Mala (caste)
Encyclopedia
Mala or Malla is a social group or caste
mostly from Andhra Pradesh
state of India
. Mala or Malla is derived from the Sanskrit word "Malla" which means wrestler. They are one of the dominant Dalit castes of Andhra the other being Madiga
s.
They constitute around 8.5% of the total state population. They are largely concentrated in the Coastal Andhra
region. During Adi-Andhra movement in 1930s several Mala caste people, including few Madigas, especially from coastal Andhra called themselves as 'Adi-Andhra' and were recorded in the census with the 'Adi-Andhra' caste name akin to Adi Dravida
of Tamil Nadu. (Adi-Andhra is synonym word instead of using MALA or Madiga, in Adi-Andhra Malas are 90% and 10% belonged to Madiga caste). In the ancient times, Malas were mostly village watchmen or hardworking laborers. They were skilled workers too and were also recruited by the British Army because of their martial skills. Presently they don't have a specific caste profession and can be seen in many professions.
The Mahar
s in neighbouring Maharashtra are akin to the Malas and the two dominant dalit castes in Tamil Nadu, Paraiyar
and Pallar
, tend to claim the inter-relation with the Malas, Mahar
s and Pulayas.
history, culture and tradition. Mala's played a vital role in expansion of Kakatiyan kingdom. In Kakatiya
military Malas are used to be called as Mohari (Telugu: mohari), the street which they lived is known as "Mohariwada". The warrior Yugandarudu who was the army chief of Prataparudra is a Mala.
The anthropological evidence shows that the Mahar
s or Malas seemed to have hailed primarily from the drier upland areas like the Deccan plateau. According to researchers like Ambedkar, the Mahars and similar communities like Malas were actually warriors of some defeated kingdom, they were pushed down in social status,they were disarmed but retained as village servants.
Mala caste has got prominence during the period of Palanati Bramha Naidu (Prime Minister to Nalagam King of Macherla) (1170 to 1180 AD). The Mala Warrior Mala Kannamadasu was the first Senapathi in the history along with Kammas, Velamas and Reddies in those days. He was given high regard by Palanati Bramha Naidu, since then Macherla Chennakesava swamy became Kuladaivam to Malas in the Palnadu area.
). Mala(Tel) is derived from the word 'maila'( Dirt)gives the meaning (Noun)Periah,Vile,base etc., an outcaste,chandaludu,(adj.,) chandala. (See C.P.Brown Telugu-English Dictionary 2nd edition.,p. 985 see under Mala). One such theory speculates that Mala or Malla (not the same as the family name Malla) is derived from Sanskrit
word Malla for wrestler which can be loosely translated as soldier
or even associated with an ancient ruling dynasty in North India
and Nepal
( See Malla-yuddha
to know more). It should be noted that the word Mala in Proto-Dravidian
means a mountain.
According to the story by Gurram Malla; Mala's are the descendants of Mala Chennappa, the son of Lord Shiva.
As a community they believe at some point they were independent people not subject to any caste restrictions and resent the present condition as unfair. Thus, unlike many other Dalit communities, they are not resigned to their fate
which is a requirement for caste control along with social violence. There is a strong ethnic, cultural and linguistic relation with Mahar
in neighboring Maharastra state and with Pallan -similar to MADIGA]] & Paraiyan -similar to MALA community of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Karnataka states as well.
. And it has been pointed earlier, some of them were employed village messengers (Maskoori or Elodu) and some as watchmen of the village chavadi by the middle of Twentieth century. Malas were also employed to dig graves. Malas employed to see the irrigation in villages called Neerati, Neeradu. Mala women were skilled in basket making.
There were kin-communities of Malas such as Baindla, Pambala, Jangam, Poturaju, Mashti, Mala dasari / Mala Dasu / Mithaalayyalavalu, Dandems, Nethakani
or Mala sale, Mala Jangama. Mala Dasari/Mala Dasu has been a tradition of tamilanadu, which spreadover to AP in 9th and 10th centuary. Regarding Mala dasari caste a mention was made by Emperor Shri Krishna Devaraya in his 15th century book "AMUKTA MALIYADA" OR VISHNUCHITTIAM OR MALA DASARULA KATHA. Further Sri Krishna Devaraya mentioned that Malas were bandits along with Boya commnity, that was the reason why Malas in later period were appointed as Kavalivaru or Talavari to prevent thefts and bandits in village. Baindlas were priests assisting at Mala festivals and sometimes at sacrifices for the whole village when epidemics like cholera visit the village. They were also experts in the art of black magic
.
