Dravidian Gods in Modern Hinduism 27 



of Poleramma. It begins, however, very mildly. There may be 

 some connection between the name Bangaramma, meaning "the 

 golden one," and her mild nature. The first day the children are 

 treated to sweetmeats, and have a general good time. After this 

 pleasant beginning, however, the people seem to forget that she 

 is different from the others, and the jatara increases in intensity 

 until it comes to resemble that of the other goddesses. 



The buffalo sacrifice takes place on the third day. After the 

 severed head is placed before Bangaramma, water is poured over 

 it until the head is said to jump. This indicates that the sacri- 

 fice is acceptable to Bangaramma, and the people dance like de- 

 mons while the drums and horns keep up the wildest din. 



A strange custom is now observed. The Madigas, who are 

 outcastes, begin to revile the caste people, using the vilest lan- 

 guage. They certainly are adepts at invective, and make good 

 use of their opportunity. The caste people not only expect this 

 berating, but demand it. If the Madigas show any reluctance to 

 begin, the caste people will beat them with ropes and sticks to 

 compel them to perform their duty. No doubt the Madigas get 

 a good deal of satisfaction out of this privilege and pay off many 

 an old score, for they are in the position of serfs to the higher 

 castes, and often suffer a good deal of oppression. 



Mathamma and Matangi. Mathamma is the especial goddess 

 of the Madigas. While all castes have much fear of her, and 

 contribute to her worship, caste distinctions prevent any but 

 Madigas from taking an active part in the ceremonies. As the 

 Madigas are usually very poor, her worship is not so extensive 

 or elaborate as that of the other goddesses. She is represented 

 by a small stone image in a very poor shrine.-° 



In preparation for the jatara a small buffalo is procured and 

 then turned loose until the appointed day. The image is then 



20 There is an occasional exception. In Kavili, Nellore District, the 

 temple of Mathamma is equal to many small Hindu temples. The 

 Madigas contracted a heavy debt with the Sudras to build it, and this they 

 have not been able to pay, and probably never will pay, the Sudras being 

 satisfied to have the Madigas in their power because of this debt. In 

 Kandukuru also the temple to Mathamma is a large one. 



27 



