{"id":497,"date":"2019-06-19T23:51:11","date_gmt":"2019-06-19T23:51:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.couleedevserver.com\/exodus\/the-devadasi-female-slaves-in-modern-india\/"},"modified":"2021-05-12T15:38:00","modified_gmt":"2021-05-12T15:38:00","slug":"the-devadasi-female-slaves-in-modern-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.couleedevserver.com\/exodus\/the-devadasi-female-slaves-in-modern-india\/","title":{"rendered":"The Devadasi: Female Slaves in Modern India"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]According to Reuters, an estimated 20 million commercial prostitutes are living in India, and 16 million of them are female victims of sex trafficking.<\/i>1<\/sup> This overwhelming number is only a portion of the total number of humans living in modern slavery in India today. One contributing influence<\/a><\/span> to this extreme level of exploitation has to do with an ancient Hindu tradition:[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”1%” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” id=”steps” row_name=”Sign Up Steps” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top-bottom” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-12″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bottom_padding=”6%” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][nectar_highlighted_text color_type=”regular” highlight_color=”#ec5540″ style=”half_text”]\n

TheDevadasi<\/em>Practice<\/strong><\/h1>\n[\/nectar_highlighted_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Devadasi<\/i> translates directly to \u201cfemale slave of God.\u201d The practice is illegal everywhere today, yet it successfully draws thousands of young girls\u2014some as young as five or six\u2014into India\u2019s sex trade every single year.2,3<\/sup> BRAVO Team (The Exodus Road India<\/a><\/span>) has encountered families and communities who believe in the ancient tradition and believe that by committing their daughters to the practice, they will be blessed in return.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_image=”878″ bg_position=”center bottom” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”12%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”12%” text_color=”light” text_align=”center” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” id=”cta” color_overlay=”#1a1a18″ overlay_strength=”0.5″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”200″][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]\n

Ancient India<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_column_text]\n

The devadasi<\/i> system didn\u2019t start out as a way to exploit Indian girls.<\/h3>\n

The practice was earliest recorded in the 6th century A.D., when a queen from the Keshari Dynasty decided that highly accomplished women\u2014who had been trained in classical dancing\u2014should be married to deities. Women chosen to fill these roles were highly respected and esteemed members of society. In fact, once married to the deities, they were considered goddesses themselves. Their duties were to care for the temple, perform sacred religious rituals, and dance for royalty in the name of the goddess, Yellamma<\/i>.<\/p>\n

It was deemed an honor for patrons to financially sponsor these women.4,5<\/sup><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

From Esteemed to Exploited<\/h2>\n

When Islamic rulers invaded North India, they began destroying Hindu temples\u2014displacing the devadasi<\/i>, cutting off their patronage, and stripping them of their social status. Their exploitation began as they were forced to find other work, which may have included performing at weddings and private events. Dancing and prostitution soon formed a connection within the culture,6<\/sup> and devadasis<\/i> were forced to become mistresses of priests, kings, and eventually rich landowners.7<\/sup><\/p>\n

Many believe that the British also contributed to the marginalization of this group by displacing patrons and rulers who supported the practice, believing it detestable and wanting to destroy it completely. The devadasi<\/em> were driven underground.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_image=”2037″ bg_position=”center center” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”12%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”12%” text_color=”light” text_align=”center” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” id=”cta” color_overlay=”#1a1a18″ overlay_strength=”0.5″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in-from-bottom”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” enable_animation=”true” animation=”fade-in”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”200″][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” id=”steps” row_name=”Sign Up Steps” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top-bottom” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-12″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]\n

A Tradition Unbroken in Modern Times<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]During the Middle Ages, devadasis<\/i> often came from royal bloodlines, were highly skilled, and were quite possibly among the few literate women in the region. Today, devadasis<\/i> are directly linked to extreme poverty and sexual exploitation. Lower-caste girls are targeted by wealthy landowners or \u201cdedicated\u201d to Yellamma<\/i> by their own parents.8<\/sup><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_video_player_self_hosted video_webm=”https:\/\/www.couleedevserver.com\/exodus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Devadasi_Clip1-1-edit.mov” video_image=”2150″ align=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none”][vc_column_text]According to the Indian National Commission for Women (NCW), at least 44,000 devadasis<\/i> are active in India today;\u00a0the number could, however, be as high as a quarter million. The NCW also states that the majority are concentrated in certain parts of the country: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.<\/p>\n

