Andhra Pradesh Munnuru Kapu Mahasabha Presidents – General Secretaries

Presidents – General Secretaries

Year	Place	President	Secretary
1935	Hyderabad	Tula Kanaka Sundaram	Bojjam Narsimhulu
1936	Secunderbad	Singam Setti Venkataswamy	Bojjam Narsimhulu
1952	Aliyabad	Bojjam Narsimhulu	Margam Narsinga Rao
1955	Bhuvanagiri	Beeram Ranga Rao	Puppala Viswanadam
1960	Mumbai	Annam Viswanad Rao	Depala Rama Krishna Rao
			Amidyala Sri Ramulu
1968	Hyderabad	Sindunari Krishnaiah	Daduvi Narasinga Rao Tangutoori Anjaiah
1977	Hyderabad	Depala Rama Krishna Rao	Tangutoori Anjaiah
1981	Bhongir	Tangutoori Anjaiah	JamakayalaMadava Rao
1985	Hyderabad	Duvva Vidyanand	BandaruPrabhu Prakash
1993	Hyderabad	Erram Ranga Nayakulu	Gampa Chandra Mohan
1996	Hyderabad	Damera Gyaneswar	Rudrashetti Sriramulu
2001	Hyderabad	Gampa Chandra Mohan	Mani Konda Ramesh
2006	Hyderabad	Gampa Chandra Mohan	Varanashi Bagavath
2009	Hyderabad	Gampa Chandra Mohan	M.R.VenkatRao (Chairman)

Source: Munnurukapu Masa Patrika, April 2002.

First Munnurukapu Conference in Hyderabad

The Genesis of the Munnarukapu Movement in the erst while Hyderabad State can be traced back in this meeting only in principle the community leaders accepted to hold the first conference of the community. However, due to the internal divisions of the community nothing had happened. Meanwhile, on the request of some of the community leaders. Andhrodyama leader Sri.Madapati Hanumantha Rao made a press note in Golconda Patrika in the first week of May 1935 the organization of the conference. In this regard, Golkonda Patrika also wrote an editorial and strongly urged for organization of the conference immediately Singamshetty Venkataswamy, vakil was elected as Reception Committee President. Dr. Tila Kanakasundaram of Nnded was elected as its President.    

This meeting was held on 31^st May and 1^st June 1935. The inaugural address was delivered by Raj Bahadur Venkat Ram Reddy City police Commissioner. The Reception committee president Singamshetty Venkataswamy in his address strongly condemned the disunity and evils in the Munnurukapus and strongly advocated for educational development of the community. He stressed on the discouragement of Dowry, Child marriages, reduction of expenditure during marriage and other functions, prohibition of Alcohol, forced widowhood etc. 

The president of the conference Dr. Tilakanaka Sundaram from Nanded spoke equally for the all round development of the community. “The Munnurukapus are fore-from two other communities. They are the protectors of all communities. That is why they got to name Kapu (protector). They are great valorous people from the beginning. According to history, they participated in many wars. Having a rich history and culture, this community should not degrade themselves and he also advocated for the removal of the social evils. He also strongly requested the community to send their children to schools and colleges and educate them. 

The following resolutions were passed in the conference:

• To request the government for establishment of most educational institutions, providing scholarship for poor students, encouragement of technical education and establishment of night schools.
• During festivals and functions, the Munnurukapus should discourage taking alcohol. 
• At the time of festivals, they should stop taking non-vegetarian food.
• Discouragement of child marriages and also it fixed 14 years for Bride and 20 years for the Bridegroom for marriage age limit.     
• Discourage property functions. 
• Discourage dowry.
• Re-marriages should be held through a system of non-Munnurukapus.

After this conference, Golkonda Patrika makes in its editorial, about the success of the conference. The Hyderabad Bulletin of June 8^th, 1935 praised the conference and expressed this kind of conferences will provide not only unity among the caste but also the development of the society.

