Cultural Heritage and Social Transformation of Madiga Community in Telangana A Study

Abstract

It is a known fact world-wide that mankind has, from the primitive ages, sustained itself by consuming leaves, roots, and also animal flesh. The primitive man hunted animals and ate their flesh to suppress his hunger pangs. While eating the flesh of these hunted animals, he used the hide not only to protect himself from the vagaries of nature but also to cover his body besides using it as roofing over his shelter. In the process of dressing the skin of the animal the primitive man had acquired skill in putting it for domestic utilization, and later learnt to make agricultural implements and other leather tools to carry on with his life. newlineThere are certain classes of population in India that sustain themselves on the traditional occupation of tanning. The Chamars of North India, the Dhers of Central India, Madiga, Mochi and Samagara/ Chumagaras of Karnataka, Chakkiliyans and Vettiyans of Tamil Nadu, the Tolkollans of Kerala, and the Madigas of both the Telugu speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana eke out a living primarily working on animal hide (leather). newline