Driven by journalistic trademark sense of curiosity and determination to unveil onerous social beliefs, Arun investigates how the banned devadasi (meaning ‘female slave of God’) system has continued illegally with its roots firmly entrenched in the social milieu of caste-based discrimination in the country. Much has been written on the age-old tradition of devadasi but the shocking fact is that the lethal combination of poverty, patriarchy and discrimination continues to exploit women behind the religious dogma. Banned across many states, the devadasi system may have lost its traditional status but that it persists as prostitution and slavery is both shocking and disgusting. Sacred Sins is unseen and untold account of the lives of those women who are the unfortunate discards of our society.
Winner of the 2019 Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, the translation of Visudhapapangalude India unearths the religious subjugation and consequent sexual exploitation of women buried beneath multi-layered narratives of faith and history. What began as a short report on the closing of dance bars in Mangalore turned into an extensive investigation spanning seven states, connecting the intricate web of old beliefs with new-age oppression against women. From Uchangi in Karnataka to Peddapuram in Andhra, and from Puri in Odisha to Jalangi in Bengal, and from Vindavan in Uttar Pradesh to Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Arun found the cross-cutting organic link in the artful exploitation of women who bear the brunt of society’s failings. ‘The stark fact is that traditions are so deep-rooted in the minds of people that reform becomes difficult’.
Not much seems to have changed ever since Amrapali was declared
Nagarvadhu (royal courtesan) during the time of Buddha. The practice of dedicating
women to a particular deity or royalty has continued ever since, as the society
has been found wanting on questioning the age-old practice. The practice of
freeing a woman eternally from widowhood by marrying her to a God is beset with
deep discrimination and potential abuse in a male-dominated society. Written
with deep empathy and social concern, Arun
questions if legal provisions alone can uproot a social evil without addressing
the core issues of income inequality and gender justice. No surprise, the devadasi
practice has continued covertly despite a ban since 1982.
Sacred Sins makes disturbing reading about the tradition that has continued illegally even after the ban. Subsequent to the ban, the government claims to have secured pensions and other benefits for devadasis. However, the disturbing news is that the actual number of devadasis is more than what the government survey reveals. It is so because to avail pension a woman ought to be a devdasi first! Is it a well-thought-out provision? Further, the government and society have yet to show commitment to rehabilitate those marginalized by the new law.
The heart-wrenching stories and shocking revelations would lead discerning readers to question the logic of parents’ dedicating young girls to temples, knowing well that they would end-up as mistresses of upper-caste men and abandoned once they are older. Can the government prohibit divine customs which the orthodox hold sacrosanct and believe that if discontinued the entire village of theirs will plunge into destruction. ‘Right and wrong are always relative based on the traditions held close by the society.’
Arun concludes that the element of caste and socioeconomic background are two fundamental aspects that must be taken into account because these factors, strictly interwoven, contribute to keeping this age-old practice of devadasi alive. Further, the patriarchal values are held firm by religious ideas and practices, which impose controls over woman by patronizing such traditions. More than enforcing the law to transform the plight of women, the author suggests, the need is to focus on transforming the economic situation of vulnerable households to avoid falling into the traditional trap. There is more to life than falling into the ritualistic display of grief.
The strong historical lineage of devadasi institution may have undergone many changes, but it continues to remain an integral part of the temple organization. The challenge is to examine and strengthen the reformist agenda for abolition Ing the tradition under the prevailing political environment. While presenting a shocking, empathetic, and hopeful picture on devadasis, Sacred Sins may help readers become more understanding of the social evil that need to be abandoned. Along the way it offers a possible remedy for a society that is riven by fragmentation, hostility, and misperception.
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