Second Munnurukapu Conference in Secenderabad

The second conference of the Nizam Rastra Munnurukapus was held at Secunderabad in June 25^th 1936. Ponnala Rajaiah was Reception Committee President. Singamshetty Venkataswamy was its President. The inaugural address was delivered by Suravaram Pratap Reddy. In his Presidential address, Singamshetty Venkataswamy emphasized about the unity of Munnurukapus. He strongly appealed to the community and advised them quarrel on the issue of finalising the caste name, and better to unite and work for the progress of the community. Narayan Rao from Bombay, who attended this conference, had stated that “the Mannerwar of the Maharastra originally came from Telugu speaking area only 300 years back and they migrated to Maharastra as soldiers. Today, there is an all round development can be seen among them. Munnurukapus also should follow them and work for the progress of the community”.   

After this conference, to encourage young people in the Munnurukapus, a society Munnurukapu Yuvakamandali’ was established in the June 1935. Thanks to Tunga Sambaiah and  M.Satyanarana who made restless effort in this regard. Under the occasion of this association, Hostel were also started an Esamia Bazar, and at Nallakunta and provided facilities to the students. However, they were able to run this only for years. Later in the year 1946 ‘students fund was also created on 23^rd May, 1946.

The resolutions passed in the conference were as follows: 

• To request the traders of this community to contribute richly to the Association. 
• To express sincere thanks to Chilukuri Veerabhadra Rao, who wrote the history of ‘Munnurukapus in Kakatiya Andhra History’ 
• Thanking the organizers for starting school for girls at Gollakhidki.
• To work for the removal of the Untouchablity and also justified demand of so called untouchables about the conspiracy of the upper castes.
• Encouragement of education for girls. This resolution was moved by the Smt. Ekambaramma of Sultan Bazaar School. She was the first woman to occupy the platform. 
• To implement the above resolutions, a committee was formed with Singamshetty Venkateswamy as President, Ponnala Laxmaiah as Vice President, Alladi Nagaiah Bojjam Narshimhulu and Thota Appaiah as members. 
• In the same conference, Rs. 800 was donated for the educational development. To organize the third conferences, it took 16 years. The political developments, after 1937, disunity among caste people etc, were obstacles in organizing third conference 

 Third Munnurukapu Conference in Allyabad 

  This conference was held in Aliyabad, Hyderabad Town on June 7^th and 8^th 1952. Erram Satyanarayana was Reception Committee President Bojjam Narsihmulu was its president. Delegates from various places i.e., Bombay, Chanda Raichur, Warangal, Karimanagar, Medak, Gulburga, Nizamabad, Mahaboobnagar, Nalgonda, Bhuvanagiri, attended this conference. Not only Munnurukapus but also other community leaders attended the conference Sri Saiji Laxman Sheelam. M.L.A. from Bombay gave inaugural address. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the establishment of caste associations and work amicably for the improvement of these communities respectively. Erram Satyanarayana the Reception Committee President, emphasize among other problems, the establishment of co-operative Banks and these Banks should provide loans to poor agriculturists. 

He also advocated educational development of the community and discouragement of evils in the society. The president of the conference, Bojjam Narshimulu in his Presidential address, touched an important subject of the society, educational development of girls, and reservations for educated girls in government employment etc.Various resolutions were passed including, establishment of co-operative societies for improvement of Munnurukapus, educational development, improvement of health and maintenance of neatness, establishment of panchayat boards, and budgets like Co-operative Agriculture and Trade. To implement these several sub-committees were formed by the conference. Executive committee, education committee, propaganda committees were formed.

Fourth   Munnurukapu Conference in Bhuvanagiri 

Fourth All Hyderabad Munnurukapu Mahasabha was held at Bhuvanagiri, Nalgonda District 4^th and 5^th 1955. S.Chennaiah was Reception Committee President Inaugural address was delivered by K.V. Ranga Reddy, Minister of Land Revenue and Exercises Government of Hyderabad. Four hundred delegates were attended from various places of Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Medak, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Bidar, Nanded, Adilabad, Deglur, Mahaboobnagar, Nallagonda, Raichur. Apart from delegates, there were 2000 local people who were enthusiastically gathered at the pandals of the conference. Besides leaders, namely, K.V. Ranga Reddy, Minister for Land Revenue and Excise, Sangam Laxmibai, State Minister of Hyderabad Konda Laxman Bapuji, M.L.A. K. Venkatachalam advocate, B. Venkataswamy, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh Mudiraj Association President, T. Narasimhulu, president Revenue Association President, Polam Veeraiah, Yadava Association President, Smt. Samrajya Laxmi, Vice – President of Backward Classes.

