• The Princely state of Hyderabad was unique among the Princely states of Indía. The rulers were Muslims and majority of the subjects were Hindus, But the people of all castes and communities harmoniously lived together and were a perfect example of Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb’. People of various castes migrated from North India, Marathis, Kannadigas and Christians along with Hindus and Muslims lived in the state of Hyderabad.
• According to Census 1881,the total population consisted of 90.32% Hindus, 9.40% Muslims, 0.09% Christians, 0.08% Jains, 0,006% Parsis, 0.0031% Sikhs and 47 Jews. According to the census, Hlindus spread in Hyderabad State in North and South Regions. The 1911 census revealed reduction in Hindu population and growth of Muslim population. Majority of population in villages were Hindus,
• There were caste differences in Hindus and sect differences in Muslims. It was said that the people were measured with wealth in Europe and with caste in Deccan society. People had social status based on their castes. Initially, Hindu society was classified into four divisions namely Brahmins, Kshyatriyas, Vyshyas and Shudras. Later they were divided into hundreds of castes.

Brahmins

• They were the highest class in the society, They were divided into Dravída and Gowda. Based on their religious traditions, they were divided into Vaishnavas and Smarthas. Vaishnavas worship Lord Vishnu and Smarthas worship Lord Shiva.
• Based on their occupation, they were further classified into Vaidika and Niyogi Brahmins. Viadika Brahmins perform religious prayers and rituals. They are treated as next to God.
• They mainly serve as Priests in temples. Niyogi Brahmins gave up caste occupation and joined the army, took up farming and business. Some of them served as Karanams when the East India Company introduced a new political system in India and became powerful.

Kshatriyas

• They occupied the second highest position in the Hindu society.
• They wear sacred thread (Jandhyam) like the Brahmins and their women follow the Purdah system.
• They kept themselves away from dining with other castes. There are three sections in them.
  1. Surya Vamsam
  2. Chandra Vamsam
  3. Matsya Vamsam.
• Gradually they gave up fighting skills and started agriculture.

Vysyas

• They formed the third section of the Hindu society. Trade and business is their main occupation.
• The Komatlu in Andhra were called as Vyshyas. Some sudras who do business also claimed themselves as Vyshyas. They made many donations to keep their name forever.
• There were many castes in Hindus Along with the fourfold division of the society, many castes and sub castes were formed. Primarily their occupations became their castes. There were many castes related to various occupations.

Balothadarlu

• Balothadarlu resided in every village.
• They were village servants. Grama sevaka- Jyoshi or Purohit Hudu, Mulla, Vadrangi, Kammari, Kamsali, Kummari, Chakali, Mangali, Madiga, Mala. Karanam and Patel were also village servants. All of them had Inam lands.
• They depended on these lands and provided services to the people according to their profession.
• Based on the production from these lands, Landlords gave Balotha Dhanyam to all Balothadars. Some big Balothadars like Vadla, Kammari and Magida should get more grain than the others.
• Harijans were considered as honest persons. Harijans, Mangali and Chakali were appointed as Balothadarlu. Harijans took Sarkari money from the village and deposited it in the Tahsildar’s treasury.

Muslims

• They came in the 14th century. There are two sects in Muslims namely the Sunnis and Shias.
• They migrated from other countries to join the service of Nizam. They included Iranians, Turranians, Turkish, Persians and Arabs. Some of them were Muslims, Rohillas and Pathans from North India. All of them mingled with the local society.
• They mainly served in the army. Persians were considered superior.Indo- Persian branch was called Deccan branch. They were involved in administration and trade.
• They ate non-vegetarian food and drank wine. Some of them were money lenders. The migrated Muslims from foreign countries were called Afaquis and the local Muslims were called Dakhanis. Dudekula:They were converted from Hinduism to Islam. They spoke Telugu.
• They came to India from England (British), Netherland (Dutch), France (French) and Portugal (Portuguese), Denmark (Danes) countries as traders. They started trading centers at Machilipatnam, Yanam, Ganjam, Narsapuram, Kakinada and other locations.

Europeans

• Luso Indians :They were a mixed I breed of Portuguese and Dakhanis.
• The Princely state of Hyderabad was larger than other Princely states in India and had a unique place among them.
• As the majority of the people were poor, they lost their rights and were exploited.