A Systematic Study on The Issues and Challenges; Devadasis System in Karnataka

The paper explores vivid customs and practices maintained by Devadasis in the state of Karnataka in specific where Devadasis are considered as women given in marriage to God but the study reports in Karnataka that Devadasis have been portrayed as sex slaves/prostitutes. This practice is developed and now Devadasis are confronting many problems and challenges across different parts of Karnataka. As per 1993-94 Census, there were around 22,873 Devadasis in 10 districts of Karnataka, viz, Belgaum, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Bellary, Koppal, Raichur, Gulbarga, Dharwad, Haveri and Gadag. Later a survey was conducted in 2007-08 and 23,787 additional Devadasis were identified. Because of this, the total number of identified Devadasis doubled to 46,660 in the Census. Devadasis aged above 45 get pension around Rs.1500/- from government of Karnataka which is insufficient for their livelihood. In addressing the devadasi practice, this research study does the following: (i) Discusses the devadasi system’s historically and highlights socio-economic, religious and educational conditions in Karnataka; (ii) addresses the issues and problems faced by Devadasis of Karnataka (iii) Focuses challenges and vulnerability (iv) discuss various programmes suggested to prevent a large range of different areas of devadasi problems.