Madiga (Hindu traditions) in India
Photo Source:
Sabyasachi Dasgupta - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Madiga (Hindu traditions) |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 8,894,000 |
| World Population: | 8,894,000 |
| Primary Language: | Telugu |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.13 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.06 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Dalit - Madiga |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
According to tradition, the Madiga community was cursed for killing and eating a cow.
The Madiga are a subgroup of the Chamars, a tanning community. Being tanners means low status because they are dealing with dead matter, even worse, skins from "holy" cattle. The Indian government gives the Madiga scheduled caste status, which allows them to have many privileges.
The Madiga community is most numerous in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but they also live in other parts of southern India. A small number are also in West Bengal.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Though many Madiga people are still tanners, some are now landless farmers. The Green Revolution of the 1960s increased agricultural yields and the wealth of those who owned land. But those who did not own land like the Madigas became even more dependent on landowning communities.
Some are village drummers who offer their services for funerals and weddings. Others are street sweepers.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Madiga people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.
Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.
What Are Their Needs?
These people need to put their hope and identity in the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Prayer Points
Pray for workers to go to the Madiga people, and for their hearts to be ready to receive their Savior.
Pray for families of believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.
Pray for a chain reaction of families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into their entire society as all believers learn to love others.