The real truth behind Krishnadasis.
It is spine chilling, and we bet it is beyond your imagination!
Published: Saturday,Jul 23, 2016 11:08 AM GMT-06:00

The Devdasi culture is a not so known part of India. Not until the show Krishnadasi was created. But trust me when I say it, it has been mellowed down a lot!
Who are these Devdasis and what to they do? Most of us have a rough idea about the same but here is what a Devdasi is-
A Devdasi is a girl "dedicated" to worship and service of a deity or a temple for the rest of her life. She is a dancer, who is trained to dance in the temple. Devdasis are responsible for taking care of the temple. They look after the cleaning, decor, and maintenance of these temples. These women would often be married to patrons who would provide them financial aid. Despite their marriage, the Devdasi's continued their practice of performance arts. The patrons married other women as their housewives! Over the period of time, a lot of Devdasis had established themselves across the country. Most of them were picked up by the patrons for sexual services. Patrons would also switch from one dasi to another and it didn't take long for this culture to turn into a form of prostitution!
Probably, this part of the culture is too bold for Indian television. But half knowledge is dangerous!

(Shashimoni, one of India's oldest living Devdasi)
Devdasis have seen tough times during the British rule. The British clearly understood the racket these women were running in the name of God. Most of the patrons of these temples were influential leaders of India (kings,Subedars, Landlords) who became powerless during the British rule. This gave a boost to prostitution as the dasis had lost their source of income!
In the modern times, Devdasi culture has faded. But the culture still exists in the remote parts of south and west India. The harsh reality about this culture is that when the dasis give birth, their offsprings have to follow their methods and there is no arguing. There was a time when being born a Devdasi was considered lucky, but now the children are forced into performing arts and prostitution.

Despite numerous attempts at shutting down this culture, our country has always failed as they get away on religious grounds! What the show focuses on is a petty love story with minor twists. In the initial episodes, we saw bits and parts of the real Devdasi culture, but over the last few months, the Devdasi part has faded. It seems like the makers want to focus on Fan-service rather than show the reality!
Believe it or not, this is the harsh reality of Devdasis in our country.
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