Religion : Hindu
Varna : Hindu
Regional Spread : Madigas are found in all parts of India from Uttar Pradesh to Andhra Pradesh.
Traditional Occupation : They are mainly poor leather workers and agricultural labourers, although there are references in ancient literature and stories, which allude to their important role.
Chief Deity : Goddess Mahalashari besides others
Food Habits : Mostly non-vegetarian
Marriage Preference : Prefer marriages within their community
Madiga is a combination of 'Maha', meaning greatest and 'Adiga' meaning earliest. This name was given to the native people of India. It is believed Madigas were in the Indian subcontinent even before the Dravidians and Aryans. Some scholars consider Madigas to be Aboriginal Indians. Besides, based on the love story of Arundhathi, the Madigas believe that they are the descendants of the aborigine king, Jambavantha and Arundhathi, the daughter of Karthama Prajapathi. The Madigas further believe that they were the first rulers of India. The story of Arundhathi and Vashistha tries to explain the union of Madigas with Brahmanism.
There are several branches among Madigas called Kulas. The various Kulas of Madigas are Samagar, Chamar, Madar, Jatav and Jambavas. They are the Leather workers of India. The Madiga community is known as the Mang in Maharastra, the Chakkaliya in Tamil Nadu and possibly the Matang in North India.