• In the Telangana region, thousands of Padmashalis were forced to migrate to other states like Sholapur, Mumbai, and Ahmednagar due to the oppression and humiliation imposed by village authorities.
• From the 18th century until the struggle for independence, Padmashalis did not find freedom from the oppressive system of bonded labor.
• Around 1936-37, prominent Padmashali figures from Nizamabad and Karimnagar districts sought help from social leaders to put an end to the forced labor system.
• Under Nizam rule, the cruelty of village authorities made the practice of bonded labor unbearable.
• During the early 19th century, when the handloom industry was in decline, the harsh conditions imposed by village authorities were comparable to being thrown from a frying pan into a fire.
• These authorities insulted the Padmashalis by calling them “Salewadu” or “Julayi,” terms that reflected their oppressed status.
What Was Forced Labor Like?
• Every year, village authorities would demand a certain amount of tribute, extorting money from Padmashalis through coercion.
• When marriages or other important ceremonies took place in the village, Padmashalis were required to pay dowries.
• In the households of landlords (Patels and Patwaries), when anyone passed away, Padmashalis were forced to donate money to Brahmins.
• Padmashalis were also required to give one or two chickens to the village authorities, which had to be slaughtered, cooked, and delivered as meat.
• Whenever government officials visited the village, Padmashalis were tasked with providing supplies, cooking meals, and serving them without asking for anything in return.
• For visiting guests, Padmashalis had to give up their beds and provide them for their comfort (including taking away bedding from their own homes).
• When the wives of village authorities traveled, Padmashalis were obligated to carry their bundles of clothes.
• If they refused to comply, they would be summoned, beaten with whips, and punished by having a heavy stone placed on their backs.
• Despite such cruelty, Padmashalis had no courage to oppose these injustices.
• Life during those days was a struggle for survival, where the daily labor was insufficient to sustain oneself. Forced labor became the only way of life, leading many to migrate to urban areas in search of a better life.
• Some Padmashalis, unable to endure the hardships, resorted to false claims of converting to Christianity, as it was believed that the British government granted certain privileges to Christians. This provided some relief to them.
• Realizing the dire situation, leaders like Sri Guntaka Narasayya Pantulu and Sri Pendem Venkataramulu formed the Padmashali Workers’ Relief Association in 1937, in the village of Mothartada in Armur taluka of Nizamabad district.
• Sri Bhoga Chinnayya was unanimously elected as the president of the association, with Sri Kota Bhumaiah as the general secretary, and Sri Amballa Narasimha as the treasurer. Several others were also selected as members of the executive committee. Around thirty Padmashali families from various villages in Nizamabad district participated in this historic meeting.
• On 6th December 1937, plans began for the grand Handloom Workers’ Conference in Nizamabad, marking a significant step toward advocating for the rights and relief of the Padmashali community.