The Reception Committee president S.Chennaiah in his address welcomed the delegates and emphasized  not only the problems of the Munnurukapus but also other backward class communities. On the platform of this conference, he advocated about the necessity of educational development The president of the conference, B. Ranga Rao in his presidential address touched many aspects of the society. He raised particularly the backwardness of the various communities and said the percentage of Backward Classes in the state was 65% and the literacy was below 6% and employment only 2%. He advocated that, until and unless these Backward Class Communities are developed, in all aspects in the state, there will be no real progress can be achieved. He requested the government and upper classes to strengthen these communities. 

The Resolutions were passed in the conference as follows;

• To mobilize money for the construction of Hostels for both Girls and Boys.
• Congratulating Sri Kaka Sahab Kalelkar who submitted a report on conditions of Backward Classes.
• 35% of seats should be reserved for backward classes in colleges.
• To take action against those who accepted Dowry.
• To encourage inter-caste marriages.
• The Government should fix the price of Food Grains.
• To take necessary action for the growth of Animal Husbandry.
• To request the government to supply them facilities
• Constitution of project river Godavari.
• Through Co-operative societies, Loans should be provided.
• Those who are having loan Balance more than 10 years should be declared.
• The Government should provide Agriculture tools to the poor peasants.
• Implementation of Family Planning. 
• Protection of the peasants from patels and patvaris regarding wrong writings during kara (settlement).
• Scholarship should be provided up to lower primary and second class.
• Writing and distribution of history of Munnurukapus.
• The members of the Munnurukapus should not go for second marriage when his first wife was alive.

The above resolutions which were clearly dominated the various demands of Munnurukapus. Two resolutions are related to tall Backward Classes, Four resolutions are related to  social reform and rest of the resolutions are mainly project demands. The first and second resolutions were related to the community development.

Munnurukapu Conferences in Mahrastra state

Other important features of the Munnurukapus community is organized all India Munnurukapu conferences. The mention was made already about the existence of Munnurukapus not only in Hyderabad state, but also other district of Karnataka and Bombay Presidency.

In Maratha speaking areas, this community used to be called as Mannerwar. In the general opinion, the Telugus who were in military service were migrated to this area along with Shivaji three hundred years before. Even though they have settled in that area they developed customs of Maharastrians but traditions of Munnurukapus were continued in this community. Hence it was most essential to write all that these people wherever they settled and named as different names. 

The first conference was organized at Bombay in 1939 under the president ship of Raja Ratna baganna Balaji Rautal. Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu had inaugurated it 

The second conference was held at Nagpur under the same president in the year 1941. This conference was inaugurated by Sri Hanumanth Rao, Chief justice of Nagpur High Court. After this conference, the Telugu Munnurukapu Association meeting was held at Poona. In this meeting only the Mannerwar name changed to Telugu Munnurukapus..

The third conference of the all India Telugu munnurwar conference was held at Hyderabad on April 26^th 1946. This conference was presided by Dr. Vittal Rao Boosarat. The reception committee president was Gondyala Pentaiah. In presidential address, Dr. Vittal Rao Boosarth made an elaborate speech and touched all aspects of Munnurukapus. He advised the fellow caste people to act according to changed conditions for the society and work for the all round-development of Munnurukapu. 

There is no doubt about the importance of these conferences in the awakening of the Munnurukapus. They were not only working for the welfare of the caste people of the Telangana but also trying to make united from along with the Mannerwars of Maharastra. It clearly shows the expansion of their caste on the lines of a well developed community. 

Local Branches to the Munnurukapus 

The Munnurukapu leaders, not only working for the mobilization of their caste people in Hyderabad, but also they tried their level best to expand the social base of the Munnurukapu Association and its activities as part of this with the efforts of Akhila Hyderabad Munnurukapu Association, an association was started at Warangal on April 1^st 1955. V. Madhusudan Rao was its president another association was started at Nagarkurnool of Mahaboobnagar under the president-ship of parsapaiah Many objectives were projected by the Munnurukapu Association of Warangal.

