The Dalits, once referred to as "untouchables" and currently recognized as Scheduled Castes by official designation, make up around one-sixth of India's population.

Throughout centuries, they have endured the status of second-class citizens and were often excluded from India's varna system, a social hierarchy.

[2][3] As per the 2011 census of India, in the United State of Andhra Pradesh, the total population of Scheduled Castes is 13,878,078 individuals, comprising 6,913,047 males and 6,965,031 females.

This represents approximately 6.89% of India's total Scheduled Caste population, which stands at 201,378,086.

[4] Andhra Pradesh, prior to the formation of Telangana, comprised 60 distinct castes.