls to the ‘dargas’. In the Hindu
religion itself most of the dedicated devadasis were form the backward caste/
lower caste section of the society. They were oppressed with in the devadasi
community, mostly exploited sexually meanwhile, the devadasis from the upper
caste continued to enjoy their privileged life in the temple and the society.
They were economically a lot higher than the lower caste devadasis.
In order to became a devadasi, a girl need to
overcome several ceremonies such as Tali Tying ceremony, Cadnaku
ceremony, wedding ceremony and choosing of the patron of her liking. The
dedication ceremony usually takes place during full moon day of Chaitra
or Magha. The patrons are most probably of higher caste section of the
society. The dedication to the Gods varies from state to state, such as in
Karnataka, the girl is offered to Yellamma, such that in Maharashtra they are
offered to the deities of Kandboha and Thuljabhavani, in Andhra Pradesh the
Goddess of their dedication is Mathamma.Their children won’t have any rights
over the father’s property.
The reason for their degradation was
mainly economic reasons. They lost the king and temple who supported them due
to wars and conflicts with kingdoms. These events eventually made the economic
conditions of the country poor or the enemies kingdom took control over the
region, which results in complete chaos. Another even reason is the decline in
offering. When the offering to Gods and temples decline, the temples lose their
major source of income and thus making it hard for them to maintain the
devadasis and all the expenses. Another reason is that the more and more
families coming forward for the offering of their girl child to the temple,
because through this process the families could attain a good amount of money
from temple and social prestige as well the same goes for the devadasi
community too.
As we have seen the degradation of
devadasi system became more worse with the advent of British. The Britisher’s
saw the devadasis as dancing girls were to entertain the rich. The British
government soon took over the temples and their revenue matters, which plummet
the conditions of the temple. So, to make things better the temples encouraged
the devadasis to prostitution. Soon after the introduction of education, people
especially reformers saw it as an evil practice and struggled to end this
cursed evil. Through many reform movements such as anti- nautch movement and
social purity movement was in the forefront of the abolition the custom. The
movement was supported by the news- papers, missionaries, and prominent reform
leaders. The ones who stood for the movement in the forefront was Dr.
Muthulakshmi Reddy and Muvalur Ramairtham Ammaiyar, from the Madras presidency.
Even with their hard work laws were passed for the abolition of devadasi system
but it wasn’t wiped off from India. But still helped in reducing the
exploitation of women sexually and mentally, and decreased the number of
devadasis tremendously. According to the Indian National Commission for Women,
a major hub for the devadasi activities is still held in Karnataka, Andhra
Pradesh and Maharashtra.
In the meantime, the Britishers
started to abolish any practices which they considered as social evil, through laws
and regulations, one such law is that the abolition of Sati. But there were
tensions rose among the high hindu class community. After Queen Victoria
assumed the power of India, she declared that the government won’t interfere in
the matters of religious beliefs of India. So, from this time onwards the
Devadasis considered themselves as lucky and the temple authorities continued
to do their work as usual. In the meantime, many issues arose and they were all
put on judicial hearings in the court. But there were some issues which went
for judicial hearings, which include devadasis and the adoption of children for
the work of prostitution. Major examples are;
1.
Monghyr
Case
2.
Chinna
Ummayi vs Tegarai Chetti
3.
Queen
Empress vs Basava
The
one thing which prevented the Colonial Government to take an action against the
Devadasi system is because until that time in India, prostitution want
considered to be much of a crime at all. Even the Judicial system was well
aware of the issue and its after affects, they were helpless in taking any kind
of such action, before there wasn’t any law to punish them. They knew not
punishing them is like giving them permission to do prostitution, and they were
determined to break this.
There
were persons who didn’t support the Devadasi bills and acts, one such person is
Bangalore Nagarthalamma. She was influenced by the works of Muddupalani, whom
very renounced in south Indian arts as well as music and literature. Muddupalani
also composed erotic poems, later wrote works on the perspective of courtesans.
Nagarthalamma considered these works as mainly regarding sexual pleasure, and
it is an pleasing work indeed.
Nowadays the Devadasi system is not
been practiced national- wide, but it is still a national issue, since girl
children have been kidnapped from around the nation and thus making them
devadasis, ultimately becoming prostitutes. The International Labour
Organisation supports this. The medias also portray the same issue, in which
the girl children are being trafficked to metro cities. Even though the
practice isn’t popular compared with the previous era, it still exists and one
of the dangerous issues in our nation.
In
the past they had a honourable position in the society but that declined into
institutionalized sexual oppression. Most of the girl children are coming to
the devadasi system is because due to their utmost belief in God.