Aims 

• The association expected to work for the development of Munnurukapus socially economically and morally. Development of educational and Agriculture strength. 
• The social development should not link with politics.
• To cooperate with other castes.
• Through organising of conferences improve the community.
• Organisation of Taluk and village associations.
• Any major problem related to the community, it will bring to the notice of Central Committee at Hyderabad.   
• With the establishment of Night schools, cooperative societies, Libraries Gymnastics, the development of the community. 
• Establishment of Hostel for poor people. 
• Improve the enrolment of members.
• Removal of evils in the society.

A part from the above associations a number of local associations were started throughout the Telangana during this period, with similar objectives mentioned above. For this purpose, the central association appointed a preacher named Gollapally Anjaiah, with his efforts, associates were started at Nirmal, Boath, Laxittipet in Adilabad District, Nalgonda, Khammam, Nizamabad and similar associations were started at other places. 

Mention may be made about the efforts of some of the enthusiastic leaders of the community in the name of Yuvaka Mandali who provided facilities to the poor students However this facility was not continued for long. It worked for only three years. The leaders of the Community further provided Hostel facility from 1936 onwards. Due to various reasons, this could not be materialized. It took some more years to start this Hostel and the foundation was laid on March 23^rd 1966.

Further, if a thorough investigation is conducted one will find that this community is unreasonably in group D–20. Munnurukapu Community  as we look back, the life of  Munnurukapus has been a path of struggle for equality. The struggle for has brought some changes among the Munnurukapu community in various spheres of their life. It is slowly because of educational progress made by some of them, social movements initiated to help the caste associations. Due to Munnurukapu community leaders though, social movements could bring some changes among the community in Telangana entire socio-economic conditions of Munnurukapus have not improved at the expected level. Still, there are some problems facing by the backward class in Telangana. Education and employment problems are not adequately addressed political opportunities are mono policed by the dominant communities. Still Munnurukapu community in Telangana has a long way to go for progress and archive social justice.

Conclusion

The third chapter examines ‘Backward Classes and Socio-economic profile of Munnurukapu Community and deals with the Backward Classes in the context of Constitutional Perspective. Besides, it presents an historical and socio-economic profile of Munnurukapu Community. In Andhra Pradesh, nomenclature of castes varies from region to region, as in Telangana the Kapus are treated as a backward class under the name ‘Munnurukapu’. In Vishakapatnam, Vizayanagaram, and Srikakulam, they are treated as backward class under the name ‘Turupu Kapu’. In other parts of Costal Andhra however, they are considered as a Forward caste. An attempt is also made in this chapter to analyse the attitudes of the Munnurukapu Community elites, political leadership, ideologies, caste marriages, customs, conscious and nature of the community. The Munnurukapu means ‘guardian’ which is interpreted in the sense of ‘food producer’ in as much as members of this caste cultivate land and grow corn, thus contributing to the maintenance of animal life.  They rear milk cattle and bullocks, which are employed in agricultural operations.  The congregation of community members is spread over the entire Telangana  and Maharashtra, Mostly engaged in menial and low jobs and this community is unreasonably kept in group D – 20 of BCs list. The vast majority of Munnurukapu community people (above 75%) reside in the villages. These villagers don’t have primary education both men and women are illiterates engaged as agricultural coolies / household servant’s labours, factory labourers living in most pitiable conditions.  

Social status of women in Munnurukapu community is encouraging. Most of them are getting educated and settling in jobs. However, a majority of the women are illiterate and engaged in household and agricultural work.  Participation of women in social, cultural and political fields is very little or negligible.  The women who were in the age group of 30-60 years were illiterate. Even those who were younger, they claimed to have gone to school for a couple of years. Agriculture is said to be the original occupation of the caste and the bulk of them still cling to this.  A few are village patels and have risen to high status as landlords and zamindars, but the majority is ordinary cultivators, holding lands on permanent tenure.  A considerable portion of the Munnurukapus has given up their original occupation and has either entered Government service or become traders. Munnurukapu belong to both the Shaiva and Vaishnava sects and under the titles of Vibhutidharis and Tirmanidharis,who are followers of Aradhi (Aradhyulu – Shankaracharyulu) and Shri-Vaishnava Brahmans. 