The driving forces\u2014religion and tradition\u2014remain the same as they were originally, but similarities end there. Here are several reasons the ancient tradition lives on and in certain regions, continues to thrive.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bottom_padding=”6%” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][nectar_highlighted_text color_type=”regular” highlight_color=”#ec5540″ style=”half_text”]\n

The Caste System<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/nectar_highlighted_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]The Hindu caste system is one of the oldest surviving forms of social classification in the modern world. It\u2019s broken into four main categories:9<\/sup>[\/vc_column_text][nectar_icon_list animate=”true” color=”default” direction=”horizontal” columns=”1″ icon_size=”small” icon_style=”border”][nectar_icon_list_item icon_type=”numerical” title=”List Item” id=”1615909996373-5″ header=”Brahmins (priests, teachers)” tab_id=”1615909996374-1″] [\/nectar_icon_list_item][nectar_icon_list_item icon_type=”numerical” title=”List Item” id=”1615909996389-3″ header=”KSHATRIYAS (WARRIORS, RULERS)” tab_id=”1615909996390-1″] [\/nectar_icon_list_item][nectar_icon_list_item icon_type=”numerical” title=”List Item” id=”1615909996396-0″ header=”Vaishyas (farmers, traders, merchants)” tab_id=”1615909996397-3″] [\/nectar_icon_list_item][nectar_icon_list_item icon_type=”numerical” title=”List Item” id=”1615909996404-6″ header=”Shudras (laborers)” tab_id=”1615909996405-1″] [\/nectar_icon_list_item][\/nectar_icon_list][vc_column_text]Dalits aren\u2019t even considered part of the system. They are known as the \u201cuntouchables\u201d in society. Modern devadasis come primarily from the Dalit caste. Many young girls believe the only chance they have to rise in the rigid system is to dedicate themselves to a life of slavery. Otherwise, they may be forced to join the workforce doing unclean work \u201cthat involves physical contact with blood, excrements, and other \u2018defilements as defined by Hindu law.\u2019\u201d[\/vc_column_text][nectar_video_player_self_hosted video_webm=”https:\/\/www.couleedevserver.com\/exodus\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Devadasi_Clip2.mp4″ video_image=”2149″ align=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”1%” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” id=”steps” row_name=”Sign Up Steps” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top-bottom” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-12″][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bottom_padding=”6%” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][nectar_highlighted_text color_type=”regular” highlight_color=”#ec5540″ style=”half_text”]\n

Blessed by a Goddess<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/nectar_highlighted_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Some families believe they are honoring Yellamma<\/i> by dedicating their daughters and that the younger a girl is when she is dedicated, the more she will be blessed. Many Hindu priests preserve and condone the long-standing tradition in their communities, as well. They claim families will be rewarded by dedicating their daughters or attribute poverty or poor health to the wrath of the deity.[\/vc_column_text][nectar_icon_list animate=”true” color=”default” direction=”horizontal” columns=”1″ icon_size=”small” icon_style=”border”][nectar_icon_list_item icon_type=”numerical” title=”List Item” id=”1615909996486-7″ header=”Societal Pressures” text=”The devadasi have an opportunity to earn money to support their families. Sometimes they even earn enough to own land. It\u2019s also common for landowners (of a higher caste) to believe that having sex with as many young girls as possible is prestigious. Some believe that having sex with a young girl wards off diseases. All of these deep-seated, cultural norms help keep this practice alive today.” tab_id=”1615909996487-8″] [\/nectar_icon_list_item][nectar_icon_list_item icon_type=”numerical” title=”List Item” id=”1615909996500-3″ header=”Devadasis vs. Other Victims of Human Trafficking” text=”Devadasis differ from other victims of sex trafficking in several ways. First, they are typically much younger; many young girls are dedicated to Yellamma between the ages of five and ten. Second, girls are blindly but openly induced into the sex industry to be exploited\u2014often by their own families. Third, many of those who participate in the practice are ignorant of the laws that ban it.11″ tab_id=”1615909996500-6″] [\/nectar_icon_list_item][\/nectar_icon_list][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#f4f4f4″ scene_position=”center” top_padding=”80″ bottom_padding=”80″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”center” phone_text_alignment=”center” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”The Truth about Sex Trafficking” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:52|text_align:left|line_height:56px” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%20Condensed%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1614811503685{margin-top: 15px !important;}”]Download our free eBook today.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_raw_html]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[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”3%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”3%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” id=”steps” row_name=”Sign Up Steps” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top-bottom” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none” offset=”vc_col-xs-12″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]\n

