UPSC Prelims 1996·GS1·art-and-culture·religion and literature

Which one of the following temples figured in the news regarding the institution of the Devadasis?

Dalvoy logo
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AJagannath temple, PuriCorrect
  2. BPasupatinath temple, Kathmandu
  3. CKandariyamahadev temple, Khajuraho
  4. DChaunsathyogini temple, Bheraghat

Explanation

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is the correct answer because it is one of the few remaining temples where the tradition of Devadasis, known locally as Maharis, survived into the modern era. The institution featured in the news due to the passing of the last surviving Devadasis of the temple and the subsequent formal end of the centuries old ritual service. While the practice was abolished across India by law, the specific historical and cultural link to the Jagannath Temple often brings it into focus during discussions regarding the legacy and legal aspects of the Devadasi system.
art-and-culture: Which one of the following temples figured in the news regarding the institution of the Devadasis?

Related questions

More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.