Scheduled Castes of Karnataka

indigenous (Scheduled) tribe from India

ethnic group in India

Mahar is an Indian caste found largely in the state of Maharashtra and neighbouring areas. As of 2017 the Mahar caste is designated as a Scheduled Caste in 16 Indian states. Most of the Mahar community followed B. R. Ambedkar in converting to Buddhism in the middle of the 20th century. This was in response to the injustices of the caste system practiced within Brahmanism.

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.