After
attaining independence, for the first time an act was passed to curb the
devadasi system. It was followed by many other laws and legislations. Such as;
1.
Madras
Devadasi Act- 1947
2.
Karnataka
Devadasi Act (prohibition of dedication)- 1982
3.
Andhra
Pradesh Devadasi Act (Prohibition of dedication)- 1989
4.
Goa
Children’s Act- 2003
These are major
examples. But even these were criticized by the public, saying the government
is trying to criminalize the devadasi, and not inserted any policies for their
economic and social stability.
According
to studies carried out by various organisations it is proved that, most of the
girls who come to the fold of devadasis belong to the scheduled caste (more
than 80 percentage). Meanwhile the higher caste section is around 1.75
percentage only. In addition to the due to these superstitious practices, the
girls were admitted to the devadasi custom even before they attain puberty,
hence, it marks as one of the worst forms of child labour, or more likely to
say, it is a caste supported rape. Since, they join/ forced to join in devadasi
at a early age, they didn’t have proper education and outside world experience,
because of that they lack the skill to find a good employment opportunity thus
leading to economic depression for themselves. Even in the devadasi community,
their patrons will leave them even they suffer from economic pressure, hence,
leaving the devadasi helpless.
Since
they couldn’t get marry, they could only find themselves a patron, whenever
they leave them, they will go a state of depression and loneliness. They
couldn’t escape from these fates also; the society wouldn’t allow them to find
a new life or job. There entire life will in shackles. It becomes more worse,
when they couldn’t work/ their value become less. In those times they are
forced to work in agricultural sector, daily wage labour and sometimes even
begging, to lead not only themselves but also the lives which depended upon
them, such as, their children and father and mother.
Even
if they could find work in the private sector or in agricultural areas, they
are completely discriminated by the people and the society. They lack the
fundamental rights at their work places, like they can’t form any union to show
their rights, they are forced work there for long hours. In those private
sectors they are risking their lives each day, because the safety and security
system won’t be much beneficial for the employees there, not only that there
are high chances of getting sick and injured as well. The company will be
focused on the profit meanwhile, neglecting the concerns of the people. in this
Devadasis will be mentally tortured by the workers as well as the companies,
they will be tortured mentally and physically thus it will be hard to lead a
better life for them, thus making it more of a hell to them like the previous
times.
Even
though there are laws in existence, more work is needed from the side of the
public, Government, NGOs and social workers. For the eliminating corrupted
officers will be of great deal. Making campaigns and making aware of the people
the this was an ancient taboo, and there is no need to fear or consider the
Devadasis as evil or unpleasant beings at all.
Suggestion to
Eradicate throughout Nation
The findings through this work, the
findings can be implemented in the policy makings which will turnout to help
the NGOs and the institutions and social workers to identify the issue from its
root, and could finally eradicate it. It is true that, by addressing their
major problems such as socio- economic inequality and injustice they are facing
most likely to be the root cause, which prevents the new generation to escape
from their fate. The policies which are formulated by the HRD/ Human Resource
Development need to implement is cautiously, meanwhile, they have to find an
alternative livelihood for the Devadasis. The Major implication are in the
areas of Policies and for their carrier.
Policies and Measurements
Dedicating female children to the
temple was declared unlawful in the 1980’s with the Devadasi Acts. But this
practice still exists and girl children are being dedicated to the temple. The
issue with this act is that, it failed to comprehend the Devadasi system.
Through the provisions of the act the parents of the child will be arrested,
but the truth behind is that, the one’s who leads the situation to this
worst-case scenario is not them, but the village head, and the people
supporting this system. There aren’t any laws to punish them. Most of the
times, the innocent is being framed, thus, not making any difference in the
society. So, the persons who makes these should consider these factors as well
for the eradication of Devadasi system.
Most of the Government sections are
offered to the lower caste people, like educational system. But the seats were
left vacant, because they persons from the lower caste, doesn’t have enough
economical strength to educate themselves in such huge institution. The Devadasis
and Transgenders are also from the lower caste section. The Devadasis as well
as the Transgenders couldn’t avail such position, because most of the society
doesn’t want them around, due to fear of social stigma. Through which the
Affirmative action policies haven’t been most effective and most of their
hasn’t been heard clearly.
The Government policies should start
implemented from educational institutions. Starts by giving free meal to the
students including the children of Devadasis, and give free education to the
ones from the lowest strata in terms of economy. These should allow a better
future for the students and will eliminate one of the root problems. In mean
time, the improper execution and corrupt system should be changed along with
it.
