Devaradiyar system in Tamil Nadu

M. Kayalvizhy

Abstract

Devaradiyar system was a practise which was followed during the mediaeval period of Tamil Nadu. They were the women whom dedicated their life for Siva and Vaishnava temples. Number of devaradiyars were served in the temples which was exposed by the inscriptions. They were skilled in art such like Dance, Music and Drama and developed it for centuries. Some women married and some other unmarried and they followed the practise “Pottu Kattuthal”. The Tamil kings honoured them by giving the title of “Thalaikkoli”. Devaradiyars gave huge donations to the temples and served for welfare of the society. They also availed more privileges at that time. But course of time due to various problems and downfalls they lost their honour and struggled for their livelihood. In course of time they were called as “Devadasis” and “Dasis”. Raise and fall of Devaradiyar system has been considered as notable event in the social history of the Tamils.

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