The first Munnurukapu conference held on 31st May- 1st June 1935 at Hyderabad,  that conference concerned itself with social, educational backwardness, economic deprivation and social evils like dowry system, child marriages, and indiscriminate pomp in spending money, drinking, enforced widowhood besides addressing itself to the spread of literary and improvement of economic position. The community Association emphasised on the need of the establishment of co-operative banks to provide loans to poor agriculturists of the community. Due to the efforts of Munnurukapu association in social reform, education facilities, training campus, spreading ideas through campaign, media and continuous motivation, a large section of them entered politics, business, real-estate, finance, bureaucracy and academic fields in the post independent period. In politics, Munnurukapus occupied fair positions among the backward castes in Telangana region. 

Field survey Analysis 

Following a field study of the community in the Telangana region of the state, an attempt is made in this chapter to explain their socio-economic background. Some of the findings of the respondents have been converted in the form of tables so as to interpret the observations of the study. The socio economic profile of the respondents provides the necessary understanding of the political system. It is also a valuable key to understand the dynamics of the society. 

The social, political, educational and environmental backdrop of a person shapes his personality. The social background of the community members is essential because it determines his or her role as political participant. The active political participation of the Munnuru Kapus Community in Telangana can be properly assessed only when we understand their socio economic condition. 

Since the study of these factors of the entire Munnuru Kapu community population is a difficult proposition, hence two districts viz., Nizamabad and Nalgonda in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh have been chosen for a close examination of the problem. The topography, historical back ground, socio economic and political composition of the sample districts were described for the purpose of research.

Sampling Technique

  The sample design of this is given here under. The districts which are chosen for the study are Nalgonda, and Nizamabad. Of these two districts .12 villages and 6 towns are selected as sample village and towns in the sample studies who were interviewed during the field work is presented in this chapter. We have selected a few variables for description and purposes of our study. And thereby highlighting some of the characteristics which are considered relevant for a study of this kind the list of Munnurukapu caste association was considered as the universe for this study. Further, it is classified into two groups namely out of 330 political leaders and community members. There are 130 political active respondents   and 200 ordinary community members were selected from the universe as the sample.  200 sample respondents were drawn by random method from the list of 2000 Munnurukapu members to generalize the perceptions and understanding of community members.

In the study sample who were interviewed during the field work is presented in this chapter although one may include a number of variables for describing the socio economic status of the respondents. We have selected a few for description and purposes   of enquiry and there by highlighting some of the characteristics which are considered relevant for the study of this kind. The socio economic variables selected here are 1) sex.2) age 3) Marital status, 4) education 5) place of birth 6) occupational status 7) type of house and 8) status of land holding 9) level of income

Gender Composition

Sl. No	Gender	General Members		Politicians
		Respondents	%	Respondents	%
1	Male	128	64.0	104	80.0
2	Female	72	36.0	26	20.0
	Total	200	100.0	130	100.0

                               Survey by recearcher

While drawing the sample from the general electoral list, no attempt was made to segregate the male respondents and female respondents in community members and political leaders.  Table 3.3 shows that 200 general members interviewed, out of them 128 are male members with 64 percent and reaming 72 are female respondents with 36 percent.  Out of 130 members falling under political activists 104 that is 80 percent are male members the rest reaming 26 (20%) are female members

Age Composition

Age is one of the important aspects covered in the study of political leaders and common member. It is also one of the important factors in emergence of the rural political leadership.  It is  crucial therefore an attempt is made to find out the pattern of age groups of respondents. The studies relating to rural leadership many of the findings disclosed those who are above certain age group are prepared for leadership and community members positions.