Most of the Devadasis are not aware
of the income generating activities and training initiatives put forward by the
Government. So, for that the Government, NGOs and social workers should put
more effort into this, and given them training in candle making, food making,
embroidery etc. which are all income generative jobs, through which they would
able to make themselves, self- efficient. While, the training takes place, a
well planned is much better. Just educating them on the training won’t bring
them any good, and wont able to generate any income as well. Planning in the
sense meaning, which the organisation taught them, will take consideration of
current trend in the market, and helping to provide a good income through it.
One of the important things, which they lack is their social skills, which is
as much important as technical skills. Also helping them to forming their own
working organisations will be good thing, in which they could interact and
share ideas each other. Also, helping the Children of Devadasis to find a good
job- oriented education will be much useful to the society.
Even after acquiring technical
skills, and when they are interested to start their won start- ups, what they
lack is economic support. So, they Government should give them loans, with less
interested, so the Devadasis will come and take it additionally, it will
attract new comers in the field of start- ups. while, the society still follows
old traditions and customs, there is a high chance, there start- ups won’t be
supported and may have a aggressive behaviour towards it. So, taking strict
actions against such atrocities will be more productive. Not only the
Government, the NGOs also could cooperate with the banks, and arrange loans for
the Devadasis. The women organisations, such as Mahila Mandals, SEWA should
come forward the give some support to the Devadasis and promote them on their
venture. Thus, making a self- sufficient society.
Changes in the
Karnataka Devadasi Act of 1982
To eradicate the Devadasi custom
many laws have been enacted. The first one is Bombay Devadasi Protection Act of
1924, followed by Madras Devadasi Act of 1947, Karnataka Devadasi Act 1982 etc.
in all these enacted laws, it prevents any kind of selling of minor for the
purpose of prostitution is banned under IPC section of 372. The Immoral Traffic
law also makes the prostitution a vicious crime.
The Government of Karnataka had
passed the Karnataka Devadasi act of 1982, to prevent and banned the dedication
of women in the temple services and also introduced welfare programmes for
their as well as for the old devadasis. This act made an end to the Devadasi
practice in Karnataka through legislation, only on paper. The penalty of this
crime was about 5 years of imprisonment and fine up to 5000 rupees only.
The
enforcing agencies and NGOs understood that, this law is not enough to bring
justice to the Devadasis, because they have to speak against their relatives
most of the time against their family as well, because they are also involved
in this process of dedication. Because of this an amendment was put forward in
2010 by inserting new sections in the law. It gave more powers to the
magistrate in which he could prohibit dedication, give permission to the rescue
and protection of the Devadasis, give them welfare and rehabilitation etc.
Even though there were some changes
made in the law, the penalty wasn’t much severe and people didn’t often fear
about it. They should be increase in penalty from 5 years to minimum of 10
years and the fine should be increased from 5000 to around 1 Lakh rupees. Better enforcement demands power to make
rules under Section 7, subsection- 2 clause (a)/(b) regarding;
1.
A
manner of investigation etc.
2.
Care/
protection etc. of Devadasis elucidating the respective role of various administrative,
welfare and Law enforcement departments of government.
3.
Creation
of a control board in Maharashtra way (HKCAL, p. 78)
In 2016, the
Supreme Court of India, had condemned the Devadasi system as evil in nature and
the atrocities done in the name of Devadasi practice. The Court also explained
the Devadasi system is one of the core roots for their sexual exploitation and
prostitution. Hence, the court ordered all the Union territories and states,
especially Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to check to the growth of
Devadasi customs, and put an end that, through legal measures. The Court also
advised the Chief Secretary of Karnataka to take necessary steps to prevent
girls becoming Devadasis through sheer force.
Issues and
Problems faced by Devadasis of Karnataka
1.
One
of the important issues, which the Devadasis facing is, they are getting old.
When they became middle aged, their beauty cannot attract many, thus there only
income will perish. In the meantime, they will be suffering from diseases and
their beauty will also eventually fade. They only way they could earn their
livelihood, is doing labour work, either in agricultural field or in factories.
The Government is providing them with pension amount of 1500 rupee, which is
insufficient to lead their every- day life.
2.
When
we took the social structure, the Dalit people are the one’s whom are suffering
the most, because of their race, caste and gender- especially for women. When
it comes to the Devadasis the one’s from the Dalit/ Harijan castes are the
suffering the most, mostly recruited in the Devadasi custom, depriving of their
dreams and life.
3.
Devadasis,
even though they became victims of rape and domestic violence, most of the
authorities wont file complain regarding this.
4.
