DEVADASI SYSTEM IN INDIA- HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & SUPREME COURT STANCES ON IT.

Authors: Tanaya Wageshwari, Assistant Professor at RNB Global University, Bikaner

Best Citation – Tanaya Wageshwari, DEVADASI SYSTEM IN INDIA- HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & SUPREME COURT STANCES ON IT, Indian Journal of Legal Review (IJLR), 3 (1) of 2023, Pg. 385-391, ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

Calling them devadasis we insult God himself in the name of religion- Mahatma Gandhi

In India, a system of ritualized prostitution, known as Devdasi system which is a social stigma to a great extent adopted in India. The word Devadasi has its origin from two Sanskrit words; Devand Dasi which means female servant of God.

In this system, a girl is dedicated to a temple usually before reaching the age of puberty. The researcher would like to throw the light on the history of this system. In this research; the researcher would like to contextualize the historical and cultural underpinnings of this system and also the evolution of this practice to the modern day.

This paper explains what our judicial system and its authority can do to truly combat this practice. The researcher dealt with all the stances taken by the Supreme Court on this ritualized prostitution system. This research aims to understand the exclusion experienced by the women where they have been victims of this practice.

Since, the topic is yet to be discussed in detail in the society, I through this paper have tried to replicate the scenario and have thought of showing its various implications. Leaving you with the question to ponder about this practice and its various dimensions?

Key words: Devadasi system, prostitution, Social exclusion, victims, Social stigma.