Sl. No	Age Group	General Members		Politicians
		Respondents	%	Respondents	%
1	up to 25	44	22.0	-	-
2	26-35	39	19.5	10	7.6
3	36-45	46	23.0	51	39.2
4	46-60	52	26.0	56	43.1
5	61 & Above	19	9.5	13	10.0
	Total	200	100.0	130	100.0

                                       Survey by recearcher

Age is considered to be one of the important factor to understand the political system and various factors regarding governors table 3.4shows the age composition of the respondents. As seen in the table age categorization in to five groups. 52(26%) come and category of 46-60 age group and followed by 46(23%) fall and category general members of 36-45 age group, among remaining categories 22 percent constitute age group up to 25 followed by the age group of 26-35 which constitute 19.5 percent. It is also interesting to the note that among political respondents also the age group 46-60 tops with 56(43.1%) followed by 51 (39.2%) under the age group of 36-45. It is interesting to note that more respondents come under the category of 46-60 age groups in both the groups that is general members and political respondents.

Marital Status 

It is generally believed that the institution of marriage gives an individual an experience of social and domestic problems in a proper perspective in a traditional society. 

                

S.No	Marital Status	General Members		Politicians
		Respondents	%	Respondents	%
1	Married	110	55.0	118	90.8
2	Unmarried	59	29.5	11	8.5
3	Deserted	19	9.5	--	--
4	Widows	12	6.0	01	0.8
	Total	200	100%	130	100%

                  Survey by recearcher

Above table  reveals marital status of respondents more than 50% of general members that is 110 are married which is 55 percent.  Where as 59 respondents with 29.5%are unmarried. it is interesting to note that 19(9.5%) respondents deserted remaining 12 members (6%) widows. A large number 118(90.8%) are married only 8.5% respondents unmarried

Place of Birth

 Place of birth is an important element which will have influence on the behavior of the individual. The rural areas tend to generally have wide knowledge of the political, social and economic behavior of their respective areas. 

S.No	Place of Birth	General Members		Politicians
		Respondents	%	Respondents	%
1	Rural	96	48.0	50	38.5
2	Urban	104	52.0	80	61.5

               Survey by recearcher

 Place of birth is an important factor which contribute significantly in the development of indivisible awareness of political system. Table 3.6 reveals place of birth of respondents. A majority of urban respondents 104(52%) followed by 80(61,5%) are born rural areas respectively. Among Rural respondents majority that is 96 (48%) followed by 50 (38.5%) are born urban and rural areas respectively. The table reveals that more political activities are political party members come from urban areas followed by rural.

Educational Status 

Education is one of the key agents of socialization and it promotes political awareness. It determines ones social status in the society. Education is the functional element for the enlightenment of the people. It also encourages social change among weaker sections of society. In this study the researcher has made an attempt to analyze the literacy standard of the selected sample of the rural and urban political leaders and community members. 

No	Educational Status	General Members		Politicians
		Respondents	%	Respondents	%
1	Illiterate	16	8.0	5	3.8
2	Primary	34	17.0	12	9.2
3	Secondary	61	30.5	42	32.3
4	Intermediate	38	19.0	18	13.8
5	higher education	45	22.5	45	34.6
6	Professional	6	3.0	8	6.2
	Total	200	100	130	100

                        Survey by recearcher

Above table reveals interesting facts about the education of Munnurukapu members.   The table shows that 96.2 percent politicians come from educated category. Hence overall Munnurukapus are educated this clearly shows among the OBCs in Andhra Pradesh Munnurukapus is clearly well placed in terms of behavior education and economic status. Secondary education, 61 i.e. 30.5 percent Politician category higher education with 45(34.6) respondents higher education career general members with 45 (22.5%).top in the educational category as far as professionals education is concerned it is minimum. 

In Intermediate category, 38 general members with 19.0 percent and politicians respondents are18 which is 13.8% of total coming to professional education, general members are 6 only with 3.0 percentages, in the same category politicians are 8 with 6.2% of the total respondents. The level of education to some extent decides the nature of political awareness and participation. It is well known that the Munnuru Kapu community women in particular are neglected to a large extent in respect of education. Mostly women are engaged in occupied agricultural activities in rural areas. Recently the education levels are growing in the urban areas.

