Social Evils of Vijaynagara Society

The period of the Vijayanagara Empire in 14th Century is considered an age of prosperity in South India. Many travelogues written by visitors, ambassadors and indigenous authors of that period testify about the vibrancy of the era. The well organised society of Vijayanagara had a lot of social consciousness which brought in with it elements like harmony, interaction and mutual dependence, which played a pivotal role in strengthening the bonds of social solidarity between its different communities. Women in the empire occupied a high position in society, took in active part in political, social, religion and arts. However, women had to face some uncultured evil social practices too. One of the most brutal and inhuman custom which was widely prevalent in Vijayanagara empire was Sati or Self-immolation which is the burning of Hindu widows on the funeral pyre of their husbands which was marked by erecting pillars called as ‘satikals’. Initially performed by King, great lords, the knights, and warrior class, it percolated to lower economic classes too. Though not compulsory the glory and popularity gained on performing it and the stigma of shame and dishonour attached on non-performance is what made the widow follow it either with pride or with pain. Child marriages were prevalent where the minimum age of the girl was seven. System of bride price called Kanyashulka, Oli and dowry was in vogue.. Another evil called Self tortutre (a Vira Shiavismcult) where women cut off some parts of their body or pierced with the body with needles and swords all tin the name of satisfying God was widely practiced. Hook swinging and finger offering were practised joyfully. The system of Idolatory is practised wherein the maiden girl of the of the house aged about 12years is dedicated to idols who through the prescribed ceremonies takes her own virginity. And finally, the system of prostitution. Even though it was a means of exploitation of women, it was widely practiced as a respectable profession in that era. Those who practised were called as Ganikas/courtesans. A section of courtesans lived independently and the other section called Devadasi- the dancing girls who were attached to temple and dedicated to God at the age of 6 or 9years. Devadasi system underwent many transitions and the tradition suffered socially, culturally and economically to such an extent that contemporary devadasi practice is only associated with social evils. It is observed that state did not interfere with the customs and traditions that prevailed in society. In case of any problem it was people who used to assemble and make voluntary agreement-either to abolish or regulate it.