Madigas
Madigas are a community historically associated with leatherwork and tanning in South India, primarily in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They are often classified as a Dalit (formerly "untouchable") community. The term "Madiga" itself is believed to derive from "madugu," meaning "skin" or "hide" in Telugu, reflecting their traditional occupation.
Historically, Madigas played a crucial role in rural economies by processing animal hides to produce leather
In contemporary India, the Madiga community, like other Dalit groups, has been the subject of affirmative action