WOMEN, RELIGION AND TRADITION: The Cult of Jogins, Matangis and Basvis

Religion is a complex phenomenon which pervades a vast range of human activities. In India, religion influences society in diverse ways. This book explores the religious practice of temple dancing which formed an integral part of the ritual service to the Gods and Goddesses in various South Indian states. The culture of dedicating girls to temples is a common phenomenon in this country. These girls are referred to by different names in different parts of India, such as Devadasis, Jogins, Matangis, Basvis, Vaghyamurlis, Bhavins, Mariammas, etc., which literally means “female servant of the deity”.

The present book, which is an empirical study undertaken by the author for more than two decades, from 1985 to 2006, traces the origin and spread of the Devadasi culture in India, particularly the Deccan region, and evaluate the impact of reformative and rehabilitative measures taken by the governmental and non-governmental organizations.

This is perhaps the first-ever comprehensive study of this pernicious practice of women’s exploitation in the name of religion and tradition. No doubt, it will attract wide readership among scholars and practitioners alike.

Vakulabharanam Lalitha holds a doctorate degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Calcutta. In a career spanning over almost four decades, she has been a teacher, researcher, administrator and a visiting professor. Her anthropological study of criminal tribes in Andhra Pradesh received high critical appreciation from the academic circles. She has published books, articles, research papers, monographs and special reports on various aspects of social, tribal and cultural life of Andhra Pradesh.