The Centre for Women’s Studies (CWS) at the University of Hyderabad held its annual Savitribai Phule Memorial Lecture on February 6th at Conference Hall, School of Social Sciences. The Savitribai Phule Memorial Lecture is an annual lecture organized in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, which invites prominent scholars and activists working in the field of Women Studies.This year’s lecture was given by renowned Kuchipudi and Devadasi Nrityam artist and chair of Department of Kuchipudi at Aria University, Dr Yashoda Thakore. The lecture titled ‘Give us Education – Religious, Literary and Artistic’ The Devadasi’s Plea for Mobility’ explored the multifaceted lives of Devadasis and their diverse paths to education and knowledge. The lecture was chaired by Prof Jyothirmay Sharma, Dean of School of Social Sciences. Prof Deepa Srinivas, Head of CWS, welcomed the audience and introduced the speaker.
In the lecture Dr Thakore discussed the intrinsic layers of the Devadasi’s traditions and the different ways through which they acquired knowledge and education. She divided these into three divisions – first was the embodied knowledge which is gained by the dancer through the performance, second came the era of pursuing education and third period she described as the dancer’s vengeful pursuance of knowledge. The lecture shed light on the Devadasis’ contributions during the nationalist movement and examined the impact of the Madras Devadasi Act of 1947. Dr. Thakore explained how this act, which intended to address certain social issues, ultimately affected the Devadasi community’s connection to temples and rituals, which were central to their embodied knowledge.
After the independence, the Kalavanthulu community pursued formal education as a way to camouflage their identity and missionary schools played a significant role in their access to formal education. Dr Yashoda talked about her family experiences of education and how the family looked at it as a path forward for their community. She also pointed out that unlike the popular belief that Devadasis are a caste, it’s not a caste but a community formed from different lineages.
The lecture provided valuable insights into the Devadasi tradition, challenging common misconceptions and highlighting their resilience and pursuit of knowledge. The lecture was followed by an engaging question and answer session with the audience.
Contributed by by Alice Abraham, Doctoral Student, Centre for Women’s Studies