SYNOPSIS

Women, whose lives and occupation, were seen as emblematic of oppression, servitude, slavery, exploitation and victimization. Their social existence was extinguished by the stroke of a law that was passed based on debates on feminism, morality and reform. Were the Devadasis merely victims? Did they have an enabled voice? Did their story get registered in their own voices? 

Can a reformer, savior, patron, student, researcher or even the ethnographer represent their voice? What have we lost in representation?

Presenting an overview of the historical lineage of the hereditary artiste community called collectively as “Devadasis”, the talk will use anecdotal memoirs, audio and video footage of the artists themselves and repertoire of songs and dances. Still living amongst us as disembodied artistes and disenfranchised citizens, we will reflect on their identities and the bylanes of morality, patriarchy, perception, scandal and deception that surround the “Anti Devadasi Prohibition Act 1947” in Tamil Nadu.