Fighting the Devadasi Practice in India<\/h2>\n

Though the devadasi <\/i>practice was outlawed nearly one hundred years ago, in 1924, it continues to exist in certain parts of the country due to continuous underreporting and its underground nature. To further combat the issue, various laws and prohibitions have been passed, targeting parts of the country where the practice is still highly concentrated.12<\/sup><\/p>\n

BRAVO Team operatives are working to stop this system of abuse and put an end to human trafficking in rural Indian communities. As Sudir* said in his interview,<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce the girl is dedicated, she gets married with that lady goddess, and then she can\u2019t get married with others. And then, ultimately, she becomes a prostitute. The system is wrong.\u201d<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

While it may seem overwhelming, there\u2019s hope for girls trapped in the devadasi <\/i>system of sex trafficking. Sudir\u2019s team has helped local police rescue hundreds<\/em> of young girls from Indian brothels and arrest their traffickers. These girls are then typically repatriated to their home countries or placed in the care of the social welfare system.<\/p>\n

And you can help. By supporting this Search & Rescue team’s frontline work in India, you can bring freedom to girls who are still enslaved. Send investigators to help find victims of human trafficking and social workers to comfort and care for them. Consider joining Search & Rescue<\/a><\/span> today.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]During the Middle Ages, devadasis<\/i> often came from royal bloodlines, were highly skilled, and were quite possibly among the few literate women in the region. Today, devadasis<\/i> are directly linked to extreme poverty and sexual exploitation. Lower-caste girls are targeted by wealthy landowners or \u201cdedicated\u201d to Yellamma<\/i> by their own parents.8<\/sup><\/p>\n

According to the Indian National Commission for Women (NCW), at least 44,000 devadasis<\/i> are active in India today; the number could, however, be as high as a quarter million. The NCW also states that the majority are concentrated in certain parts of the country: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.<\/p>\n

The driving forces\u2014religion and tradition\u2014remain the same as they were originally, but similarities end there. Here are several reasons the ancient tradition lives on and in certain regions, continues to thrive.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]*Name is representative to protect our investigator\u2019s identity. <\/i>Video footage came from 2015 TER storytelling trip to India.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

1. Nagaraj, Anuradha. \u201cRescued Child Sex Workers in India Reveal Hidden Cells in Brothels<\/a>.\u201d Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 13 Dec. 2017.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Shingal, Ankur (2015). \u201cTHE DEVADASI SYSTEM: Temple Prostitution in India<\/a>.\u201d UCLA Women’s Law Journal, 22(1).<\/span><\/p>\n

3. VICE. \u201cProstitutes of God (Documentary).\u201d YouTube, 21 Aug. 2012.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Shingal, Ankur (2015). \u201cTHE DEVADASI SYSTEM: Temple Prostitution in India.\u201d UCLA Women’s Law Journal, 22(1).<\/span><\/p>\n

5. VICE. \u201cProstitutes of God (Documentary).\u201d YouTube, 21 Aug. 2012.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Shingal, Ankur (2015). \u201cTHE DEVADASI SYSTEM: Temple Prostitution in India.\u201d UCLA Women’s Law Journal, 22(1).<\/span><\/p>\n

7. VICE. \u201cProstitutes of God (Documentary).\u201d YouTube, 21 Aug. 2012.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Shingal, Ankur (2015). \u201cTHE DEVADASI SYSTEM: Temple Prostitution in India.\u201d UCLA Women’s Law Journal, 22(1).<\/span><\/p>\n

9. \u201cWhat Is India’s Caste System?<\/a>\u201d BBC News, BBC, 20 July 2017.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Shingal, Ankur (2015). \u201cTHE DEVADASI SYSTEM: Temple Prostitution in India.\u201d UCLA Women’s Law Journal, 22(1).<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Ibid.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. Ibid.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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