Jagan Mitra Mandali (1906)

·         The Jogini system traces its origins to the Veera Shaiva tradition and Dravidian cultural practices among lower caste communities. It is believed that the system spread into Telangana after the decline of the Kakatiya dynasty, influenced by similar practices in the Basavirandra region of Karnataka.

·         References to this practice can be found in ancient inscriptions, such as the Jogimara inscription of the 3rd century B.C., and in the writings of Abbe Dubois, who observed such practices during the Kakatiya period. Over time, the Jogini system became accepted in rural Telangana, particularly in districts like Mahabubnagar, Adilabad, Medak, Warangal, Nizamabad, and Karimnagar, where it was practiced as a religious duty.

Measures Taken by State Institutions and Civil Society to Eradicate the Jogini System:

Andhra Pradesh Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1988:

·         This law was enacted to stop the dedication of girls as Joginis, Devadasis, or under any other similar names.

·         The act makes such practices illegal, providing legal protection to girls and women, and imposing penalties on those who participate in or support these practices.

Civil Society Organizations:

Samskar (1974, Vijayawada):

·         Founded by Lavanam and Hemalatha Lavanam, this organization aimed to change the lives of Joginis through rehabilitation, education, and counseling.

·         Chelli Nilayam (Sister’s Home) was established in 1987 in Nizamabad to provide shelter and support to former Joginis, helping them reintegrate into society.

NISA (National Institute of Social Action):

·         Established by Kumud Ben Joshi, then Governor of United Andhra Pradesh, NISA worked to raise awareness about the Jogini system and supported initiatives to help the affected women.

Aashray (1993):

·         Founded by Grace Nirmala, Aashray focused on rescuing teenage girls from becoming Joginis and provided education and vocational training to those who left the system. The organization also published the newspaper “Dalit” to raise awareness.

Jagan Mitra Mandali (1906):

·         Established by Bhagya Reddy Varma, this organization played a key role in advocating against the Jogini and Devadasi systems in the Hyderabad Province and worked to rehabilitate affected women.

Evaluation of the Measures:

·         The actions taken by state institutions and civil society have made significant progress in addressing the Jogini system. The Andhra Pradesh Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1988, provides a legal basis to fight the practice, though enforcement has been uneven. Civil society organizations have been vital in offering support and rehabilitation to the women affected and in raising public awareness. However, the continued existence of the practice in some areas shows that more work is needed in education, enforcement, and changing societal attitudes