Malas And Madigas: Telangana's SC Community

The rivalry between Malas and Madigas, sub-castes among Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Telangana, has come to the fore yet again after political parties announced candidates for the general elections.

Malas: Farmers and Weavers

1. Mala is a Telugu caste of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They are also present in smaller numbers in the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
2. Traditionally, they were farmers and weavers, known for their skills in both agriculture and crafts.
3. According to 2001 census data, Malas constituted 41.6 percent (51.39 lakh) of the Scheduled Castes population in the then state of Andhra Pradesh, which also included the present state of Telangana.

Madiga: The Leather Experts and Sanitation Workers

1. Madiga community is a Telugu caste, mainly living in the southern states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. However, they also live in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Odisha.
2. As per the 2011 census, the Madiga community in the undivided Andhra Pradesh and Telangana constituted more than 48 per cent of the SC population
3. They have their own classes; the priestly class is known as Madiga Dasari.
4. The occupation of this community is primarily associated with tanning leather, making footwear, belts, pouches, toddy-containers, and bags.
5. This community is known for their expertise in crafting the traditional drum called the Dappu.

Q. With reference to the Madiga community, Consider the following statements:

1. They are an indigenous Scheduled Tribe community of the Odisha.

2. The primary occupation of this community is associated with agriculture.

3. Dappu is an annual festival of this community.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one (b) Only two

(c) All three (d) None

Ans. D

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