worship Kattamma, Kattappa, Dandumāri, Munēswara, and other deities. Some of their children are named after these deities, while others receive Muhammadan names in fulfilment of vows made to Masthan and other Pīrs.
When asked concerning their caste, the Mādigas always reply "Memu pedda inti vallamu," i.e., we are of the big house. The following legend is current in the Cuddapah district concerning a pool in the Rayachoti taluk called Akkadēvatalakolam, or the pool of the holy sisters. " A thousand years ago, there lived near the pool a king, who ruled over all this part of the country. The king had as his commander-in-chief a Mādiga. This Mādiga made himself powerful and independent, and built himself a residence on a hill still called Mādiga Vanidoorgam. At last he revolted, and defeated the king. On entering the king's palace, he found seven beautiful virgins, the king's daughters, to all of whom he at once made overtures of marriage. They declined the honour, and, when the Mādiga wished to use force, they all jumped into this pool, and delivered their lives to the universal lord." *[1]
The following are some of the more important endogamous sub-divisions among the Mādigas: —
- Gampa dhompti, basket offering.
- Ginna or thēl dhompti, tray or cup offering.
- Bhūmi dhompti, earth offering.
- Chātla dhompti, winnowing basket offering.
- Sibbi dhompti, brass vessel offering.
- Chadarapa dhompti, square space on the ground offering.
These sub-divisions are based on the way in which the members thereof offer food, etc., to their gods during
- ↑ * Manual of the Cuddapah district.
