Major Karnataka Survey Reveals Scale of Former Devadasis Community
A landmark survey conducted by the Karnataka government has officially identified 23,395 former Devadasis living in the state, according to a report submitted to authorities this week. The findings provide crucial data for addressing the social and economic challenges faced by this community and their descendants.
Comprehensive Data Collection Across Multiple Generations
The extensive survey was carried out by the Department of Woman and Child Development in coordination with the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation. Fieldwork spanned from September 15 to December 31, 2025, systematically documenting not only the former Devadasis themselves but also their extended family networks.
The research expanded its scope to include 90,092 family members belonging to the first, second, and third generations of these women. This multi-generational approach offers a more complete picture of the community's size and the intergenerational impact of the Devadasi system's legacy.
Official Submission and Implications for Policy
The comprehensive report was formally presented to the Karnataka state government on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This official submission marks a critical step in transforming raw data into actionable social policy and targeted welfare programs.
The identification of such a significant population—over 23,000 women and nearly 100,000 connected family members—underscores the persistent social dimensions of this issue in modern Karnataka. The data is expected to serve as a foundation for:
- Designing specific rehabilitation and empowerment schemes
- Allocating resources for education, healthcare, and livelihood support
- Informing legal and social protection frameworks for vulnerable women
- Monitoring the long-term effectiveness of government interventions
This survey represents one of the most detailed efforts to quantify the former Devadasi community in recent years, providing a factual basis for ongoing discussions about social justice, women's rights, and inclusive development in the region.
