The system was criticised by British rulers , leading to  decline in support for the system and the devadasis were forced into entering prostitutionfor survival . Many scholars have stated that the Hindu scriptures do not mention the system. Human Rights Watch also reports claim that devadasis are forced into this service and, at least in some cases, to practice prostitution for upper-caste members.Human Rights Watch. Caste: Asia's Hidden Apartheid Various state governments in India enacted laws to ban this practice both prior to India's independence and more recently. They include Bombay Devdasi Act, 1934, Devdasi (Prevention of dedication) Madras Act, 1947, Karnataka Devdasi (Prohibition of dedication) Act, 1982, and Andhra Pradesh Devdasi (Prohibition of dedication) Act, 1988.United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Thirty-seventh session: 15 January – 2 February 2007 However, the tradition continues in certain regions of India, particularly the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The system was criticised by British colonial government , leading to a decline in support for the system and the devadasis soon turned to prostitution . Many scholars have stated that the Hindu scriptures do not mention the system. Human Rights Watch also reports claim that devadasis are forced into this service and, at least in some cases, to practice prostitution for upper-caste members.Human Rights Watch. Caste: Asia's Hidden Apartheid Various state governments in India enacted laws to ban this practice both prior to India's independence and more recently. They include Bombay Devdasi Act, 1934, Devdasi (Prevention of dedication) Madras Act, 1947, Karnataka Devdasi (Prohibition of dedication) Act, 1982, and Andhra Pradesh Devdasi (Prohibition of dedication) Act, 1988.United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Thirty-seventh session: 15 January – 2 February 2007 However, the tradition continues in certain regions of India, particularly the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
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rulers
colonial government
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a
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were forced into entering prostitutionfor survival
soon turned to prostitution