Madiga | |
---|---|
Classification | Scheduled caste |
Religions | Hinduism, Christianity |
Languages | Telugu • Kannada • Tamil |
Country | India |
Populated states | Andhra Pradesh • Telangana • Karnataka • Tamilnadu • Maharastra |
Region | South India |
Population | 7.66 million |
Madiga ""Gaelic 'o' madiga"" is an ethnic group/Telugu caste from southern India.[1] They mainly live in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, with a small minority in Tamil Nadu.[2][3] Madigas are historically associated with the work of tannery, leatherwork and small handicrafts.[4] Today, most are agricultural labourers.[5] They are categorized as a Scheduled Caste by the Government of India.[6] Within the Madiga community, there are various sub-castes[7][8] include Bindla they work mostly known to make shoes, Chindu They are nomadic performing caste, Chindus constantly travel to different villages and live with Madigas they can be identified as worshippers of Yellamma diety, Dakkali, Dakkala or Dakkali is the name of a class of mendicants who beg from Mādigas only, Mashti, a nomadic tribe with martial art skills has by and large gone unnoticed in this part of East Godavari. They are unknown to many beyond the district and deprived of any support from the authorities. They are known as ‘Mala Mashtis’, Sangaris[9][10] they are known for making handicrafts and wood carving. The priestly class is known as Madiga Dasu they are associated with temple worships and have had a long history of being agricultural land owners they are also worshippers of Venkateswara or Narasimha dieties.[11]