History, Culture, and Identity Crisis: An Ethnographic Study of Vadderas in Telangana State, India

Abstract

India is a diverse country with populations exhibiting varied cultures that have undergone transitions over the years. One such community is that of Vadderas, also known as Odde/Waddars/Vaddirajulu in different dialects. They have many sub-groups such as Kallu Waddars, Mannu Waddars, Uppu Waddars, etc. Historically known as rulers of the erstwhile kingdoms, they shifted to being agriculturalists, then delved into stone-cutting and finally into taking up private jobs. In this paper, the authors etch an ethnographic description of the transitions this particular de-notified community has gone through in the last few years. Using a mixed-method approach to explore the changes, the paper highlights the various challenges this community is facing currently. Data was collected ethnographically from six residential sites of Vadderas using semi-structured schedules. Focussed Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted to elicit detailed responses. Traditionally, the Vadderas depended on stone-cutting and working with soil but due to transcendental changes related to poverty, geographical disparity, and socio-political dynamics, the community has not been able to cross the threshold of development. The next generation is discontinuing the traditional art of stone-cutting and is moving towards urban areas for private jobs, disassociating themselves from the traditional community-based occupation and related identity. The migration in want of better job prospects leads to multiple challenges such as discontinuing agriculture in their native place, children withdrawing from school, poor living conditions at construction sites leading to severe health hazards, and overall alienation from cultural identity. The paradigm shifts in their cultural ethos have also been one of the factors leading to drastic changes in their lifestyle patterns. The paper examines all these challenges in detail and sums up the current scenario wherein the Vadderas are yearning for a better quality of life, equity for the much-desired transformation, and enlisting as a Scheduled Tribe.