Karnataka's 2025 Devadasi BillCEFR A2
28 Nov 2025
Adapted from Sumit Kumar Singh, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by zablanca_clicks, Unsplash
The Devadasi system began in India as a temple role for women who performed rituals, dance and music. Over centuries the role changed and many Devadasis lost their traditional work and faced exploitation. Parts of the practice continued despite laws.
The Karnataka Devadasi Bill, 2025, takes a rights-based approach. Drafters consulted more than 15,000 Devadasi women, activists and scholars. The Bill promotes a "principle of conscientisation" with awareness campaigns and health and legal education. It aims to give legal identity, compensation, housing support and help with land and farming.
The Bill allows a child to apply to the taluk Committee to ascertain paternity. A District Court can order DNA testing. A child is presumed legitimate and may inherit from both parents. Different surveys give very different counts of Devadasis.
Difficult words
- dedication — Giving someone to a specific purpose or use.
- exploitation — Using someone unfairly for personal gain.
- legislation — Laws made by a government.
- prohibit — To make something not allowed.
- empowering — Giving someone more control or confidence.
- participants — People who take part in something.
- dignity — The state of being worthy of respect.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are your thoughts on the Devadasi system?
- How can education help empower women in similar situations?
- Why do you think some practices continue despite laws against them?
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