Because
of becoming Devadasis, they suffer from physical and mental trauma. The
Physical issues include, lack of nutritious food, health issues, suffers from
HIV/ AIDS, most of the times, they became victims of rape, and domestic
violence, also forced to have abortions. The mental issues include, lack of
support, solitude, and cannot come close to their children.
5.
The
one’s whose suffering from Devadasi custom, like the Devadasis are, their
children. Most especially when it comes to their primary and higher education.
The Government is in support of children’s education, and implement a wide
range of schemes for its promotion. But the issue begins with their school
registration. Without giving their father’s name, most schools won’t accept
them. Above that, even if they are accepted in schools, the amount of
humiliation they have to suffer is too much, and the economic incapability to
sent their children to the schools is another reason for it.
6.
A
factor which contributes to the growth of Devadasi custom is, Devadasis are
unaware of the legislations which is present in the society, and have no idea
regarding, dedication of young girls are a punishable offence, and the
Government is going there best to eradicate this.
7.
The
Government had implemented a lot of schemes for the welfare of Devadasis, but
they are unaware of it, because of their illiteracy, and no such initiatives
have done to teach them of these.
8.
The
most important need for a human being is a house. The Devadasi doesn’t have a
house of their own, and lives in a single room. Since they have no one to
depend upon, especially their husband, all the economic burden as well as the
children’s education bestowed upon the Devadasis.
9.
They
are being considered as a, heinous persons in the society, and the society
won’t approve them. They face discrimination not only from the society, but
from their own home also.
10.
The
society won’t accept the children of Devadasis, and no one comes forward to
have matrimonial alliance with them. They fear the social stigma as a factor.
The Government should encourage the marriage of children of Devadasis, and
promote them by giving some incentives to the persons, who comes forward to
marry them. So finally, they could finish the Devadasi system slowly.
11.
The
Government of Karnataka, is providing many programmes and trainings such as tailoring
to the Devadasis, and making them self- sufficient. The also promoting start- ups
by the Devadasis, and giving loan for the same. But the training isn’t
compulsory for everyone, and the incentives which the Government provides,
isn’t reaching the hands of the needy person.
12.
To
make them self- sufficient, as a token of appreciation the Government is
providing them free lands, for agricultural purpose. But the issue which takes
place here is the land is not fertile at all, and thus unable to make any profit
from the lands, and all their investment in the land, will be gone.
Challenges and
Vulnerability
1.
The
Devadasi custom is deeply influenced in the communal society, and is a threat
to both the Government and NGOs in our nation. The only way to supresses it
peaceful is in the hands of Government, by coordinating the armed force,
especially the Police, NGO’s and other organisations, media, to make a mass
awareness campaign in the community and try their best to expose the issues
related to this evil custom. Not only that the Government is liable to provide
the Devadasi women the economic and social support they need.
2.
For
curbing this issue from the phase of Karnataka, the Government should introduce
social and economic programme for the Devadasis, in 14 districts of Karnataka.
The 14 districts are; Belagavi, Bijapura, Bagalkote, Bellary, Koppal, Raichur,
Kalburgi, Yadgiri, Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag, Davangere Chitradurga, and Shimoga.
These are the 14 districts, where poorest Dalit women are the victims of Devadasi
custom. These are the socio- economically backward district within the state.
3.
It
has been noticed that, there isn’t a proper statical record, to understand the
number of Devadasis. The Government of Karnataka, had done survey twice, during
1993 and 2007, where the number of Devadasis remain the same. NCW/ National
Commission for Women, notes the number of Devadasis exists is 87,000. In the
meantime, the National Commission for Human Rights has identified the number of
Devadasis as around 45,000 in 2014.
4.
According
to the Survey conducted by the Government of Karnataka, during 1994 and 2007,
it has been noted that, most of the Devadasis is not ready to disclose their
identity, because they think, by doing so, they are jeopardising their children
future, and they and their children will be vulnerable in the society.
5.
In
most cases, the issues pertaining Devadasis is not coming to light, because of
the insufficiency of Police. Most of them aren’t aware of legislation which
bans such practice and no one is interested to register any case when it comes
to Devadasis. Also, corruption is a key player which hides the issues, from
seeing the light.
6.
The
way to curb this social injustice is to empower the Devadasi women, by forming
organisation for them in each and different levels and tries their best to
prevent the dedication from happening.
7.
The
ways to use their skill, is to understand in what they are better at and
promote their skill. The one’s who doesn’t have any such skill, can be taught
through the skill work shops run by the Government. Through which all their
skills can be channelized and the betterment of the society.
Recommendations
Short- term
Recommendations
1.
