Power, agency and exploitation of devadasis in medieval India

A Foucauldian analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID8132147
AuthorsAmrutha K R (0009-0005-2785-9645, Vellore Institute of Technology University), Saravanan V (0000-0003-1533-3652, Vellore Institute of Technology University, corresponding author)
Year2026
Volume34
Issue2
Pages1-16
Publication date2026-01-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueContemporary South Asia (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0958-4935 • E-ISSN: 1469-364X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09584935.2026.2619066
OpenAlexW7125611562
LanguageEN
References cited27

Beginning with a historical overview, this study examines the devadasi tradition in ancient India, where unmarried women dedicated their lives to serving deities in temples. Initially praised for its social and religious importance, the devadasi system later came to be criticised as exploitative. Although not universally practised, the tradition gained prominence in southern and eastern India. Its diverse nature separated the wealthy upper-class devadasis from the impoverished lower-class devadasis, in terms of status, education, and property rights. Only a few could achieve the agency it offered; for many women, participation in the system precisely illustrated the intricate interactions of power, gender, caste, and ritual within Indian society. This analysis explicitly employs Foucault's concept of power to examine the ambivalent nature of the devadasi tradition. A central case study critically applies discourse analysis to Brahmakamal: Love Story of a Devadasi, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of medieval devadasi classifications. Building on this historical foundation, the study uses Foucault’s theory of power to examine the changes in the devadasi system—from medieval times to its contemporary stigmatisation—and offers new insights into shifting discourses on devadasi sexuality.

Agency (philosophy · Government (linguistics · Politics · Power (physics · Eurasian Exchange Networks · Indian and Buddhist Studies · South Asian Studies and Conflicts

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