Vetti System

What is Vetti?
Who is most vulnerable?
Reasons for Vetti
How it got reduced ?
Implications of Vetti
Reasons for persistence
Measures needed
 Vetti System(Bonded Labour)
 Definition: Vetti was feudal system in the princely state of Hyderabad, where the
lower caste(Service Caste) people had to provide unpaid/minimum paid(cash/kind)
services to the upper caste(Land lords/Feudals/Deshmukh/Zamindars) people.
 The 1976 Bonded Labour (Abolition) Act defines ‘bonded labour system(Vetti)’ as
“the system of forced labour under which a debtor enters into an agreement with the
creditor that he would render service to him either by himself or through any member of
his family or any person dependent on him, for a specified or unspecified period, either
without wages or for nominal wages, in consideration of loan or any other economic
consideration obtained by him or or in pursuance of any social obligation, or in pursuance
of any obligation devolving on him by succession”.
 Who Is Bonded labour ?
◦ Service caste’s/Class -
SC/ST/OBC(Cobbler/Rajaka/Koya/Bestha/Weavers/Carpenter/Potter/Toddy
tappers/Peasants etc)
 Who is Most Vulnerable ?
◦ SC’s (Complete unpaid labour)
 Present Status ?
 In 2016, the Centre had estimated that there were 1.84 crore bonded labourers
in the country. Then Union labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya had said in a
written reply in the Rajya Sabha that the government plans to identify, rescue
and rehabilitate these labourers by 2030.
 Twelve members of the Chenchu tribe(Out of 45), a particularly vulnerable tribal
group, from Nagarkunrnool and Mahabubnagar districts of Telangana received
Rs 18 lakh in compensation nearly two years after their rescue from bonded
labour.
 Reasons for Vetti System
 Historical reasons
◦ Nizam land revenue system (Khalsa and Non Khalsa )
◦ State Support
◦ Feudal control over Land,Product,Labour (forces of production)
◦ Landlessness among Lower caste
◦ Power and Force
◦ Accepted by Society because of lack of alternative opportunities.
◦ Vicious cycle of bonded Labour
 Contemporary reasons for Bonded labour
◦ The lack of awareness among workers and employers(Citizens).
◦ Low conviction rates.
◦ Social Acceptance .
◦ Weaker implementation of Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976.
◦ Punishment for forced labour (Section 374 of IPC– unlawful compulsory
labour-1 year ) is not appropriate.
◦ Lack of proper coordination at the national and regional level, and among
governments.
How it got Reduced
 Historical
◦ Vetti chakiri udyamam /Telangana Rebellion (Chakali Ailamma, Doddi Komaraiah,
Bandagi Gopanna,Communist Party,etc )
◦ Hyderabad Bhagela Agreement Regulation in 1943(contract labour)
 Constitutional
◦ Article 21 deals with the Right to Life and Personal Liberty.
◦ Article 23 of the Constitution prohibits forced labour.
◦ Article 24 prohibits the employment of children (below the age of fourteen years) in
factories, etc.
◦ Article 39 directs the State to secure the health and strength of workers, men and
women, and to see the tender age of children are not abused and that citizens are not
forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their age or strength.
 International
◦ India is obliged to end modern slavery by 2030 under the  SDG (Target 8.7) of ending
forced labour, human trafficking and child labour.
◦ India has also ratified the ILO Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105).
◦ India also improved its rank in Global Slavery Index.  (53rd out of 167 countries in the
year 2018)
Telangana govt
◦ Telangana government allocated 10 lakhs for each district to eliminate bonded
labour.
Indian Government
◦ Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976:
It provides for an institutional mechanism at the district level in the form of Vigilance
Committees(advises DM for implementation).
 The State Governments/UTs may confer, on an Executive Magistrate, the powers
of a Judicial Magistrate of the first class or second class for the trial of offences
under this Act.
 Act provides for Identification,Rehabilitate,punishment etc.
◦ Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers (2016)(100%
funded by central government)
 Financial assistance to the extent of Rs. 3 lakhs is provided to released bonded
labourers along with other non-cash assistance for their livelihood.
 Consequences/Implications of Vetti
 Negative Consequences
◦ Vicious cycle of Bondage
◦ Exploitation (Sexual,Moral,Physical etc)
◦ Violation of Human Rights
◦ Perpetuation of Poverty ,Hunger, and Degradation
◦ Survival of Caste System
 Positive Consequence
◦ To Feudals and Rulers
 Easy and Cheap Labour
 Safeguard their status and power
◦ To Society
 Social Change(Telangana Movement)
 Land reforms
 Voice to voiceless
 Reasons for persisting bonded labour?
 Failure of Government
 Failure of Society
 Failure of Individual
 Failure of Law Enforcement agencies

 Measures Needed
◦ Preventive
◦ Curative
Devadasi and Jogini System in
Telangana
1.Status of Jogini and Devadasi System
2.What is Devadasi System
3.Evolution of Devadasi System
4.What is Jogini system
5.Reasons behind Jogini and Devadasi
6.Problems of Jogini and Devadasi
7.Measures taken by the Government
8.Challenges in Dealing with it?
9.Difference between Jogini and Devadasi
Devadasi’s
 Joginis of Dhanwada(Mahabubnagar)

Hajjamma
 Status of Jogini and Devadasi in Telangana?
 In 2010, a one-man commission (Justice Raghunath Rao) formed during united
Andhra Pradesh.
 It has estimated that there were around 80,000 joginis in the then united .
 Around 50,000 of them were believed to be in areas that now constitute
Telangana. 
 Present 2022: Operation Mercy India (OMI), an NGO working to abolish
the jogini system in the state, it encounters at least 15 such cases every year.
 Where it is Prevalent?
1. Mahabubnagar, Narayanpet, Nizamabad, Medak, and Gadwal, and areas along the
Telangana-Karnataka border.
2. Different names in different regions
a. joginis in Mahabubnagar, Adilabad, Medak, Warangal and Nizamabad,
b. ‘mathamma’ in Rangareddy, and
c. ‘amababai jogini’ in Karimnagar.
d. Basavi in Kurnool, Anantapur and Chittoor
e. Thayaramma in Vizianagaram.
 What is Devadasi ?