Pambala priest are famous for their black magic
like Yanthra, Manthra, Thanthra and they played major role in village goddess jataras. Pambala people are very skillful in singing songs of tribal goddesses by playing a musical instrument called Jamidika.
Establishing, or upgrading village protecting goddess Bodrai called Boddu Rai a stone which symbolic to a village protecting goddess is a heavy process maintained by Pambala priests. A senior pambala priest cuts the sheep neck with his teeths and kills it. This is called as "Gou pattadam". The blood of the dead sheep collects in to a basin and mix with a heavy amount of rice and by using the rice they draw a line around the village borders called "Poli challadam". They build the Bodrai and completes the Pooja, Balulu, etc.
Few years ago the Hindu Brahman pujaris (Ayyagarlu, Priests) hesitated to attend Mala marriages, children naming ceremonies and other functions in Mala people homes. At that time Pambala people have done the job of the Brahman Pojaaries. In villages, Pambala people know Sidda Vaidyam or Pasaru Vidhyam a process of using raw medicinal plants in curing people and animals.
Jangams were traveling priests begging from Malas and at night they were to keep vigilance at the graveyards. Poturajus were another group of priests serving the village spirits both benevolent and malevolent. They also assist the priestess when the sacrifices were offered.
Mashtis were traveling acrobats performing their heroics at the outskirts of the villages where caste villagers turn up to watch them. Mala dasoos were another set of priests who reside with Mala settlements. Dandems were agricultural laborers either hired or bought by landlords.
Nethakani
used to weave cloths. The word (Telugu:"Netha") means weaving cloths. In old Hindu religion the weavers who we called as Sale or Shali or Padmashali, Chowdary and the tailors Mera or Merugu people hesitate to weave or sell or stitch cloths.
but after noticing the same old caste politics in the Telugu Catholic
church, shifted to Protestantism
instead. They are prominent in the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church
(AELC), Church of South India
(CSI). They have made very good use of the Christian educational programs, considerably elevating their social position and now form part of the upper middle c lass. These highly educated, talented, motivated, Christian Malas are commonly called Merugumala people, who came from Godavari Krishna
basin. They are not considered Scheduled Castes by the Government of India but fall under the "BC-C" category (Backward castes C-category) with 1% Reservation at state level and at national level they come under OBC category(List of OBC's; Andhra Pradesh list, Entry No.in the Central List-60 (Scheduled castes converts to Christianity and their progency) ). They have been demanding central Government to accord them SC status on par with Dalit Buddhists, Dalit Sikhs and not to discriminate them on religious grounds for being Dalit Christians. The case is pending with supreme court since 2005 when it was filed on behalf of Dalit Christians & Dalit Muslims(Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz
).
On SC's categorisation National Commission for SC,ST,` New Delhi, called for discussions and fact findings were held from 7-7-1998 to 15-7-1998. At that time renowned and eminent Sr Parliamentarian Shri H Hanumanthappa (Sr.Advocate in Supreme Court) was the Chairman and Shri Bommidala Yadaiah (Telengana Mala) was also a Member in the National SC,ST Commission. On 7-7-1998 Shri Manda Krishna
hearings were noted by the commission on behalf of MRPS(Madiaga Reservation Porata Samithi) and Madiga Community.
On 9-7-98 the National commission for SC,ST has officially invited Shri DV Srinivas,State General Secretary,UFASC,AP, as he was the main petitioner in the case to present his case on behalf of the MALA community.
0n 10th July 1998 Shri Mallela Venkata Rao another leader in Malamahanadu and on 11th July 1998 Shri PV RAO, President, Mala Mahanadu gave the stand on categorisation.
