Page "Devadasi" Paragraph 1

During British rule in the Indian subcontinent, kings who were the patrons of temples and temple arts became powerless.

As a result, devadasis were left without their traditional means of support and patronage.

During colonial times, reformists worked towards outlawing the devadasi tradition on grounds that it supported prostitution.

Colonial views on devadasis are hotly disputed by several groups and organizations in India and by western academics.