 What is Devadasi(Theogamy)
Which in Sanskrit means “deva” means god or goddess, and "dasi” means
servant. Devadasi, as the name suggests, means god's servants.
v The system initially started as marrying the girls to a deity(before
puberty-Sexually used after puberty)
 Origin of Devadasi(Temple Dancers)?
◦ A reference to such dancers is found in the Meghadūta of Kālidāsa, a
classical poet and Sanskrit writer of the Gupta Empire.
◦ Somavamshi or Keshari Dynasty(Odisha)in the 6th century A.D.
 Evolution of Devadasi ?
 Traditional status :
1. They were temple caretakers
2. They perform all rituals, including dance and music in the honor of the deity. 
3. Girls learned and practised the arts like Bharathanatyam, Odissi or other classical
dance forms.
4. They Enjoyed a high status in society as music and dance were integral parts of
worship in temples.
 Modern status :
◦ Emergence of Delhi sultanates, Mughals, and Britishers reduced importance of
temples so status in the society deteriorated and they were being exploited and
degraded.
◦ So it is Abolished under:
1. Bombay Devadasi Protection Act, 1934.
2. Madras Devadasi (Prevention of Dedication) Act of 1947.
3. Karnataka Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1982.
4. Andhra Pradesh(TS) Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1988.
5. Telangana Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1988 Rules , 2016
6. Maharashtra Devadasi (Abolition of Dedication) Act, 2006.
7. Juvenile Justice Act 2015 (JJ Act)
 What is Jogini system?
 What is Jogini (Localised theogamy-KA,AP,TS)
1. Exploitative custom of ritual sexual slavery—the Jogini system (a local
variation of the Devadasi system) of marrying young girls to a deity called
Yellamma (Brother Pothuraju -- ties a knot) .
2. Belief that marrying a girl to God/Goddess will enhance crop production
, rain and promotes good health.
 Who is Responsible for this?
1. The parents(Pleasure in giving) of the girl or the caste organisations,land
lords /upper caste men and Society as a whole is responsible.
 Who is more prone to this practice?
1. There are 61 sub castes (Predominant- Madiga 95 %)--They are poor
marginalised, and untouchable(Easy targets).
 What happenes to Jogini?
◦ Sexually Used and Psychologically abused by all village people .
Reasons Behind Jogini and Devadasi
1. Superstitious beliefs : Beliefs that it will be Auspicious(more fertility,good crops
etc) for the village ,
2. Economic Vulnerability :Way out of poverty and Backwardness.

3. Caste discrimination :Highly prevalent among certain Communities(Eg

Madigas).
4. Community pressure – Mistreat from community if you reject

5. Disability –Disabled are more prone this practice according to latest Survey

6. Tradition –Upper Castes Who Believe Sleeping With A Jogini Will Bring Them
Good Luck, Religion and folk tradition like bonalu ,temple dances etc.
7. Continuation of lineage :Hereditary practice.

8. Fear of God

9. Sexual Hospitality for Strangers – Social Control

10. Custom to exploit lower caste by upper caste .

11. Phallic Worship since earley Dravidian times.

12. Patriarchy : Son Preference Is Also Cited As One Of The Reason For Dedication.
 The Problems of Jogini

1. Untouchability: Jogins are allotted a special place same as dalits in the village.
2. Poverty : They bore children at very young age and they have to take care of them
and themselves.
3. No Father stigma :Most of the Jogini families are women headed.
4. Sexual Exploitation :Sexual exploitation and not paid even minimum
5. Begging : ill treatement by their own families and they end up begging .
6. Vulnerable to Communicable Diseases : More vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and die at
very young age.
Measures taken by the Government
1. Delhi hosted National Convention in New Delhi In 1987. Five million rupees were
also sanctioned by the governments to purchase sheep and goats for Joginis. In
some places land is also granted.
2. Section 370 and 370A is a crime under Criminal procedure Code
3. Section 372 of Indian Penal Code.
4. It is also against Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act,1956
5. Andhra Pradesh(TS) Devadasi (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1988:For
Encouraging Fine will be levied up to 3,000 rupees. Those who oppose this Act can
be put into jail for 3 years and fined upto Rs 5000.
6. Telangana Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, 1988 Rules , 2016
provided for : Relief and Rehabilitation.
(i) Providing a house (as per the norms of the Housing Department)
(ii) Economic assistance for gainful employment.
(iii) Free education of children in Government Social Welfare & Tribal Welfare
Residential Schools upto XII Standard.
(iv) Declare the debt (bonded)(If any) is abolished under Bonded Labour System
(Abolition) Act, 1976.
(v) Incentives as applicable in case of inter-caste marriage/Kalyana lakshmi.
Challenges in stopping Jogini and Devadasi?
1. Lack of awareness about ill effects of this tradition
2. Fear of God and Religious beliefs.
3. It is still believed to bring a blessing to the family performing the devotion.
4. Ineffective legal actions.
5. Under reporting cases which ultimately leads to ignorance of such issues.
6. Law enforcement is not very strict.
7. The Devadasis themselves do not register complaints against their families.
8. Accepting the social/Community pressure.
Devadasi Jogini
No particular caste (Mostly backward) Untouchables like
Madiga,Dommari,Boya,Rajaka,Mala etc.
Rajas and Jamindars take care Left to Destiny
Traditionally in Dance,arts ,and literature Illeterate and folk art and folk festivals
offering to god (Bonalu)
Matriarchy prevalent Patriarchy prevalent
Present all over India Only in South India
Confined to temples only Depends upon region can be used by any
Two types Shiva Temple (Must wear shiva Married to Yellamma,Maisamma,Pochamma
linga),Vaishnava Temple (must wear Shank etc and also men gods like Murugan,China
and Chakra) Obulesu etc
Brahmin priests perform poojas Here Non Brahmin performs
Lives good life with support from jamindars Miserable life poverty,exploitation,Begging etc
,rajas and priests .
Slowly converted into Prostitution Here immediatley converted into prostitution