A.P.Scheduled Castes(Rationalisation of Reservation) Act, 2000 was vehemantly opposed by malas and Mala Mahanadu has challenged the Act in Supreme Court saying that it is against the Constitutional principles, which viewed SC's as a holistic single social group. Supreme Court on 5 Nov 2005 has struck down the Act and the verdict went in favour of Mala Mahanadu.
" The apex court pronounced its Judgement stating that State Government has no power to sub-categorize Scheduled castes into groups to implement reservations in the field of education and employment in exercise of its power under Article 15(4) and 16(4) of Indian constitution as public employment and education." Further it was held that the parliament alone is competent to pass such an act under the article 341 of Indian constitution.
the Madigas are raising rapidly, but not to the extent of Malas. This has led to a curious rivalry between the scheduled caste communities for government benefits. The rivalry is legendary and traditional, going back to tribal times and manifested clearly in national and regional politics. Unfortunately this tactic is used by the dominant upper castes to polarize both groups and alienating them from political e mpowerment. Categorization of SC’s by caste basis is primarily supported by selfish Upper caste leaders who desperately try to preserve their power by promoting caste based vote-bank politics. The Mala leaders have tried hard to convince their madiga brothers about the ill effects of categorization but their efforts were in vain as madigas under MRPS
have been aggressively working hard to pass the SC Categorization bill in Parliament
Malas oppose SC Categorization on 4 main grounds. They assert their stand saying that
discrimination and jeering :
many farsighted forward caste Hindus as well as
Christian missionaries gave
them a boost—but the Malas put in the required
effort. Overall the community today
clearly understands education is the key. Maaku sakti ledu saar—we can't afford it (referring to children's education) is the refrain heard over and over again especially in rural areas. However the womenfolk are showing
great determination, utilizing all avenues. The
unskilled farm laborers are gradually migrating to
the towns and picking up technical subjects as best
as they can, and joining the service workers and
industrial workers. Some save up money to buy small
farms but these are a very small number. The affirmative action
programs mandatory on the Government have also helped a very large number to "rise"
especially the educational programs. Some members
have benefited by joining the various bureaucracies.
The Malas are said to be followers of the Reddis
and by extension the Congress Party
.
This has its roots in the landholdings of the Reddis, where Malas are said to be traditionally employed. Mala Christians, are the result of conversions
that had their origin in early 19th century, when
missionaries like Father Heyer evangelized parts of Andhra Pradesh
. These missionaries, later eatablished
educational and cultural institutions of great
significance, across the erstwhile state of Madras.
Places like Guntur, Kurnool and Rajamundry, received a voluminous boost in terms of education for the
masses. This had led to a mass upheaval in the
cultural orientation of caste Hindus, as well as
converted Malas. Henceforth, a large chunk of the
Mala population embraced a biblical culture
interspersed with traditional characteristics
from Hindu culture. Many theological colleges
were established across the state. These Christians
from Andhra, found gainful employment in mission
schools and colleges, significantly elevating their social position. They now form part of the upper middle class sections of society. The Telugu land has seen umpteen men and women
of excellence, in various fields, from the Mala
community. Overall, at least in Andhra Pradesh and
Maharashtra, the Mala-Mahar are forging ahead very
rapidly. They are very deeply attached to the works
of Dr. Ambedkar
. The Mala quarters in villages
generally have a statue of Dr.B. R. Ambedkar
.
Caste
Caste is an elaborate and complex social system that combines elements of endogamy, occupation, culture, social class, tribal affiliation and political power. It should not be confused with race or social class, e.g. members of different castes in one society may belong to the same race, as in India...
mostly from Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
state of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. Mala or Malla is derived from the Sanskrit word "Malla" which means wrestler. They are one of the dominant Dalit castes of Andhra the other being Madiga
Madiga
Madiga is a social group or caste group of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharastra etc. found almost in all Indian states with different names. The people belonging to this community are most oppressed and exploited in the society. The term Madiga is derived from Sanskrit word Maha-Adiga which can be...
s.
