A revolutionary born in a Mala family. Bhagya Reddy Varma was born on 22 May 1888 to Madari Venkaiah in the Mala community, which was subjected to severe untouchability. Despite the oppressive social order, he educated himself and was deeply influenced by the reformist ideologies of the Brahma Samaj and Arya Samaj. Rejecting the caste‑based Hindu hierarchy, he decided to build an independent Dalit movement that would restore self‑respect and dignity to Dalits, whom he called Adi Hindus (original inhabitants).
Founding of Jagan Mitra Mandali (1906). At the age of 18, he established Jagan Mitra Mandali in Hyderabad, a platform that provided inspiration and awareness to Dalits across the Telangana region. This was the first organised Dalit self‑respect movement in the Nizam’s dominions. It gradually evolved into a powerful identity movement.
Education and social reform. Between 1913 and 1920, Varma founded about 26 schools for Dalit children across the Hyderabad region. One of them, the Bhagya Memorial Girls High School at Esamia Bazar, Koti, Hyderabad, is still functioning today – a living monument to his vision. He also campaigned against child marriage, black magic, devadasi system, and alcohol abuse, and promoted women’s education. He established Dalit panchayat courts to settle disputes within the community and led a successful movement that forced the Nizam to declare devadasi pratha a crime.
All‑India leadership and association with Ambedkar. In 1930, he chaired the All India Conference of Scheduled Castes held at Lucknow on 27‑28 December. In his historic speech, he announced that Dalit issues must be brought to the British notice in the upcoming Round Table Conference. He proposed that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar should lead the delegation. The conference resolved to demand recognition of Dalits as “Adi Hindu” rather than as untouchables, Malas or Madigas. Ambedkar was present and supported Varma. This marked the beginning of a lifelong ideological partnership.
Achievement: Adi Hindu recognition (1931). Following sustained pressure, the Nizam government agreed to register Dalits as Adi Hindus in the general elections of 1931. This was a landmark victory, giving Dalits a dignified identity and political representation.
Key Milestones in Bhagya Reddy Varma’s Movement
Legacy – Father of the Dalit Movement in Telangana
Bhagya Reddy Varma’s legacy is monumental. He is rightly called the ‘Father of Dalit Movement’ in the Nizam State and the entire Telugu land. He gave Dalits a new identity – Adi Hindu – replacing degrading caste names. His organisational work created the blueprint for later Dalit movements in South India. The schools he established continue to educate thousands. The Adi Hindu Bhavan at Chadarghat, Hyderabad was a revolutionary hub where countless meetings were held. It is said that he delivered nearly 3,348 speeches in his lifetime, spreading the message of self‑respect and liberation.
During the Telangana Movement (2009), students of the region renamed the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium as Bhagya Reddy Varma Stadium – a tribute to his revolutionary spirit. His ideals continue to inspire Dalit assertion and social justice movements across Telangana, India, and beyond.
Places Associated with Bhagya Reddy Varma (Hyderabad)
Bhagya Memorial Girls High School
Location: Esamia Bazar, Koti, Hyderabad – 500027.
Established in 1913, still operational. A living memorial to his educational mission. Visitors can see the school building and a small portrait of Varma.
Adi Hindu Bhavan
Location: Chadarghat, Hyderabad.
The historic headquarters of the Adi Hindu movement. Many revolutionary meetings were held here. The building is now in a dilapidated state but remains an important heritage site for Dalit history.
Bhagya Reddy Varma Stadium
Location: Former G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad.
Renamed by Telangana students in 2009 as a mark of respect. It is a modern sports venue that now bears his name.
His Residential Areas
Varma lived in various parts of old Hyderabad, including areas near Koti and Chadarghat. No memorial house has been preserved, but local activists have proposed a museum.
Suggested Heritage Walk – Following Bhagya Reddy Varma’s Footsteps
Half‑Day Itinerary (Hyderabad)
- 9:00 AM: Start at Bhagya Memorial Girls High School, Esamia Bazar, Koti. Interact with the school management, learn about its history.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Adi Hindu Bhavan, Chadarghat (currently in poor condition – observe respectfully).
- 11:00 AM: Walk through the old streets of Koti and Esamia Bazar to sense the environment where Varma worked.
- 12:30 PM: End at the Bhagya Reddy Varma Stadium (formerly G.M.C. Balayogi Stadium).
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at a nearby restaurant; reflect on his contributions.
Visitor Information – Key Sites
Bhagya Memorial Girls High School
Timings: School hours (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) on weekdays. Prior permission recommended.
Entry: Free (donations welcome).
Contact: School office (available locally).
Adi Hindu Bhavan
Location: Chadarghat, Hyderabad. Accessible by auto from Koti.
Condition: Dilapidated, no official maintenance. Viewable from outside.
Best time: Daylight hours.
Further Reading & Resources
- Bhagya Reddy Varma’s speeches and writings – preserved in the Andhra Pradesh State Archives (Hyderabad).
- “Dalit Movement in Telangana: The Legacy of Bhagya Reddy Varma” – research papers by Dr. K. Srinivasulu, University of Hyderabad.
- Autobiographical references in Adi Hindu Movement in Hyderabad State (unpublished manuscripts).
- Telangana State SC Development Department – official mentor profile of Bhagya Reddy Varma.
📖 Insider tip: If you visit the Bhagya Memorial Girls High School, ask to see the old school records – some contain entries written by Varma himself. The school management occasionally conducts small exhibitions during birth anniversary celebrations (22 May). The Adi Hindu Bhavan, though in ruins, is a powerful place to reflect on the sacrifices made by early Dalit activists. Photography is allowed, but respect the neighbourhood.
A Revolutionary Who Shaped Telangana’s Conscience
Bhagya Reddy Varma’s life was a relentless crusade for human dignity, self‑respect, and social justice. At a time when Dalits were treated as sub‑human, he stood up and declared them Adi Hindus – the original inhabitants with equal rights. He built schools, organised communities, fought the Nizam, partnered with Ambedkar, and left an indelible mark on the history of Telangana and India. His vision of an educated, assertive Dalit community continues to inspire generations. As the Telangana region today grapples with questions of social equality, Varma’s work remains urgently relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bhagya Reddy Varma called the ‘Father of Dalit Movement’ in Telangana?
He was the first to organise Dalits on a mass scale, establish independent institutions, and secure political recognition (Adi Hindu identity) from the Nizam government.
What was his relationship with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?
He chaired the 1930 Lucknow conference that proposed Ambedkar as the leader of the Dalit delegation to the Round Table Conference. They were ideological allies.
Is there any statue of Bhagya Reddy Varma in Hyderabad?
Yes, a statue was installed near the Bhagya Memorial Girls High School and at other locations by Dalit organisations.
What is the Adi Hindu Bhavan?
It was the headquarters of his movement, located at Chadarghat, Hyderabad. It is now in a poor state but is considered a heritage site by activists.
Are any of his descendants still active in social work?
Some descendants continue to be involved in education and Dalit rights, but none hold formal political office.
How can I contribute to preserving his legacy?
Support the restoration of Adi Hindu Bhavan through local Dalit organisations, visit the school, and spread awareness about his contributions.
References & Further Reading
- Telangana SC Development – Mentor Profile
- Wikipedia – Bhagya Reddy Varma
- K. S. S. Seshan (1998). “Adi Hindu Movement in Hyderabad State”. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress.
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s writings and speeches (Volume on Round Table Conferences).