No importance to men of the Family Married to Potha raju brother of Goddess

Prohibited under AP(TS) Devadasi Prohibited under AP(TS) Devadasi
(prohibition act) 1988 (prohibition act) 1988
Migrant Labour and
Fluorosis
Migrant Labour
 Case Study
 Status Of Migration in Telangana
 Characteristics of Migrant Labour in Telangana
 Reasons/Factors for Migration in Telangana
 Problems of Migrant Labour
 Covid-19 Impact
 Measures to reduce migrant Problems
 Suggestive Measures/Way Forward
 Case Study

 The Sarpanch of Rampur Village(Nizamabad) says that at least 1 person in

every household is currently in the Gulf and out of the total population of the
village (5000), about 1000 people have emigrated.
 Unlike the states of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, where both men and women
migrate, only men migrate from these regions of Telangana.
 Status Of Migration in Telangana
 Telangana, the 12th-most populated State in India as per the 2011 census,
 Sends about 1.5 million of a total 8.8 million Indian expatriates to the Gulf.
 Bheem Reddy Mandha, president of the Emigrants Welfare Forum, says, “Telangana
migrants in the Gulf are sending about Rs 27,000 crore per annum as remittances, and it
is, directly and indirectly, boosting the economy. The government should reciprocate by
allocating Rs 500 crore in the annual Budget for the welfare of Gulf migrants and their
left-behind families”.
 Internal Migration
◦ Districts like Mahaboob Nagar (10Lakhs), Medak(7Lakhs) Nizamabad, Medak (5laks)
contribute for High Internal Migration esp to Hyderabad,Maharastra,Gujarat.
 External Migration
◦ Northern Telangana, especially Karimnagar, Rajanna Sircilla, Nizamabad, Adilabad
and Warangal districts, has witnessed widespread migration to Bahrain, Kuwait,
Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
◦ After 1990’s Skilled Labour started moving to developed world (USA/UK/Canada
etc)
 Pull Factors

  
Characteristics of Migrant Labour in Telangana
1. The regional injustice- Due to Uneven development
2. The politics of dominance- AP before 2014
3. Capturing of economic power-By Some Elite
4. Failure of agreements between two regions-Over Water,employment issues
etc.
5. The perennial unemployment and
6. The natural geographical conditions-Eg Droughts in Mahaboobnagar, Medak,
Nalgonda and Adilabad are forcing large number people to migrate other areas.
1. As for official estimates Mahaboobnagar topped with 10 lakh rural
population migrating to Hyderabad and Rangareddy district in search of
livelihood - as daily wage labourers, watchman in colonies, apartments
besides engaging in construction work.
7. The Mahaboobnagar labour is popularly known as experts in dam
construction in the country
 Reasons/Factors for Migration in Telangana
 National Commission for Rural Labour Found that
◦ Push Factors : extraction of mineral resources, deforestation in tribal areas- Major reason
for tribal migration
◦ ‘Pull' factors -opportunities for better employment, higher wages, better living, working
conditions and amenities etc.
 Demand for Seasonal Migrants: mainly of Sugar Cane cutters in North Telangana Region
particularly in Bhodan, Kama reddy, Armoor (Nizamabad), Sangareddy, Toopran and
Zahirabad(Medak)and Metpally (Karimanagar) Migrate to Maharastra
 For Studying : Students migration flows from all areas to the educational centers like
Hyderabad.
 Demand for construction activities in Hyderabad: Skilled and semi skilled labour migration
flows
 Weavers Distress : Padmasali weavers migration from North Telangana districts to Textile
centers of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
 Reasons in 1980s, people from the Telangana region migrated to the Gulf due to
1. The perpetual droughts,
2. Lack of irrigable water and the resultant agricultural distress,
3. Heightened naxalism and police encounters
Problems of Migrant Labour
 Migrant Labour in Gulf : mostly work in low-paid, semi and low-skilled unorganised
sectors of construction, retail, driving, sanitation and domestic work. A few work in the
skilled sectors of care services, hospitality and hotel management as well.
 They are the “precarious proletariat” in the true sense of the term coined by the
renowned economist Thomas Piketty, working in 3D contractual jobs (“dirty, dangerous
and difficult”) under the much-criticised kafala(Control) ,Nitaqat in Saudi Arabia.  
 Stagnated wages
 Overcrowded labour camps or so-called “bachelor” houses
 Multiple jobs or overtime in arduous work environments
 Deprived of social safety nets and labour rights.
 Women are Subjected to inhuman treatments, gender-based violence and
exploitation.
 Uncertainties related to the temporary contract visa.
 Emotions of loneliness for being away from the family for years together, and concerns
about the wellbeing of the family left.
 Health problems
 Suicides
 Deceptive Agents, Issue of Trafficking
 Covid-19 Impact-on Migrant labor
 Unlike the earlier waves of return migration during the Gulf War (1990s), the
oil crisis and the economic depression (2000s), or the labour nationalisation
(2010s),
 The pandemic-induced return is unprecedented. The prospect of re-migration is
bleak, as India is going through an alarming phase of rising unemployment and
declining economic growth. It is in this context that these jobless migrants are
returning, feeling dejected and disillusioned.
 This serious issue of “wage theft”: over 75,000 migrant workers in the Gulf from
across Telangana are terminated from their jobs and hurriedly returned without
procuring salary arrears and end-of-service benefits such as bonus, PF,
gratuity, and so on.
 Expensive to re-migrate
 Ever-changing entry rules and travel bans in the Gulf, and uncertainty
 They spend around  Rs 1.5 lakh for these journeys(Long Routes), booking
chartered flights, 14-day quarantine in transit countries and PCR tests before
entering the final destination.
Challenges in Dealing with Migrant labor
 Skilled
◦ (i) low demand for skilled workers
◦ (ii) increascontracting employment with no provision for skill development,
◦ (iii) difficulties in mapping skill requirements.
 Unskilled
◦ Contract labor
◦ Low Wages
◦ Unemployment
◦ Difficulties in 5R’s
 Measures taken to reduce migrant Problems