They constitute around 8.5% of the total state population. They are largely concentrated in the Coastal Andhra
Coastal Andhra
Coastal Andhra or Kosta, is a region of India's Andhra Pradesh State. This region was part of Madras State before 1953 and Andhra State from 1953 to 1956. According to the 2011 census, it has an area of and a population of 3,41,93,868...
region. During Adi-Andhra movement in 1930s several Mala caste people, including few Madigas, especially from coastal Andhra called themselves as 'Adi-Andhra' and were recorded in the census with the 'Adi-Andhra' caste name akin to Adi Dravida
Adi Dravida
Adi Dravidar is term used by the state of Tamil Nadu in India to denote Dalits. It means Original natives or indigenous people of Dravida land . The term was coined by Tamil social activist Periyar Ramasami who worked against casteism and division among the people based on castes...
of Tamil Nadu. (Adi-Andhra is synonym word instead of using MALA or Madiga, in Adi-Andhra Malas are 90% and 10% belonged to Madiga caste). In the ancient times, Malas were mostly village watchmen or hardworking laborers. They were skilled workers too and were also recruited by the British Army because of their martial skills. Presently they don't have a specific caste profession and can be seen in many professions.
The Mahar
Mahar
Mahar is an important social group within the Indian state of Maharashtra and surrounding states. A grouping of related endogamous castes, the Mahar are the largest scheduled caste group in Maharashtra, in which they comprise ten percent of the population .On...
s in neighbouring Maharashtra are akin to the Malas and the two dominant dalit castes in Tamil Nadu, Paraiyar
Paraiyar
Paraiyar, Parayar, and Sambavar, anglicised by Europeans as Pariah are a social group found in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and in Sri Lanka . In the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, though they have been enumerated under three different caste names, they have generally been referred to as...
and Pallar
Pallar
The Pallar are a caste from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. They are mostly agriculturalists in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka and amongst the Tamil diaspora...
, tend to claim the inter-relation with the Malas, Mahar
Mahar
Mahar is an important social group within the Indian state of Maharashtra and surrounding states. A grouping of related endogamous castes, the Mahar are the largest scheduled caste group in Maharashtra, in which they comprise ten percent of the population .On...
s and Pulayas.
History
Mala military exploits form an important part of KakatiyaKakatiya
The Kakatiya dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled most parts of what is now Andhra Pradesh, India from 1083 CE to 1323 CE, with Orugallu , now Warangal , as its capital. Orugallu is also called 'Eka Sila Nagaram'...
history, culture and tradition. Mala's played a vital role in expansion of Kakatiyan kingdom. In Kakatiya
Kakatiya
The Kakatiya dynasty was an Indian dynasty that ruled most parts of what is now Andhra Pradesh, India from 1083 CE to 1323 CE, with Orugallu , now Warangal , as its capital. Orugallu is also called 'Eka Sila Nagaram'...
military Malas are used to be called as Mohari (Telugu: mohari), the street which they lived is known as "Mohariwada". The warrior Yugandarudu who was the army chief of Prataparudra is a Mala.
The anthropological evidence shows that the Mahar
Mahar
Mahar is an important social group within the Indian state of Maharashtra and surrounding states. A grouping of related endogamous castes, the Mahar are the largest scheduled caste group in Maharashtra, in which they comprise ten percent of the population .On...
s or Malas seemed to have hailed primarily from the drier upland areas like the Deccan plateau. According to researchers like Ambedkar, the Mahars and similar communities like Malas were actually warriors of some defeated kingdom, they were pushed down in social status,they were disarmed but retained as village servants.
Mala caste has got prominence during the period of Palanati Bramha Naidu (Prime Minister to Nalagam King of Macherla) (1170 to 1180 AD). The Mala Warrior Mala Kannamadasu was the first Senapathi in the history along with Kammas, Velamas and Reddies in those days. He was given high regard by Palanati Bramha Naidu, since then Macherla Chennakesava swamy became Kuladaivam to Malas in the Palnadu area.
Sanskrit roots
Like all castes in India, today they generally believe in prestigious origins (see SanskritisationSanskritisation
Sanskritization or Sanskritisation is a particular form of social change found in India and Nepal. It denotes the process by which castes placed lower in the caste hierarchy seek upward mobility by emulating the rituals and practices of the upper or dominant castes. It is a process similar to...