 Occupations of the Respondents

Land ownership is generally considered as an important factor of leadership in political life. National census data shows that most of the elected local body leaders who owns land or relatively rich enough to participate in local election. Occupation as an independent variable factor indicates an individual’s class status. It is also an important indicator of socialization process. Agriculture category being the majority members is from the backward classes.  

               

S.No	Occupational Pattern	General Members		Politicians
		Respondents	%	Respondents	%
1	Laborer	18	9.0	--	--
2	Agriculture	87	43.5	45	34.6
3	Business	34	17.0	59	45.4
4	Industry	--	--	23	17.7
5	Service	47	23.5	--	--
6	Any others	14	7.0	3	2.3
	Total	200	100.0	130	100

                  Survey by recearcher

The above table clearly depicts the occupational pattern of both general members as well as politicians. Occupation has been categorized into 6 classifications i.e. Labor, agriculture, business, industry, service and any other professional service

Agricultural work is the single largest profession with 87 community members with 43.5% and in politicians’ category, 45 respondents with 34.6 percentages was the second largest profession. In Business category general members are 34 respondents with 17 percentages.  In political leaders 59 members had business profession that is 45.4%, which is highest in political respondents. In Labor category general members are 18 with 9.0 percentages. No politician is in labor profession! In Industry occupation there are no general members whereas in politician-category, 23 respondents were in industry i.e. 17.7 percentage of total members.  In service sector, only general members are found i.e. 47 with 23.5%. Politicians are none. 

 Size of Land-Holding

In terms of socio- economic status land is an important variable. Land continues to be the principal source of national income. Land and politics do combine well in maintaining political influence. Moreover, in Telangana region the dominant castes had also maintained domination is political power and influence from the pattern of land ownership. However in recent times, the scenario has almost changed.

According to findings of various research studies property is one the important factors which help an individual to emerge as a leader or to become a member of the political group. Property is considered as one of the important factors for achieving elite positions in all the societies. Land ownership is the principal means of livelihood for bulk of the rural masses. A majority of people manage to continue their livelihood through the means of traditional occupations. Munnuru Kapus’ occupation is generally agriculture which is obviously related to land holding 

 Status of Landholding 

Sl. No	Landholding	General Members		Politicians
		Respondents	Percentage	Respondents	Percentage
1	No Land	53	26.5	26.5	10.8
2	Below 2 acres	94	47’0	34	26.2
3	2 – 5 Acres	41	20.5	38	29.2
4	Above 5 acres	12	6.0	44	33.8
	Total	200	100	130	100

                  Survey by recearcher

Above table reveals the land holding pattern of leaders and general members. Looking at the data from each land owning category we find that in the less than 2 acres category a in majority general members i.e. 94 (47%) respondents. As water source is limited and politcal in farming the farmer are selling lands for urban rich for form house and reality. Hence we can see the  migration to urban  areas are from small land holders. 

In Politicians’ category, about 14 respondents (10.8%) stated that they do not possess any land. They are in the professional politics. Those who do not possess any land are 53 respondents with 26.5%. in general category. While 38 politicians-respondents with 29.2% are in the category of 2-5 acres the table shows that 10.8 percentages of respondents among general come under 2-5 acres category. In case of politicians, 38 members with 29.2 %   have between 2-5 acres land. In the above five acres group, we find general members 12 respondents with 6.0 percent. Whereas among the politicians, 44 respondents are with 33.8 percentages Majority of politicians are from above 5 acres land category. They are keeping this as their social status. 

Economic Status

  After having examined the social status of the respondents, it is pertinent to examine the economic status of the respondents in all the two chosen districts so as to establish their position in the given society. The researcher made an attempt to examine their economic status based on certain variables like house ownership, land ownership and income, agriculture and house hold equipment etc.

