Author: Dr. S. Chandnibi, Associate Professor, Department of History, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP State. Contact No: 09358003777
Publisher: Vijaya Pathippagam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
This book is a unique and special one as it is the first book in Tamil to speak about Devadasis from the archaeological source, the inscriptions (writings on hard material like stones called inscriptions). From the inception to the abolition of Devadasi system is traced historically and presented for the easy understanding of the common public. Its entirety deals with the Tamil region but covers almost all Indian states as required.
Devaradiyar (Devotees of God) and Devar Magalar (God’s daughters) are the terms used to denote these woman temple functionaries in Tamil, whose position degraded in the colonial period. Royal ladies, including Queen of Rajaraja-I, preferred to serve the God as Devaradiyar. The women from all classes of the society entered temple service.
One incident of a government recruited temple woman, who was led into palace service by mistake was sent back to the temple by King Kulottunga’s orders when it was brought to his knowledge by the concerned ladies. Devaradiyars led a normal family life with their husbands and children besides their temple service.
Stormed by colonial rule, they lost respect and profession and came to the roads as devadasis. The economically and socially privileged class exploited them thoroughly in the name of God, religion, custom, tradition and what not ? This devadasi system was abolished through law in the twentieth century with the enormous task of Thankdai Periyar and Dr. Mutthulakshmi Reddy. All that has come in the print do speak about only these degraded Devadasis.
This book breaks the existing hypothesis and sets new records by revealing facts from inscriptions like their varied tasks, hierarchy, remuneration, donations to society and temples, a royal title, etc.
This book was released by Ms. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Member of Lok Sabha, Deputy Leader of DMK at Sahitya Academi Auditorium, Rabindra Bhavan, in New Delhi-1100001 on Sunday, March 2, 2020.
