Context: The rivalry between the Malas and Madigas, sub-castes among the Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Telangana, has come to the fore yet again after political parties announced candidates for the general elections.
About Mala and Madiga
Madiga:
- The 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.
- 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
- Within this community, there are various sub-castes include Bindla, Chindu, Dakkali and Mashti.
- They have their own classes; the priestly class is known as Madiga Dasari.
- The occupation of this community is primarily associated with tanning leather, making footwear, belts, pouches, toddy-containers, and bags.
- This community is known for their expertise in crafting the traditional drum called the Dappu
Mala:
- Mala is a Telugu caste from the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They are also present in smaller numbers in the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
- 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.