). Mala(Tel) is derived from the word 'maila'( Dirt)gives the meaning (Noun)Periah,Vile,base etc., an outcaste,chandaludu,(adj.,) chandala. (See C.P.Brown Telugu-English Dictionary 2nd edition.,p. 985 see under Mala). One such theory speculates that Mala or Malla (not the same as the family name Malla) is derived from Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
word Malla for wrestler which can be loosely translated as soldier
Soldier
A soldier is a member of the land component of national armed forces; whereas a soldier hired for service in a foreign army would be termed a mercenary...
or even associated with an ancient ruling dynasty in North India
North India
North India, known natively as Uttar Bhārat or Shumālī Hindustān , is a loosely defined region in the northern part of India. The exact meaning of the term varies by usage...
and Nepal
Nepal
Nepal , officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India...
( See Malla-yuddha
Malla-yuddha
' is the traditional South Asian form of combat-wrestling created in what is now India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka...
to know more). It should be noted that the word Mala in Proto-Dravidian
Proto-Dravidian
Proto-Dravidian is the proto-language of the Dravidian languages. It is thought to have differentiated into Proto-North Dravidian, Proto-Central Dravidian and Proto-South Dravidian around 500 BC, although some linguists have argued that the degree of differentiation between the sub-families points...
means a mountain.
According to the story by Gurram Malla; Mala's are the descendants of Mala Chennappa, the son of Lord Shiva.
As a community they believe at some point they were independent people not subject to any caste restrictions and resent the present condition as unfair. Thus, unlike many other Dalit communities, they are not resigned to their fate
Destiny
Destiny or fate refers to a predetermined course of events. It may be conceived as a predetermined future, whether in general or of an individual...
which is a requirement for caste control along with social violence. There is a strong ethnic, cultural and linguistic relation with Mahar
Mahar
Mahar is an important social group within the Indian state of Maharashtra and surrounding states. A grouping of related endogamous castes, the Mahar are the largest scheduled caste group in Maharashtra, in which they comprise ten percent of the population .On...
in neighboring Maharastra state and with Pallan -similar to MADIGA]] & Paraiyan -similar to MALA community of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Karnataka states as well.
Tribal roots
There is also evidence that as recent as 100 years ago many interior tribal people who moved out of forests to find sustenance during famines were incorporated as Malas by the caste Hindu cultivators.Subdivisions
Malas, who were considerable in number, were mostly agricultural workers like Holeyas in KarnatakaKarnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
. And it has been pointed earlier, some of them were employed village messengers (Maskoori or Elodu) and some as watchmen of the village chavadi by the middle of Twentieth century. Malas were also employed to dig graves. Malas employed to see the irrigation in villages called Neerati, Neeradu. Mala women were skilled in basket making.
There were kin-communities of Malas such as Baindla, Pambala, Jangam, Poturaju, Mashti, Mala dasari / Mala Dasu / Mithaalayyalavalu, Dandems, Nethakani
Nethakani
Nethakani, also known as Netkani,Mala Sale sub-caste of Sale, is a Telugu caste of cotton weavers and labourers.In Maharashtra Nethakanis are known as Mahar Caste people...
or Mala sale, Mala Jangama. Mala Dasari/Mala Dasu has been a tradition of tamilanadu, which spreadover to AP in 9th and 10th centuary. Regarding Mala dasari caste a mention was made by Emperor Shri Krishna Devaraya in his 15th century book "AMUKTA MALIYADA" OR VISHNUCHITTIAM OR MALA DASARULA KATHA. Further Sri Krishna Devaraya mentioned that Malas were bandits along with Boya commnity, that was the reason why Malas in later period were appointed as Kavalivaru or Talavari to prevent thefts and bandits in village. Baindlas were priests assisting at Mala festivals and sometimes at sacrifices for the whole village when epidemics like cholera visit the village. They were also experts in the art of black magic
Black magic
Black magic is the type of magic that draws on assumed malevolent powers or is used with the intention to kill, steal, injure, cause misfortune or destruction, or for personal gain without regard to harmful consequences. As a term, "black magic" is normally used by those that do not approve of its...
.