 External Migrants
◦ The State government established the Telangana Overseas Manpower
Company Ltd (TOMCOM) in 2016 to ensure safe, legal migration.
◦ Recruitment agencies licensed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) (only
25 in Telangana)
◦ The proposed Draft Emigration Bill, 2021
The Sircilla-based Telangana Gulf Joint Action Committee, Hyderabad-
based Emigrants Welfare Forum, Gulf Telangana Welfare and Cultural
Association, Pravasi Mitra Labour Union, and the Dubai-based Indian
People’s Forum are a few to mention.
 Other Measures (Welfare Schemes)
◦ One Nation One
 Issues in Dealing with Migrant Labour
 Recognise
 Register
 Responsibility
 Ration cards
 Residence
Suggestive Measures/Way Forward
1. Creation of Favourable /Living conditions should be ensured in the source
region.
2. Increasing Developmental Opportunities: When job and education
opportunities are fulfilled in the native place, migration rates start declining.
3. Addressing Governance Deficit: Better law and order,Good Governance,
should be enforced in source regions.
4. Eliminating effect of Push and Pull factors: The broad based and effective
implementation of schemes like Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural
Areas (PURA) will not only reduce migration but also establish Gandhian
“village republics” in the long run.
5. Other Measures should be taken up for providing basic amenities like
health, education, residence. e.g. PM Awas Yojna.
6. Skill Creation and Employment Generation: Skill development to make the
youth employable in place of domicile.
 Promote agriculture as primary occupation through schemes like:
◦ Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Unnat Krishi Shiksha Scheme: Started in
2016, it promotes agricultural education in India.
◦ Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) project: It is
implemented at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs) and sanctioned by Indian
Council of Agricultural Research.
 Industry-friendly policies: To promote business and job opportunities in
rural areas, e.g. MUDRA scheme, Make in India programme etc
Fluorosis in Telangana
 What is Fluorosis and Present Status ?
 What is Permissible Limit?
 Three types of Fluorosis
 High Concentrated areas in Nalgonda
 How it got reduced/Eliminated
 Cure ?Prevention?
 Suggestive measures
What is Flurosis and Present Status ?

 What is Fluorosis
 Fluorosis is a general term for a condition caused by overexposure to high
levels of fluoride during the first eight years of life. 
 Those afflicted by the disease would have crippled limbs, twisted joints, bent
spine, disfigured faces, stunted growth and yellowish or brownish enamel.
They die at a very young age.
 Status
 80 years after the first cases were discovered in Nalgonda district in 1937,
fluorosis, is finally on the wane in the present generation owing to better
drinking water facilities and higher nutrition standards.
 According to the District fluoride monitoring centre (DFMC), no new cases
have been reported in the last few years. 
◦ The DFMC is a tripartite body of the district administration, the fluoride
knowledge action network (FKCAN), a non-governmental organization,
and the United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that was formed in 2012
to address fluorosis mitigation.
 What is Permissible Limit?

 According to DFMC, 0.5 to one milligram (mg) per litre is the permissible
limit (in India) for fluoride content in water and the same is 0.5 to 1.5mg
per litre as per the World Health Organization (WHO).

 High Concentrated areas in Nalgonda

 But the levels in Nalgonda district were even found to be 1mg to 10 mg in

Some places. Eg Western parts of the division in Chintapalle mandal. In
some parts of Chityala, Narayanapur, Munugode, Chintapalle , Kattengoor,
Kathepalle and Nakrekal mandals, it ranges between 5 and 10 ppm.
 Three types of Fluorisis
 1.Dental Fluorosis- Tooth Decay
 2.Skeletal Fluorosis- Fluoride replaces Calcium in Bones
 3.Non Skeletal Fluorosis - The symptoms include
1. Gastro-intestinal complaints,
2. Loss of appetite,
3. Pain in stomach,
4. Constipation followed by intermittent diarrhea,
5. Muscular weakness and neurological manifestations leading to excessive thirst and Tendency to
urinate more frequently are common among the afflicted individuals.
6. Cardiac problems may arise due to cholesterol production.
7. Repeated abortions or still birth, male infertility due to sperm abnormalities.
 Causes of Fluorosis
 Fluorosis is caused by excessive intake of fluorides from multiple sources
such as in food, water, air (due to gaseous industrial waste), and excessive
use of toothpaste. However, drinking water is the most significant source.
 The root cause of fluorosis is the extensive development of borewells. Nalgonda
are around 5.5 lakh deep borewells, which have penetrated the subsurface
levels where there is a high fluoride content.
How it Got Reduced in Telangana

 First, was the provision of surface water, mainly from Nagarjunasagar

reservoir since 2005 to Nalgonda.
 A specific focus of the DFMC: Eg highly affected 46 villages of the
Marriguda mandal where all departmental activities of 17 departments
associated with the DFMC are being monitored.
 Mapping of Effected Zones The mobile-based Caddisfly fluoride water testing
was carried out in the entire Marriguda mandal in partnership with Engineers
Without Borders (EWB).
 National programme for prevention and control of fluoride (NPPCF) which
was set up in 2012 as part of the twelfth five-year plan.
 Mission Bhagiratha and Mission Kakatiya
 Increased Awareness
 Defluoridation Technique ( Nalgonda Technique ):The process comprises
of addition of aluminium salt, lime and bleaching powder to the raw water
followed by flocculation, sedimentation and filtration. The domestic level
treatment is performed in a bucket or any plastic container.
 Cure ?Prevention?
 No Cure :There is no treatment for severe cases of skeletal fluorosis
 Easily preventable : if diagnosed early and
Safe drinking water,
Promote nutrition and
Avoid foods with high fluoride content.

