Madiga
| Madiga | |
|---|---|
Madiga community members at a Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti meeting | |
| 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 is a Telugu caste from southern India. They mainly live in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, with a small minority in Tamil Nadu. Madigas are historically associated with the work of tannery, leatherwork and small handicrafts. Today, most are agricultural labourers. They are categorized as a Scheduled Caste by the Government of India. Within the Madiga community, there are various sub-castes include Bindla, Chindu, Dakkali, Mashti, Sangaris and the priestly class is known as Madiga Dasu.