Pambala priest are famous for their black magic
Black magic
Black magic is the type of magic that draws on assumed malevolent powers or is used with the intention to kill, steal, injure, cause misfortune or destruction, or for personal gain without regard to harmful consequences. As a term, "black magic" is normally used by those that do not approve of its...
like Yanthra, Manthra, Thanthra and they played major role in village goddess jataras. Pambala people are very skillful in singing songs of tribal goddesses by playing a musical instrument called Jamidika.
Establishing, or upgrading village protecting goddess Bodrai called Boddu Rai a stone which symbolic to a village protecting goddess is a heavy process maintained by Pambala priests. A senior pambala priest cuts the sheep neck with his teeths and kills it. This is called as "Gou pattadam". The blood of the dead sheep collects in to a basin and mix with a heavy amount of rice and by using the rice they draw a line around the village borders called "Poli challadam". They build the Bodrai and completes the Pooja, Balulu, etc.
Few years ago the Hindu Brahman pujaris (Ayyagarlu, Priests) hesitated to attend Mala marriages, children naming ceremonies and other functions in Mala people homes. At that time Pambala people have done the job of the Brahman Pojaaries. In villages, Pambala people know Sidda Vaidyam or Pasaru Vidhyam a process of using raw medicinal plants in curing people and animals.
Jangams were traveling priests begging from Malas and at night they were to keep vigilance at the graveyards. Poturajus were another group of priests serving the village spirits both benevolent and malevolent. They also assist the priestess when the sacrifices were offered.
Mashtis were traveling acrobats performing their heroics at the outskirts of the villages where caste villagers turn up to watch them. Mala dasoos were another set of priests who reside with Mala settlements. Dandems were agricultural laborers either hired or bought by landlords.
Nethakani
Nethakani
Nethakani, also known as Netkani,Mala Sale sub-caste of Sale, is a Telugu caste of cotton weavers and labourers.In Maharashtra Nethakanis are known as Mahar Caste people...
used to weave cloths. The word (Telugu:"Netha") means weaving cloths. In old Hindu religion the weavers who we called as Sale or Shali or Padmashali, Chowdary and the tailors Mera or Merugu people hesitate to weave or sell or stitch cloths.
Mala Christians
A section of the Malas also turned to ChristianityChristianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
but after noticing the same old caste politics in the Telugu Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
church, shifted to Protestantism
Protestantism
Protestantism is one of the three major groupings within Christianity. It is a movement that began in Germany in the early 16th century as a reaction against medieval Roman Catholic doctrines and practices, especially in regards to salvation, justification, and ecclesiology.The doctrines of the...
instead. They are prominent in the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church
Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church
Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church was constituted in the year 1927 in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is the Indian successor to the United Lutheran Church in America which was started as a self-supporting, self-governing, and self-propagating church among Telugu Christians.-Memberships:* Andhra...
(AELC), Church of South India
Church of South India
The Church of South India is the successor of the Church of England in India. It came into being in 1947 as a union of Anglican and Protestant churches in South India. With a membership of over 3.8 million, it is India's second largest Christian church after the Roman Catholic Church in India...
(CSI). They have made very good use of the Christian educational programs, considerably elevating their social position and now form part of the upper middle c lass. These highly educated, talented, motivated, Christian Malas are commonly called Merugumala people, who came from Godavari Krishna
Krishna Godavari Basin
Krishna-Godavari basin is a peri-cratonic passive margin basin in India. It is spread across more than 50,000 square kilometers in the Krishna River and Godavari River basins in Andhra Pradesh. The site is known for the D-6 block where Reliance Industries discovered the biggest natural gas reserves...
basin. They are not considered Scheduled Castes by the Government of India but fall under the "BC-C" category (Backward castes C-category) with 1% Reservation at state level and at national level they come under OBC category(List of OBC's; Andhra Pradesh list, Entry No.in the Central List-60 (Scheduled castes converts to Christianity and their progency) ). They have been demanding central Government to accord them SC status on par with Dalit Buddhists, Dalit Sikhs and not to discriminate them on religious grounds for being Dalit Christians. The case is pending with supreme court since 2005 when it was filed on behalf of Dalit Christians & Dalit Muslims(Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz
Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz
Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz is an Indian Muslim social reform organization dedicated to the emancipation of the Dalit Muslims belonging to the "Arzal" Untouchable Caste in the Caste system among South Asian Muslims. It was founded by Ali Anwar in Patna, Bihar...