Type of Respondent’s House 

Sl. No	Landholding	General Members		Politicians
		Respondents	Percentage	Respondents	Percentage
1	Kaccha	11	5.5	---	---
2	Asbestos	32	16.0	3	2.3
3	Tiles	58	29.0	39	30
4	RCC	99	49.5	85	65.4
5	Not Applicable	---	----	3	2.3
	Total	200	100	130	100

                    Survey by researcher

Above table explains the type of houses owned by the respondents. Further, it is observed that as many as RCC houses roofs are owned by 99 respondents, with 49.5%   in general members. In politicians-respondents, 85 members owned RCC houses which is 65.4 percentages of total respondents. Normally, politicians with agriculturalist background having major income from their occupation would be in a position to own RCC roof houses in the villages in the region. Agricultural laborers at the most have Kaccha houses, as 11 respondents with 5.5%. No politicians have a Kaccha house. Those respondents having middle level income are found to own tiles-based houses. The respondents for these are 58 general members with 29.0%. And politicians have 39 respondents which is 30 percent of total. 

Those who own Asbestos sheets roof houses are 32 in general members which is 16.0%, in politicians category, only three members which is 2.3% have Asbestos sheets roof.  It is observed that almost all the respondents have their own houses. This reflects the socio-economic status of the respondents in the given society. 

Annual Income

The Munnuru Kapus rural political leaders represent lower and middle income groups within their community. Income wise position of respondents is in the following manner. Above Rs 36,000 income group gets much larger share in leadership.  Next comes the lower middle income group in leadership is quite minimum.

               Income Distribution of the Respondents

Sl. No	Income Levels per Year	General Members		Politicians
		Respondents	Percentage	Respondents	Percentage
1	Below Rs. 18, 000	13	6.5	-	-
2	Rs. 18,001 - 24,000	50	25.0	1	0.8
3	Rs. 24,001 to 36,000	105	52.5	17	13.1
4	Rs. 36,001 and Above	31	16	72	55.4
5	Above Rs. 50,001	------	------	40	30.8
	Total	200	100	130	100

                Survey by recearcher

Above table reveals the income distribution of the community members and leaders and also majority general members. The majority respondents are 105 in general members with 52.5% in the Rs 24,001-36000 income per annum group. Politician-category had 17 members with 13.1 percentage are in middle income group. Below Rs 18,000 group general members are 13 respondents i.e. 6.7%, whereas in politician-category it is just one. Incidentally, this candidate came into rural area with BC political reservations! In the income group Rs.18001 to 24,000 general members are 50 respondents with 25.0%. In Rs.36, 001 and above group, we find 31 general respondents, i.e.16% whereas in politicians-category, respondents are 72 with 55.4 percentages of total respondents. Coming under this group it can be observed in this category that the second highest income group belongs to politicians. Coming to the above Rs.50, 001 group there are no general members. The next in the order of income are 40 respondents i.e. 30.8% who belong to the category of politicians.

              Area-wise Political Representation of the Respondents 

                   

Position	Place of Birth
	Village	Urban	Total
Ward Member	15	3	18
	11.5%	2.3%	13.8%
Sarpanch	15	2	17
	11.5%	1.5%	13.0%
Councillor	0	14	14
	0%	10.7%	10.7%
MPTC	6	14	20
	4.6%	10.7%	15.3%
ZPTC	2	5	7
	1.5%	3.8%	5.3%
MPP	4	3	7
	3.0%	2.3%	5.3%
MLA	0	10	10
	0%	11.5%	7.6%
Leader in Politics	10	27	37
	11.5%	20.7%	28.4%
Total	52	78	130
	40.0%	45.3%	100.0%

               Survey by researcher

 The above table indicates that a majority of political leader from the respondents are village surpanchs. That is 15 members who constitute 11.5 percentages total respondents it is interesting to the note that among village surpanches who reside in urban area constitute 1.5 percent. This shows the tendency that surpanch positions are aquefide by those who reside outside the villages. Similarly tendency found among ward members also. Among councillors category 6.1 percent respondents are found to be councellors. Munnurukapu members are also fairly represented in MPTC members. a fair representation of Munnurukapus are found the ZPTC of sample districts of Nizamabad and Nalgonda districts. It is interesting to note that out of total represents 10 members are become MLAs from this community which constitute 7.6 percentage of the sample. Hence the data in this table reveals that considerable members from this community are whole members in legislative assembly and local bodies such as MPTC, ZPTC, therefore, political awareness among this community is more among other OBCs