Activists demand Devadasi survey without condition of age limit

As preparations are under way for the third survey of Devadasis in Karnataka, the community members have urged the State government to conduct the door-to door survey without fixing any age limit to identify the Devadasis — now concentrated mostly in 15 northern districts.

The Bengaluru-based National Law School of India University (NLSIU), which is spearheading efforts to bring a new legislation for Devadasis, has also petitioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against any age limit.

While the fresh survey — a long-pending demand of the community — had been announced in the 2024-2025 Budget, the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) recently directed the government to complete the survey and come out with recommendations before this October.

It is learnt that the survey is being planned to be conducted through the offices of taluk-level child development officers, where Devadasis are expected to go and provide their details.

While circulars so far have been silent on the age, community members have been pointing to past surveys which were conducted similarly from offices and had kept out women below 45 years.

Banned in 1982

The centuries-old practice of dedication of women to temples as Devadasis has been banned in the State since 1982 when the Karnataka Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act was enacted. Subsequently, the government conducted surveys in 1993-1994 and 2007-2008, when 22,873 and 46,660 Devadasis, respectively, were identified.

However, Yamunurappa, coordinator of Vimuktha Devadasi Mahila Mathu Makkala Vedike, claimed that a similar number of Devadasis have remained outside the list owing to several issues.

“I did not even know of a survey being conducted. I have a Devadasi certificate, but I am not on the list. I do not get any pension,” 74-year-old Honnamma from Harikere in Harappanahalli of Vijayanagara district said, pointing to a lack of awareness. Being on the list becomes important for receiving rehabilitation benefits including ₹2,000 monthly pension.

The demand for house-to-house survey by the team, which should include former Devadasis, has come in the light of allegations that many non-Devadasis were getting included in the current list and receiving benefits.

Stigma, lack of awareness

“Earlier, stigma prevented many from coming out in the open and many were threatened by officials of possible legal trouble if they declared themselves to be Devadasis because it had been banned in 1982. Despite the ban, the tradition continued across many big temples during annual fairs in North Karnataka,” said Manjula Malige, daughter of a Devadasi and now associated with Hosapete-based Sakhi Trust. “The biggest hindrance in the previous two surveys has been the age limit of 45 and above to qualify to register. Women in North Karnataka also migrate for livelihood. There was a lack of awareness about the survey.”

According to R.V. Chandrashekar, researcher in NLSIU, the government orders in the previous surveys remained silent on the age limit, but they crept in during subsequent circulars. “We want the survey to be comprehensive following which a one-time rehabilitation is possible.”