Karnataka's 2025 Devadasi BillCEFR A1
28 Nov 2025
Adapted from Sumit Kumar Singh, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by zablanca_clicks, Unsplash
- The Devadasi system began long ago in India.
- Women served in temples and did dance and music.
- Over centuries the role changed and rules vanished.
- Many Devadasis lost work and faced exploitation.
- Karnataka made a new law in 2025.
- The Bill defines Devadasis as rights-bearers.
- It supports legal identity, money, housing and land.
- Children can ask the taluk Committee for tests.
- A District Court can order DNA testing.
- Surveys show different numbers and the data vary.
Difficult words
- tradition — A way of doing things that people follow.
- dedicated — To give someone to a special purpose.
- exploit — To use someone unfairly for benefit.exploitation
- abuse — To harm someone in a wrong way.
- rights — Treaties that people should have and be respected.
- safety — Being protected from harm or danger.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think traditions can change over time?
- What can be done to support people in difficult traditions?
- How do you feel about the rights of individuals in your community?
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