).
History
Shri Nara Chandra Babu Naidu during the period 1996-97 appointed Justice Ramachandra Raju Commission to study Categorisation among scheduled castes and later came out with A.P.Scheduled Castes(Rationalisation of Reservation) Act, 2000 categorizing the 15% SC Reservation Quota into four subgroups A, B, C, D (C-Malas, B-Madigas). The Sub-categorisation policy was implemented for a period of four years (2000–2004). The Sub-Categorisation was first challenged by {main petitioner WPNO.11472/97} UNITED FORUM OF ALL SCHEDULED CASTES, represented by its State General Secretary, DV Srinivas (Present DIRECTOR, AMBEDKAR STUDY CIRCLE, SR NAGAR, HYDERABAD-38, 9397677681)and Dr.EV Chinnayya in WPNo.21096/1996 mainly Challenged the Justice Ramachandra Raju Commission validity under the constitutional provisions.On SC's categorisation National Commission for SC,ST,` New Delhi, called for discussions and fact findings were held from 7-7-1998 to 15-7-1998. At that time renowned and eminent Sr Parliamentarian Shri H Hanumanthappa (Sr.Advocate in Supreme Court) was the Chairman and Shri Bommidala Yadaiah (Telengana Mala) was also a Member in the National SC,ST Commission. On 7-7-1998 Shri Manda Krishna
Manda Krishna Madiga
Manda Krishna Madiga is an Indian politician and activist fighting for the rights of the madigas. He heads the movement fighting for the rights of the madigas called as MRPS. He added Madiga surname in 1994.-Career:...
hearings were noted by the commission on behalf of MRPS(Madiaga Reservation Porata Samithi) and Madiga Community.
On 9-7-98 the National commission for SC,ST has officially invited Shri DV Srinivas,State General Secretary,UFASC,AP, as he was the main petitioner in the case to present his case on behalf of the MALA community.
0n 10th July 1998 Shri Mallela Venkata Rao another leader in Malamahanadu and on 11th July 1998 Shri PV RAO, President, Mala Mahanadu gave the stand on categorisation.
A.P.Scheduled Castes(Rationalisation of Reservation) Act, 2000 was vehemantly opposed by malas and Mala Mahanadu has challenged the Act in Supreme Court saying that it is against the Constitutional principles, which viewed SC's as a holistic single social group. Supreme Court on 5 Nov 2005 has struck down the Act and the verdict went in favour of Mala Mahanadu.
" The apex court pronounced its Judgement stating that State Government has no power to sub-categorize Scheduled castes into groups to implement reservations in the field of education and employment in exercise of its power under Article 15(4) and 16(4) of Indian constitution as public employment and education." Further it was held that the parliament alone is competent to pass such an act under the article 341 of Indian constitution.
Rationale behind Opposition
Presently due to the affirmative actionAffirmative action
Affirmative action refers to policies that take factors including "race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or national origin" into consideration in order to benefit an underrepresented group, usually as a means to counter the effects of a history of discrimination.-Origins:The term...
the Madigas are raising rapidly, but not to the extent of Malas. This has led to a curious rivalry between the scheduled caste communities for government benefits. The rivalry is legendary and traditional, going back to tribal times and manifested clearly in national and regional politics. Unfortunately this tactic is used by the dominant upper castes to polarize both groups and alienating them from political e mpowerment. Categorization of SC’s by caste basis is primarily supported by selfish Upper caste leaders who desperately try to preserve their power by promoting caste based vote-bank politics. The Mala leaders have tried hard to convince their madiga brothers about the ill effects of categorization but their efforts were in vain as madigas under MRPS
MRPS
Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti or MRPS is a not-for profit institution standing for human rights and dignity of 300 million Dalits, Tribals and Physically Handicapped people....
have been aggressively working hard to pass the SC Categorization bill in Parliament
Malas oppose SC Categorization on 4 main grounds. They assert their stand saying that
- Not all Malas have benefited from Reservation system. Categorization would hurt the poor, landless agricultural labourers, jobless, un-educated members of the Mala community. There are so many Malas below the poverty levels who barely can afford one meal. There are small kids who work to fill their stomach and are not able to attend school. Government should clearly address the approach to uplift the needs of these economically weaker sections within Mala Group before they can do any categorization.