Dental and skeletal fluorosis is irreversible and no treatment exists, the only
remedy is prevention by keeping fluoride intake with in safe limits.
Suggestive Measures
 Sustainable use of Water
 Ground water recharge
 Nutrition
 Better health care
 Reducing dependence on Agriculture
 Water Harvesting
Social Movements in
Telangana
Peasant and Tribal Movements
What is Social Movement and Its Causes?
 Def: “a voluntary association of people engaged in concerted efforts to change
attitudes, behaviour and social relationships in a larger society.”
 Features of SM?
(i) It is an effort by a group;
(ii) Its aim is to bring or resist a change in society;
(iii) It may be organized or unorganized;
(iv) It may be peaceful or violent;
(v) Its life is not certain. It may continue for a long period or it may die out soon.
 Causes of SM
1. Cultural Drift –New ideas like Freedom , Equality etc(Eg:Women
movements,Democratic movements etc)
2. Social Disorganization –Inability to cope up with changes
(Eg: Revolutionary movements)
1. Social Injustice – Eg : Telangana movement
 SM’s in Telangana
1. Peasant Movements
2.Tribal Movements
3.Dalit Movements
4.Backward classes movements
5.Women’s movement
5.Human Rights movements

1. Peasant Movements
1. Telangana Peasant’s Armed struggle
2. Peasant Movements During 1970’s and 1980’s
3. LPG and Peasant Movements
2. Tribal Movements
1. Ramji Gond’s (1857-1860)
2. Komaram Bheem Revolt(1940-1950)
3. Godavari Valley Tribal Struggle(1970-1980)
4. Contemporary Movements (Tudum Debba Movement-The Adivasi Hakkula Porata Samithi)
3. Dalit Movements
1. Dalit Movements during Nizam’s rule
2. Dalit Movements in post Independence
Peasant Movements
 The rural society in Telangana was broadly stratified into
1. Land lords,
2. Peasantry and
3. Landless agricultural workers
 Though in Principle the Nizam State owned all the land.
 The land tenures in the state were divided into
◦ Diwani /Khalsa lands : land were directly under the jurisdiction of the
Government (Ryotwari System).Eg: single occupants (pattadars), Joint
pattadars (pot pattadars), Protected tenants (Shikmidars) and tenants at will
(asami shikmidars).
◦ Non Khalsa Lands: lands not under Ryotwar system were called Ijara (grants
of lands) and panmaktha (fixed quit rent) tenures(Deshmukhs , Zamindars
etc). Wealthy and wielded considerable political power.
Telangana peasant’s Armed Struggle:
 To Fight Exploitation
◦ An organisation called Andhra Mahasabha formed in 1928 that took up the
issues of Telugus in the region.
◦ Major Demands such as the abolition of
 The vetti (forced labor),
 Reduction of excessive extraction of Taxes from tenants,
 Transfer of the legal use rights (pattadar rights) to the actual cultivators,
 Abolition of the Jagirdari system and
 The creation of a responsible administration.
 Course of the Movement
◦ 1st Phase (1928 -1946): This Andhra Mahasabha has become a Rytu Sangham
in Telangana. Between 1928-46 there were many sporadic protests against
the Jagirdars and Deshmukhs.
◦ 2nd Phase (1946-1951) (The Communist party): had taken over the leadership
of Telangana Armed struggle by Many great leaders like Ravi Narayana Reddy,
Arutla Ramachandra Reddy, Baddam Yella Reddy, P. Sundarayya and others
 ◦ On July 4, 1946, a Telangana peasant by name Doddi Komaraiah who
resisted one powerful local Deshmukh was murdered. This incident is
considered to be the catalyst that led to the beginning of the peasant
rebellion.
 Spreading of the Movement :
◦ Mass Mobilization Spreads to Nalgonda, Warangal, Karimnagar and
Khammam grown itself as a big movement.
 Control/Containment
◦ However, the Nizam Government along with the armies of the local
landlords unleashed extreme repression through special armed bands
called the razakars.
 Major successes of the movement were
◦ large scale politicization of the masses in four districts,
◦ elimination of grain levy system,
◦ reduction of vetti
◦ that surplus land distribution first took place in India.
Peasant Movements during 1970s & 1980s:
 Major Issues During 1970s
1. Distribution of surplus lands,
2. Rights for small and marginal peasants on temple lands
3. Distribution of forest land
4. Dissent against tardy implementation of land reforms.
 Major Issues during 1980s:
1. The remunerative prices for Produce ,
2. Rural indebtedness and
3. Escalating power prices
 Led By :
1. Political organisations like Rythu coolisangam, Vyavasaya coolie Sangham and others
2. Non Political organisations like Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (Telangana unit) Swadeshi
Jagaran Munch and others have led movements in Telangana area of united Andhra
Pradesh.
 Success of Movement
1. Declaring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural products,
2. Farm loans and subsidies for power tariff had to be taken up.
3. There was also distribution of land to landless labourers.
LPG and Peasant Movements:
 Economic reforms were implemented in Telangana(AP) and as a part of Indian
Government reforms.
 Major Reforms in Agriculture include
1. Attempts to bring corporate investments in agriculture
2. Reduction in subsides,
3. Autonomy to market forces
 Brought disastrous effects on farmers.
 Led to large scale suicides
 Agricultural distress.
 Nature of the Movement
 There have been more sporadic, fractured and fragmented social movements
against these changes By.
1. The Cotton growers of Nalgonda, Rangareddy and Medak,
2. The Paddy farmers of Nizamabad and Karimnagar
3. The Pulses and Haldi growers of Medak, Nalgonda and Mahboobnagar.
 Major Demands are
1. Remunerative prices for agricultural produce,
2. Active functioning of markets,
3. Waiver of bank loans and
4. Against allocation of lands in large scale in and around Hyderabad and
Rangareddy to private sector.
 Course of the Movement
1. A movement against power tariff hike led by communist parties led to police
firing in Basheerbagh (Hyderabad) in 2004 (Death of 4 innocent farmers).
 The Major Outcome of these Movements
1. Changed political regime in TS(AP)in 2004
2. And in 2004 is that agriculture has become important in the development
agenda(YSR).
3. Govt undertook land reforms under Indira Kranthi Patham (IKS). The
Government has also constituted a "Land Committee" in 2004(Headed by
Cabinet Minister Koneru Ranga Rao).
4. The Government also constituted Rytu Mitra groups.
