This article will discuss the Varnasrama dharma (caste system) in India and examine the practice of Devadasi in Hinduism. The focus will be on the history of the caste system and Devadasi practice by examining how it grew in India during the rule of the Chola Empire. The religious side of the practice will be considered, including how Devadasi has become an auspicious part of the Hindu culture grown throughout southern India. The article will also look at the political side of India and how over time the practice of Devadasi became less auspicious and was used to exploit women under the new government, until the practice was abolished in the 19th century. There will be a discussion on different caste groups in India and how economically Devadasi girls become dependent on this religious practice to survive in India. Further observing the changes from auspicious temple practices to low-level prostitution and how the practice of dedicating oneself to God has become less religious and more corrupt. Finally, concluding with Devadasi in the present day and how political changes in India have swept away this particular ritual by imposing laws against prostitution, yet investigating poverty and sexual relations in lower caste areas of India and human rights issues and examining whether this practice is still present in India today. To begin this article it is appropriate to give a brief explanation of the history of Hinduism in India and the intricacies of the caste system to understand the practice of Devadasi. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions that developed around 2000 BC in a village called Harappa near the Indus River. In 1900 BC the Harappan people fled there and were invaded by the Aryans. The Aryans a...... middle of paper ......88-115, The President and the Harvard Collage Companions, accessed 03/19/2011Orr, Leslie. (2000), Donors, devotees and daughters of God in medieval Talmilnadu, Oxford University Press, OxfordOrchard, Terena, (2007), The impact of gender and tradition on sexuality and relationships for Devadasi prostitutes in rural India, Sexuality and Culture Vol. 11, no. 1 pg3-27 BCHIV/AIDS Center of Excellence, Vancouver, Canada accessed 03/16/2011Smith, K, Brian. (1994) Classification of the universe, the ancient Indian Varna systems and the origins of castes, Oxford University press, New York Torri, Constanza, Maria. (2009) Journal of International Women's Studies, Abuse of the lower caste system in India Vol 11, access14/03/2011Vanamamalai, N, (1974) State and religion in the Chola Empire, Taxation for Thanjuvur Temple, Social Scientist, Vol 3 pg26 -42, access 19/03/2011