- It is Unconstitutional and is against the Constitutional principles, which viewed SC's as a holistic single social group. It is against the Ideologies of Ambedkar who always wanted dalits to be united and exert their power politically and socially. We should believe in mutual talks for an agreeable solution.
- The differential development between the two communities is also due to Historical Advantage. Christian Missionaries during British rule have promoted Education and Employment mainly in the coastal regions. The Malas whose population is largely concentrated in coastal andhra naturally got early access to education compared to their counterparts Madigas who were largely concentrated in Telangana where very little education access was available. Such a differential development is not limited to SC's alone but to many communities among BC's and Upper castes too.
- It divides SC's and weakens the dalit progress as it diverts the attention of dalits to categorization rather than on constitutional provisions like SC Sub Plans and other benefits for them. There is no relevance for Categorization in today's context where there are almost no Govt jobs
Current conditions
Malas still live in segregated settlements in rural Andhra,but in urban areas it is not so. Several pioneering members have taken to education after tackling greatdiscrimination and jeering :
many farsighted forward caste Hindus as well as
Christian missionaries gave
them a boost—but the Malas put in the required
effort. Overall the community today
clearly understands education is the key. Maaku sakti ledu saar—we can't afford it (referring to children's education) is the refrain heard over and over again especially in rural areas. However the womenfolk are showing
great determination, utilizing all avenues. The
unskilled farm laborers are gradually migrating to
the towns and picking up technical subjects as best
as they can, and joining the service workers and
industrial workers. Some save up money to buy small
farms but these are a very small number. The affirmative action
Affirmative action
Affirmative action refers to policies that take factors including "race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or national origin" into consideration in order to benefit an underrepresented group, usually as a means to counter the effects of a history of discrimination.-Origins:The term...
programs mandatory on the Government have also helped a very large number to "rise"
especially the educational programs. Some members
have benefited by joining the various bureaucracies.
The Malas are said to be followers of the Reddis
and by extension the Congress Party
Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Bharatiya Janata Party. It is the largest and one of the oldest democratic political parties in the world. The party's modern liberal platform is largely considered center-left in the Indian...
.
This has its roots in the landholdings of the Reddis, where Malas are said to be traditionally employed. Mala Christians, are the result of conversions
that had their origin in early 19th century, when
missionaries like Father Heyer evangelized parts of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
. These missionaries, later eatablished
educational and cultural institutions of great
significance, across the erstwhile state of Madras.
Places like Guntur, Kurnool and Rajamundry, received a voluminous boost in terms of education for the
masses. This had led to a mass upheaval in the
cultural orientation of caste Hindus, as well as
converted Malas. Henceforth, a large chunk of the
Mala population embraced a biblical culture
interspersed with traditional characteristics
from Hindu culture. Many theological colleges
were established across the state. These Christians
from Andhra, found gainful employment in mission
schools and colleges, significantly elevating their social position. They now form part of the upper middle class sections of society. The Telugu land has seen umpteen men and women
of excellence, in various fields, from the Mala
community. Overall, at least in Andhra Pradesh and
Maharashtra, the Mala-Mahar are forging ahead very
rapidly. They are very deeply attached to the works
of Dr. Ambedkar
B. R. Ambedkar
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar , popularly also known as Babasaheb, was an Indian jurist, political leader, philosopher, thinker, anthropologist, historian, orator, prolific writer, economist, scholar, editor, a revolutionary and one of the founding fathers of independent India. He was also the Chairman...
. The Mala quarters in villages
generally have a statue of Dr.B. R. Ambedkar
B. R. Ambedkar
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar , popularly also known as Babasaheb, was an Indian jurist, political leader, philosopher, thinker, anthropologist, historian, orator, prolific writer, economist, scholar, editor, a revolutionary and one of the founding fathers of independent India. He was also the Chairman...
.