5. Facilitated private role in Agriculture
Tribal Movements in Telangana :
 Status: Adivasis and Tribals are an integral part of Telangana Society spreading
across Adilabad, Nizamabad, Warangal, Khammam, Nalgonda, Medak and
Mahboobnagar in larger tracks of hills and plains.  
 Demographically, there are around 5 lakh tribal families with a approximate
population of 27.5 lakhs living in Telangana State.
 The spread of Tribals in some of the major districts of Telangana is as follows
 Major Reasons for Tribal Movements
 Penetration of outsiders
 Before Independence
1. Money lenders
2. Tenant farmers
3. Midde men
4. Business men and Capitalists
 Post Independence :
◦ Mining activities(Coal,Bauxite,etc)
◦ Establishment of special Economic Zones, heavy industries and trade and commerce
◦ Dams and Irrigation Projects in tribal areas led to encroachment of tribals rights on lands.
 Which led to vicious cycle of injustice ,exploitation and betrayal.
 And Problems like :
◦ i) Land alienation
◦ ii) Displacement
◦ iii) Disruption of socio-Economic -cultural systems
◦ iv) Poverty and unemployment
◦ v) Dreadful diseases
◦ vi) Victimization of tribals due to Naxalism influence
Ramji Gond's Revolt (1857-1860)
 Ramji Gond's Revolt (1857-1860)( autonomous ruler in Nirmal and Adilabad):
Led movement against the British and Nizam
 Reasons for Revolt
1. The Nizam of Hyderabad viewed these areas as strategically important and
planned to annex these areas in his state.
2. In 1853 a treaty: Between Nizam and East India Company - As a result the
British soldiers intruded into this area and committed many crimes.
3. These developments angered Ramji Gond and made him to challenge both
Nizam and British.
 Nature of the Movement
◦ Ramji Gond and his followers employed traditional weapons and courageous
fought with the enemies.
 Suppression
◦ The British suppressed the Ramji gond rebellion and killed hundreds of
gonds.
 Outcomes
1. Ramji gond was caught as a captive prisoner and was hanged.
2. The story of Ramji gond still motivates tribals for self respect.
Komaram Bheem Revolt :
 The Gonds of Adilabad under the leadership of Komaram Bheem revolted
against the Nizam ( and Muttedars and Jagirdars). Against
1. Land alienation,
2. High rates of taxation,
3. Vetti (or the bonded labour),
4. Socio-cultural suppression,
5. Economic exploitation and
6. Atrocities.
7. Misrule and resulting in insecurity among tribals.
 Komaram Bheem and his followers used traditional arms such as bows,
arrows, swords and spears.
 Suppression
 The Nizam's soldiers made an armed assault on komaram Bheem led to death
and killing of many Gonds including komaram Bheem.
 Komaram Bheem gave a slogan of Jal, Jungle and Jameen. It means people who
live in forests should have rights on all resources such as water, forest and forest
lands.
 Outcome
1. Seventh Nizam of Hyderabad state appointed C.F. Haimendorf Christopher
Van Furar Haimendorf (European anthropologist) to look into the
problems of Traditional rights of Tribals.
2. Note for Prelims :He wrote i) The chenchus - Jungle folk of Deccan, ii) The
Reddis of Bison Hills iii) The Raj Gonds of Adilabad are the significant
books.
 Success :
1. In 1945, C.F. Haimendorf has prepared a blue print for the Integrated
Tribal development. On the recommendations of Haimendorf, the Nizam
Government formulated Dustur-ul-Amal Act that protects tribals against
exploitation.
2. Progressive Legislation like the land transfer regulation Act (LTRA)
1959(A. LTRAct in 1970) was formulated: Land in the scheduled area
belongs to the tribals.
3. As a result of his study, the Gonds, Kolam, Pardhan and other adivasi
communities gained legal land rights over their lands. He bacame advisor
to Nizam Government on all matters relating to Tribal affairs.
Godavari Valley Tribal Struggles:
 During the late 1970s and early 1980s, there were struggles in many
areas of Godavari valley.
 One such struggle was the Adilabad - Indravelli Gond revolt(Tribals
especially in the districts of Adilabad and Khammam) led by the radical
left parties (CPI (MC)).
 Reasons :
◦ The Gonds of Adilabad were exploited by land lords and money lenders from
the plain areas.
◦ The failure of the state in land restoration to tribals from non-tribals
 Course of the Movement
 In 1981, a Rytu coolie sangham meeting was held in Indravelli and
tribals (mostly gonds) participated in the meeting. Tension prevailed in
the meeting and 13 tribals are killed in police firing.  
 Contemporary movement of Tribals:
 LPG brought Present the problems of
◦ i) land alienation
◦ ii) displacement
◦ iii) disruption of socio-cultural systems and disorganised economic life
◦ iv)Poverty and unemployment
◦ v) dreadful diseases
◦ vi) Rift between extremists and police resulting victimization of tribals and many other
problems.
Led By: The adivasi Hakkula porata samithi, Human rights forum, Gondwana adivasi
koya sangham and others are fighting for Tribal rights.
Eg :Tudum Debba Movement: from the mid 1990s -Categorization of Tribals for
reservations within STs opposed to the inclusion of Khaiti Lambadas and Valmiki
Boyas STs category and gave a representation to Chellappa Commission in this
regard.
 Outcomes
 Brought consciousness among various tribal groups. In assertion of their rights
the tribals are organising themselves into various forms such as students wing,
employees wing, women wing and so on
Dalit ,BCs and Women
Movements
 Dalit Movements in Telangana
 Indian and Telangana Social Structure allowed caste system
 Reasons for Dalit Movement
◦ Upper castes: all privileges of social respect, ownership rights, education
◦ Lower castes: had to confine duties, obligations, humiliation and exploitation.
 The word Dalit (coined by Jyothiba Phule) was first used by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar with a
meaning that they were the socially excluded/Oppressed community.
 The Constitutuion of India identified Dalits as "Scheduled Castes".
 What is mean by Dalit Movements?
 The movement against the historical injustice, oppression, exploitation and denial of
rights to scheduled castes called as Dalit movements.
 Major Aims of Dalit movements:
1. Social Justice,
2. Assertion Of Rights,
3. Better Living Conditions,
4. Educational And
5. Employment Opportunities
6. Abolition Of Caste System

