Madras Devadasis Prevention of Dedication Act

The Madras Devadasis Prevention of Dedication Act was enacted in India in 1947. This legislation aimed to abolish the devadasi system, a practice where women dedicated themselves to the service of temple deities. Historically, devadasis performed temple rituals, including singing and dancing, and were often expected to provide sexual favors to temple patrons and royalty. The system, which dates back to the 9th and 10th centuries, was associated with temple prostitution, leading to a decline in social regard for devadasis, particularly during the colonial era. The Act prohibited the dedication of women to temples and outlawed their traditional performances, fundamentally impacting the devadasi community and their art forms, such as bharata natyam.12