Matang is a Dalit caste in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Andhra pradesh, and Karnataka. Matangs or Mangs are known as Madigas in Andhra Pradesh.
Matangs 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.(see matang yaksha sitting on elephant sculpture at Ellora cave no 32)
In Buddhism Matang is the name of Boddhisatva(protagonist of the Matanga Jataka), also the name of Pratyekabuddha, and Matangiis the godess mentioned in Buddhist text Divyavadana.
According to Ramayan, Hanuman, Vali, Sugreev, Jambvant were Matangs. And there was the rishi Matang or Jambmuni residing on rishyamukh parvat in kishkindha, he was guru of shabhari. Ram and laxman also visited his ashram and hanuman,sugreev also reside on these mountain during there exile.
Totem they probably had the elephant for their totem or symbol as word for elephant in sanskrit is matang.
ReligionIn ancient times, they were staunch followers of Jainism.At present day, they are divided in following religions:Hinduism
Christianity
Buddhism
A small number of people from this community in Karnataka follow Veershaivism and Jainism.
Notable personalitiesSagesAcharya Harikeshi, a Jain Achraya of ancient India
Muni Chitta-Sambhuti Vijay,two brothers who were disciple monks of Teerthankar Mahaveer
Mythical
Hanuman (Maruti) who helped Raam in his mission
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.
Shahir Nangare
References1. Uttaradhyan Sutra, Chittsambhutiya 2. Matangs in Jain Literature by Prof. Pradeep Phaltane
links1.Matang
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matang
http://jainism-for-dalits.blogspot.com/2011/01/matang-community-and-its-jain-origin.html
http://jainsamaj.org/magazines/ahimsatimesshow.php?id=211
2.Matanga
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matanga
3.Matang yaksha
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellora_Caves
http://vinzoda.weebly.com/1/post/2011/4/the-matanga-yasha-elora-world-heritage-cave-and-indian-music.html
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5mnAzpr_Au8/TWPMu5JEC6I/AAAAAAAABm8/USCwTQOkFGA/s1600/Matang1.jpg
4.Matangi
http://www.indianetzone.com/55/goddess_matangi_buddhism.htm
5.TOTEM
http://indculture0.tripod.com/madiga.htm
6.JAMBVANT
http://ancientindians.wordpress.com/tag/jambu-purana
http://www.simoncharsley.co.uk/roots1.html
There are many different caste systems in India. This is one of the largest caste systems in the country.
Basit caste is not schedule caste, so to remove its identity as schedule caste they are now called vashisht rajput.
I am north Indian Ramanandi Vaishnava Brahmin, I want to know the gotra of entire Vaishnav Brahmins.
Yes Hindus are very much particular about their caste still today although due to globalization it has not been considered imp in some big cities of the country but still the majority of Hindus go with their caste and there is no marriage or relation is allowed outside the caste
The untouchables are the lowest in the caste.
5
what cast & kuli is marathi surname patole ? plz
Matang Highway was created in 2002-07.
Goon caste is very high class. They are after the Brahmin Caste.
What caste is sharan
There are many different caste systems in India. This is one of the largest caste systems in the country.
The cast of Matang agila - 1997 includes: Anjanette Abayari Monsour Del Rosario Zoren Legaspi
Silk weavers
it evolves at lv 45.
Screw the caste system, its a bunch of BS. In this world, its how much you make that matters the most.
it is a caste of jatt clan
lvl 45