  
Dalit Movements during Nizam's rule
 Dalit movements during the Nizam's period was led by great leaders like Bhagya
Reddy Verma, Arigay Rama Swamy, Harischandra Heda and Gnankumari
Heda, J.H. Subbiah and others.
 Under the influence of the self respect movement, organizations such as
◦ Adi Hindu social service league,
◦ Adi Arundatiya sabha and
◦ Manya Sangam were established in the second decade of 20th century.
 These movements were conducted to reconstruct the self identity with self respect
among dalits.
 Bhagyareddy verma established many associations (Manne Sangam in 1911(Adi Hindu
Samajika Seva Samakhya), championed the cause of
1. Education,
2. Scientific knowledge,
3. Vegetarianism,
4. Community dinner,
5. Against consumption of liquor,
6. Indiscriminate slaughtering of animals in festivities and
7. Social evils like Jogini - Basivini - Devadasi systems.
 and so on to encourage fraternity among various sub-castes of Dalits.

 He Founded 'Swastik Dal' in 1923 which worked for

◦ promoting human values among the people and worked for the poor,
orphans and indisposed.
 Prominent leader Arigay Rama Swamy founded Adi Hindu Jaathi Unnathisabha'
in 1922.

 During 1930s,
1. another leader Shri Harischandra Heda and his wife Gnanakumari Heda
relentlessly worked for Dalits as “Secretary and Treasurer of Harijan sevak
Sangh”. They tried to bring social reforms through education among dalits.

 During 1940s, leaders like B.S. Venkat Rao, Shyam Sunder and J.H. Subbiah
made attempts to mobilize Dalits to bring consciousness among them.
1. They started “Suppressed classes Association" and "Scheduled castes
Federation“(BR Ambedkar) for creating self respect and positive
consciousness among dalits at different levels.
Ambedkar's visit to Hyderabad :
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar visited Hyderabad and secunderabad on september 29,
1944.

Highlights of His Visit

1. He appealed the women to actively participate in all the struggles for their
rights.
2. He had motivated the Dalits to adopt participatory culture in politics so as
to fight for their rights.

Prelims Facts
1. Scheduled Castes Federation arranged a meeting at Secunderabad.

2. The Hyderabad State Depressed classes Association arranged a meeting at

Hyderabad.
3. A woman representative by name Smt Rajamani Devi made the invitational
speech
4. In the post independence period, the Osmania University of Telangana
region conferred an Honorary Doctorate on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
DM’s in post independence period:
Phase Leaders Demands/Aims/Features
Phase-1 TN Sada Lakshmi, J. Eradication of untouchability ,
(1950- Eshwari Bai, G Venkata Abolition of vetti (bonded labour),
1980), Swamy Bhageela (forced labour), Jeetham (under paid labour) and
Child labour.
Phase-2 New leadership has Caste violence and Atrocities.
(1980- emerged at every level Assertion of rights
1990) from village panchayat
to national parliament
Phase-3 i) Categorisation of SCs
(1990- ii) Political mobilization :Emergence of Kula Nirmulana
Till Date) Porata Samithi (KNPS), Dalitha Hakkula Porata Samithi
(DHPS) and Kula Vivaksha Vyathireka Porata Sangam
(KVVPS) to mobalise the Dalit communities.
iii) Some of the Dalit communities are motivated to align
with other Backward classes under Dalit Bahujan
Association.
iv) Attracted towards extremist ideological forces.
v) Assertion of Rights
 Conclusion
 Though, Dalit movements appear to be
fragmented, on all issues of social importance all
the communities put up united fight. Likewise
Dalits in Telangana favoured separate statehood
for Telangana.
Backward Classes
Movements
 Status of Backward Classes
 The State of Telangana has nearly 50 %, Comes Under 5 categories and they are
getting reservation all educational institutions and employment opportunities.
 In BC(A)- 7% - nomadic communities and rural artisan classes.
 In BC(B) -10% among Backward classes are mostly people belonging to various
rural professional castes.
 In BC (C) -1% Christian Converts
 In BC (D)- 7% Group, all other castes excepting the upper castes,
 In BC (E) -4%, 15 Muslim communities who are identified with Social and
Economic Backwardness.
 Manohar Prasad Commission (1973)-Categorised BCs into Four groups,
recommended 25% reservation and Accepted by Government.
 Muralidhar Rao(1982) commission : Recommended 42 percent reservations
for BCs in 1984. state High quashed the Government order.
 1994 onwards, the State Government has been implementing reservations for
Backward classes in local self Government Institutions.
Backward Class Movement : Before Independence
 BCs are very active in Join Indian Union Movement, Arya Samaj Movement and
Telangana Armed Struggle.
 Leaders like Konda Lakshman Bapuji, M.R. Shyam Rao, M.S. Raja Lingam, Brij
Rani Goud, Prem Raj Yadav, Mallayya Yadav, Kakkeri Hanumantha Rao and lot
of others participated in Political activities undertaken by Hyderabad State
Congress.
 Doddu Komaraiah and Chakali Ailamma became the inspirational heroes of the
Telangana Armed struggle. A leader from Lingayats, Shri Mallikarjunappa was a
minister in Mir Laiq Ali cabinet along with B.S. Venkatrao (Depressed classes).
 These leaders had been putting forth the demands for upliftment of various
backward classes communities before the Nizam State Government.
Backward Classes Movement - Post Independance period:
 Phase -1
 Convincing and Compelling Movements-Party leaders (Congress Party)
Economic and Educational opportunities for Backward classes
 Outcomes :
1. Muralidhar Rao Commission for increasing Reservations (Rec-42%)-but
Quashed by High Court.
2. Successul in Bringing reservations for Backward classes in local self
Governing Institutions such as Gram Panchayats to Zilla Parishads(73 rd and
74th CAA).
 Mandal Commission Agitation
 Recommending 27 percent Reservations to Other Backward Classes in India.
 There were many protests and agitations against the Mandal Commission
Recommendations. As against these protests, the other Backward Classes also
undertook protest movements and demanded implementation of Reservations
to OBCs.
 In the Telangana Region also, the OBCs formed an association called,
"Reservations Parirakshaka Samiti" and demanded reservations for OBCs in
Politics, employment and educational Opportunities.
 These movements were by and large peaceful, inspite of the fact that some of
the youth Fighting against reservations provoked the pro reservationists.
 Cutting across all the Political Parties, Leaders and Cadres actively participated in
the movement from 1990 to 1991. This movement has led to the emergence of
an autonomous movement in the later years.
Phase 2- Autonomous Movement - BC Sankshema
Sangham(1990s):
 The main demands
1. Political empowerment (more seats)of OBCs in the State.
2. Social and Economic Empowerment.
3. fees reimbursement to students in general and students pursuing technical
and professional courses in particular.
4. Land reforms, redistribution of surplus lands,
5. Modernizing the rural services,
6. Establishment of OBC hostels for all students.
7. Sub-plan for the comprehensive development
 Drawbacks/Issues/Challenges
1. Over Politicization
2. Suffer form splits on issues of inclusion and exclusion of castes in Backward
classes list.
3. All the Communities among OBC are not homogeneous
Women's Movements in
Telangana
 Women's Movements in Telangana :

