Devadasi

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A Devadasi is a woman dedicated to the worship of a Hindu temple's patron god. The dedication takes place in a ceremony that is somewhat similar to a marriage ceremony. They have been variously described as female artists who take care of the temple, perform rituals and learn and practice classical Indian dances such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi, but also as de facto sex slaves forced into temple prostitution. Between the sixth and thirteenth centuries, Devadasis had a high rank and dignity in society and were exceptionally affluent as they were seen as the protectors of the arts. During this period, royal patrons provided them with gifts of land, property, and jewellery. After becoming Devadasis, the women would spend their time learning religious rites, rituals and dances. Devadasis were expected to live a life of celibacy. During the period of British rule in the Indian subcontinent, kings who were the patrons of temples lost their power, thus the temple artist...

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