It
will be better to rise the Pension for the citizens (Devadasis) who has crossed
the age of 60.
2.
To
ensure the delivery of the Pension is receiving at the right hands, it will be
better to link Aadhar with the pension schemes.
3.
Also,
providing the pension schemes monthly will be a good facility for them.
4.
While
providing properties such as land, house and other properties, it should be
registered in the Devadasis name only.
5.
The
Panchayath should bring initiatives to construct public toilet, where all
people could access them without any caste issue.
6.
If
land is not available, the Government could construct houses vertically, life
flats. Through which the donation of land won’t be a such matter
7.
Even
if the Devadasis have houses of their own, the Government should sanction some
amount for the maintenance and reconstruction of the house.
8.
Most
of the time, the Devadasis were not able to get the free food grain from the
Ration shops, because lack of Ration card. So, the Government help the
Devadasis to obtain the Ration card.
9.
Providing
good health and educational services to the Devadasis and their children, to
make them self- sufficient.
10.
Most
of the Devadasi women are invested themselves in religion, it is better to form
groups and make them to discuss the issues behind such practice, and evil of
this system, making them to understand each other.
11.
Help
the Devadasis to create self- help groups, through which they could address
their problems and inequalities they are facing in the society.
12.
Making
them aware of the social conditions through which they could reduce the
pressure which they are burdening now.
13.
Making
the Devadasis to prevent their young ones to dedicate themselves to the Temple
services.
14.
A
way to prevent the upcoming Devadasi generation is to, give pension to the
children of the Devadasi, whom died, until they turn 18/ 20 years of old.
15.
Providing
free education, which includes tuition fee and accommodation fee to the
Children of Devadasis, who are pursuing higher education.
16.
One
of the major issues which the children of Devadasis suffer is their marriage,
so the Government should formulate some polices, or arrange marriages for the
children of Devadasis.
Long Term
Recommendations
1.
The
NGOs as well as Government should provide knowledge regarding the health
issues, which they suffer in future, such as HIV/ AIDS
2.
The
Government should make the laws stricter, so the trafficking will come to an
end, also there will be a major reduction in the number of Devadasis.
3.
The
Government should create a committee, consisting of a member from Devadasis, a
member from NGOs, one fighting to abolish the Devadasi custom, and other
Judicial members, also inclusion of media. From these they could formulate
policies for the eradication of Devadasi dedication, and also fight against the
social issues they are facing and give them enough support.
4.
The
economic reason is the most possible worst reason for the continuation of
dedication. The Devadasis lack savings, so in order to have saving of money, we
should encourage them to save little money initially, with time, they will have
enough confidence to have a larger amount of savings.
5.
Even
though the Government is providing skill training, most of the Devadasis are
unaware of it. So, making it compulsory, will enable to generate a good income.
Also, making them aware of the different types of policies which implement by
the Government of Karnataka for their upliftment and the subsidies provided by
the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation, with the help of NGOs and
welfare organisations.
6.
Apart
from economic reason, the social stigma which Devadasis facing is the one of
the worst things, which depletes them. So, the community themselves plays a
huge role in the eradication of this. The NGOs and Welfare department can
conduct awareness programmes such as campaigns, street plays, songs etc.
through this performance they could inspire the people to not to dedicate their
children, and prevent anyone from doing the same.
7.
The
best way to make people aware is when the festivals occur in the Yellama Temple
and its region. Most of the people will be gathered there, where these customs
continuing. while conducting awareness campaigns here, it will reach to more
people, and is one of the best opportunities.
8.
The
best way to eradicate the custom is through NGOs, ex- Devadasis collaborating
with the Government. The Government should encourage them to join their
crusade. Since, the ex- Devadasis would roam freely and could understand the
situation there, they will know who will be dedicated next, and stop any such
attempts. Those who have anything to hide can be interrogated immediately. So,
the combined efforts of all these sections will finally put an end to this
custom once and for all.
9.
Since,
most of the Devadasis belongs to the Dalit community, the participation of
Dalit organisations with the Government to curb this will more effective.
10.
Invites
large scale companies to initiate industries in the particular regions, thus
creating an increase in the employment opportunity to the people residing in
the village.
11.
Strict
and proper registration of Birth, will reduce the girls the vulnerability of
girl, from being dedicated to the temple. The Vulnerable section include;
a.
Daughter
of ex- devadasis
b.
Girl
born in a family, where the utterly believe in deities and temple rituals
c.
Girls
joining the Devadasis, not out of devotion, but to cure the diseases which
affecting her family, believing that God will cure it.
d.
Physically
challenged girls
No comments:
Post a Comment