Matang

For the highway, see Matang Highway.

Matang is a Dalit caste in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Matangs are known as Madigas in Andhra Pradesh.

Matang originally belong to Nagvansh, an ancient race of North India. This race was staunch follower of Shramanic religions like Jainism and Buddhism. We can trace the origin of Matangs in Indus valley civilization.

References to Matang can be found in ancient Jain literature. According to Jain literature, Vinami, the great grandson of Rishabh the first Teerthankar of Jainism, was the founder of Matang race. Suparshvanath, the 7th Teerthankar of Jainism himself was a Matang. His Yaksha (attendant god) was also a Matang. The Yaksha of Mahavir the 24th Teerthankar was also a Matang.

Matang Yaksha is Jain God of Prosperity.

In Buddhism, its a name of a Pacceka Buddha

Occupation

In rural areas, they manufacture items like ropes, brooms etc and supply to farmers. To obtain a sight of a Matang is considered as a holy sign in villages.

Religion

In ancient times, they were staunch followers of Jainism.^{[citation needed]} At present day, they are divided in following religions: Population- According to the 2001 Census, the Matang community constitutes 2.07 percent of the State Population. The community constitutes 20.27 percent of the Dalits in the state.

• Hinduism
• Christianity^{[citation needed]}
• Islam^{[citation needed]}
• Buddhism: On 27 May, 2007 In Mumbai many Matang community people embraced Buddhism along with famous Marathi author, social worker and MLA Laxman Mane. Many Matang community people are follower of Dr. Ambedkar. Dr. Ambedkar mentioned in his book 'Who were untouchables?' that all untouchable castes, now called as Scheduled caste were followers of Buddhism.

A small number of people from this community in Karnataka follow Veershaivism and Jainism.

Notable personalities

Sages

• Acharya Harikeshi, a Jain Achraya of ancient India

• Muni Chitta-Sambhuti Vijay,two brothers who were disciple monks of Teerthankar Mahaveer

Historical

• Yampal Matang, a famous lay follower of Jainism mentioned in ancient Jain Literature

Revolutionaries

• Lahuji Raghoji Salve (Lahuji Ustad), Activist, Thinker,Social Reformer and Revolutionary from Maharashtra.
• Mukta Salve

Writers

• Anna Bhau Sathe, Marathi Novelist, Social Reformer

Singers

• Shahir Vitthal Umap, A famous Marathi folk singer. Also, known for his songs on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

References

1. Uttaradhyan Sutra, Chittsambhutiya 2. Matangs in Jain Literature by Prof. Pradeep Phaltane