Social Hierarchy

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is an overwhelming variety or complexity within a specific group. Just as there are countless sub-sects and lineages within the Reddy caste and hundreds of varieties of rice/paddy, it implies that some things are too diverse to be easily categorized or fully explained.

This expression is used to describe someone who possesses immense or boundless wealth. It is typically used when talking about extreme prosperity or a state of being incredibly rich where the riches seem infinite.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone works hard but receives no formal pay or reward, other than a few minor perks or what they consumed while performing the task. It signifies a lack of proper compensation for labor.

This proverb is used to criticize someone who lacks merit or status but acts with excessive pride or vanity compared to someone who is genuinely dignified. It highlights the irony of someone with very little acting more arrogant than someone who is well-off or naturally graceful.

This proverb is used to mock people who are excessively envious or competitive. It describes a situation where someone cannot tolerate another person's success or luxury to such an extreme extent that they cause harm to themselves out of pure jealousy.

This proverb describes how an ordinary or low-status person gains respect or a higher position simply by being in the company of great people. Just as the fiber (nara) used to tie a garland is worn on the head along with the fragrant flowers, an individual benefits from the association with virtuous or successful people.

This proverb describes a situation where a person in power or authority directs their frustration or anger only toward someone who is weaker, helpless, or unable to retaliate, rather than addressing the actual cause of the problem.

This traditional proverb highlights the contrasting nature of two professions: a merchant (Komati) who gives goods on credit and must constantly chase customers for payment, versus a goldsmith (Kamsali) who takes the material or advance and makes the customer return multiple times before the work is finished. It is used to describe situations involving debt recovery or delays in service.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who has committed a large-scale or blatant theft or mistake meets someone who has done a smaller, hidden one. It implies that when a big thief encounters a bigger one, the smaller thief pays respect out of fear or recognition of shared guilt. It satirizes the hierarchy and mutual recognition among dishonest people.

This proverb reflects traditional social observations. It suggests that a merchant is usually prudent enough to never be truly broke, while a goldsmith, despite handling precious metals, rarely becomes exceptionally wealthy because they often live on commissions or work for others.

This proverb highlights proportionality in life. It suggests that one's lifestyle or display of grandeur depends on their financial resources, while true education should naturally lead to a proportional increase in humility and modesty.

This proverb describes natural or stereotypical desires associated with specific roles. It implies that everyone has their own particular weaknesses, yearnings, or expectations based on their position in life. It is often used to remark on how people are inherently drawn toward things that benefit them or things they are traditionally expected to favor.

This proverb refers to a situation where people from diverse, often humble or unrelated backgrounds, come together and suddenly assume positions of authority or leadership. It is often used to describe a disorganized group of people who have gained power or status without the traditional qualifications or a cohesive background, sometimes implying a lack of genuine unity or merit.

In the past, cobblers (Madiga community) would use the hides of dead cattle. This proverb describes a situation where an object or a person has become so useless or degraded due to neglect (like cattle left out in heavy winter rains) that they are of no value even for the lowliest of purposes or to those who can usually find a use for anything.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of intelligence and resourcefulness (upayamu) in society. It suggests that a person who lacks the wit to solve problems or contribute effectively is a burden to the community, highlighting that brains are often more valued than brawn or mere presence.

This expression suggests staying away from legal or governmental scrutiny to avoid unnecessary trouble, taxes, or complications. It is often used to advise someone to keep a low profile or operate discreetly when dealing with official authorities.

This proverb highlights the necessity of leadership and stewardship for stability. It implies that a kingdom without a ruler falls into chaos, and a village without a caretaker or cultivator cannot sustain itself or maintain order.

This proverb highlights that if family members disrespect or expose the weaknesses of their own kin, outsiders will feel emboldened to treat them with even greater contempt or cause more significant harm. It emphasizes the importance of family unity and loyalty in maintaining social standing.

This proverb highlights conflict resolution and ego. When two wise people meet, they find a middle ground or a new solution (3rd path). When a wise man meets a fool, the wise man steps aside, leaving his path and the fool's path (2 paths). When two fools meet, neither yields, resulting in a single-minded confrontation or collision on the same path (1 path).

This expression is used to describe a situation where a smaller, less significant thing or person is overshadowed or made redundant by something much larger or superior. It can also refer to something being unnoticeable or unnecessary in the presence of a much greater light or talent.