 Women in Telangana have a long history of leading movements for self respect
and dignity.
 Historical
 Rani Rudrama, Rani Shankaramma, Sammakka - Saralamma and many others
had vehemently fought for autonomy and self respect.
 Modern times (Renaissance of 19th and early 20th Century)
 Emphasized on Reforms
1. Opposing child marriages and
2. Encouraging widow remarriages and
3. Women education.
4. Abolition of Social Evil Practices (like Sati)
 In Telangana, the first wave of women's movement was led by men as part of
◦ Dalit movement, self respect movement and Indian National Movement.
◦ Issues are DEP (Dignity,Education and Participation)
By 1940’s
 1940s, many women leaders started participating in Nationalist movement.
 These leaders include, Sarojini Naidu, Durga Bai Deshmukh, Yellapragada
Sitakumari, Padmaja Naidu, Vimalabai Melkote, Gyan Kumari Heda,
Kamalamma, Ahalya Bai and Sumitra Bai, Lakshmi, Smt Rama Swamy, Smt
Rajeshwari (Khammam) and many others, actively participated in the
nationalist movement and faced the wrath of Nizam police and Razakars
 Large Participation Telangana peasant Armed struggle
 Include, Mallu Swarajyam, Priyamvada, Arutla Kamala Devi, Chakali Ailamma,
Kamalamma, Pramila, Tapi Rajamma, Kauser Bee Mohiuddin, Veerama and
many others.
 Women's movement in the Post Independence period:

 Women's movements in Telangana witnessed many

trends and patterns such as
◦ working class movements
◦ middle class movements,
◦ autonomous movements and
◦ state sponsored movements. All the political parties in Andhra
Pradesh in general and Telangana region in Particular have
established women wings and encouraged women leadership.
 The first generation women leaders include Sangam
Lakshmi Bai, Padmaja Naidu, Mallu Swarajyam, Durga
bai Deshmukh, T.N. Sada Lakshmi, J. Eshwari Bai and
many others vehemently articulated women issues and
problems inside and outside the legislative bodies.
During the 1970s and 80s
Movement led by Gita Rama Swamy (OU student) and Progressive
Organization for Women (POW)
Major issues are
1. Dowry deaths,
2. sexual harrassment and
3. domestic violence.
4. Commodification of Women as sexual objects
5. Alcoholism, relief from the double burden of house work and outside work
and
6. Economic issues like equal pay and right to work.
Outcome
1. Increased consciousness,
2. literacy and education,
3. employment and assertion of rights by women .

v Around this time, the Government of India brought out a report on the status of
Women in India with a title "Towards Equality“ and The emergence of slogan
of "Personal is political" (Carol Hanisch )emerged in which private family life
was also exposed.
During 1980s-1990s(Autonomous Women's Groups (AWG))
 These groups claimed to focus more sharply on gender and feminist issues
 Autonomous women's groups like Anveshi, Asmita in Telangana
◦ demanding reservations in legislative bodies,
◦ employment opportunities and
◦ educational institutions.
 Meanwhile the anti arrack agitation (Dubagunta,Nellore)during the early 1990s
by women, as a result of the literacy movement Akshara Jyothi exposed the
nexus between illiteracy, poverty and alcoholism.
 From the later part of 1990s, state had effectively taken over the women's
movement, creating women Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Women in Separate Telangana movement:

 Political : J. Eshwari Bai were very vocal in the legislature and highlighted the
injustices meted out to Telangana region.
 Social : Smt. T.N.Sada Lakshmi fought for the inclusion of women in Trust
Boards of various temples and against Jogini system, Basivinis and Devadasi
system.
 Cultural : The Telangana Jagruthi led by Kalvakuntla Kavitha - cultural symbols
such as Bathukamma and Bonalu
 Women Joint Action Committee (Prof.Rama Melkote ) and Telangana Praja
Sabha Women leaders like Belli Lalitha, Vimalakka, Devaki Devi, Ratnamala,
Sandhya (Maa Bhom Sandhya (POW), Jupaka Subhadra, Gogu Shyamala, Tula
Uma etc. participated and mobilized public opinion in favour of Telangana State.
Outcomes due to Women Movements
1. Reduced violence against women like Dowry deaths, Sexual
Harassment etc
2. Accessible to Education (STEM)
3. Temple Entries(Shabarimala)
4. Better Employment opportunities
5. Gender budgeting is evident in all the ministries(All Schemes
related to women empowerment)