Socio - Economic Conditions of Mathammas / Devadasis

Devadasi system gained considerable popularity during the Vijayanagaram emperor¿s period, in India the Devadasi system existed all over the country, but known with different names in different regions. Devadasis/Mathammas are grown in rural areas of Andhra Pradesh with the support of the local rich and influential landlords and the rich influential political leaders in the village as the patrons of the local temples. They would pursue untouchables to be the servant of god by convincing that it is ready a god¿s work, which saves life, family and village against the epidemics, droughts, cyclones. The poor untouchables do believe the words of the local rich and influential leaders and leave their innocent small female kids before the local deity. The social reformers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the women activists and freedom fighters have been fighting for eradicating of this false traditional system in India. In this study broadly discussed socio-economic conditions of Mathammas/Devadasis in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.