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Kolis


The Koli community is an ethnic group found throughout India. Kolis are found in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and rest of India. In Maharashtra they are found in the coastal regions of Maharashtra. They are also one of the original inhabitants of Greater Mumbai, which comprises the seven islands of Bombay.[1] In Gujarat, the Koli community is mainly located in the southern portion of the state, particularly around the cities of Surat, Navsari and Valsad and they primarily speak Gujarati. Most are farmers or fishers, as in Mumbai and Maharashtra.

In Maharashtra the Kolis almost exclusively speak Marathi, though some Koli communities speak a variant dialect of Marathi. The Kolis of Mumbai are dispersed all over the city, especially along the western coast of the city. The Kolis of Vasai are Hindu and Christian, though both belong to the Marathi ethnic group. The community has several subcastes, the prominent ones are Koli Kolis, Mangela Kolis, Vaity Kolis, Koli Christians, Mahadeo Kolis, Suryawanshi Kolis.

In 1901 the number of Kolis in all India was returned as nearly 3.75 million, but this total includes a distinct weaving caste of Kolis or Kori in Northern India. Presently Kolis are estimated to be more than twenty percent of the total population of Gujarat.

Weaving caste of Kolis or Koris in Northern India located in Rajasthan (Mahawar Kolis), UP, MP. Now a few of them have adopted Verma or Gupta as their surname.

The estimate of the Koli population in Gujarat is based on 1931 enumeration which is the last time caste based enumeration was taken in India.

In nineteenth century, many Koli people were engaged in works at textile mills in Bombay under British administration. The word Coolie in the English language has been derived from the name of this community at that time.[2]‌



Kolis from around Mumbai worship the goddess Ekveera situated at the Karla caves, Malavli, Lonavla. This goddess is worshipped the most on Chaitra Purnima (15th day of first month in the Hindu calendar).


Koli is the language spoken by Kolis in Mumbai. Marathi is another language spoken by Agri-Koli in the interior parts of Mumbai. It is a mixture of Marathi, Sanskrit, Hindi, English and Kannada language. The Agri language is a unique language, pleasant to hear and produces a sense of comedy which is reason why few Indian writers include Agri characters in their plays—to increase the level of comedy and fun.

In earlier times, the Kohlis were living in Gujarat which is a state of India. Their names were associated with the place they lived, Kohli's of Wagad are called Wagadia Kohli, and Kutchhi Kohli (Kohlis from Rann of Kutch). As Rann of Kutch extends upto Pakistan, the Kutchhi Kohlis are also in Pakistan.

Kutchi Kolis in Pakistan The Koli Hindu tribes are located in southeastern Pakistan. They are primarily concentrated in the fertile flood plain of Sindh State. There are several major subdivisions of Koli in that area, including the Parkari Koli, the Wadiyara Koli, the Kutchi Kohli and the Tharadari Koli. Kutchi Koli tribe known by different names as Kutchi Koli, Wagedia Koli, Kutchi Wagedia.
[edit] Koli folk dance & songs

The koli community has its own distinct identity and lively dances. The dance incorporates elements that this community is most familiar with - sea and fishing. The dance is performed by both men and women divided into two groups, where fishers stand in two rows holding oars in their hands. The dancers move in unison, portraying the movement of the rowing of a boat. Fisherwomen are in the opposite rows with their arms linked and advancing towards men folk. The separate formation then break up and they dance together with movements symbolizing the waves, the breakers and rowing from cliff to cliff and casting of nets to catch the fish.

There are many koli songs which are famous all over India. Some known once are as follows. Aga Pori Sambhaal Dariyala Tufaan Ayalay Bhari; Gorya wer Basali ; Me Hai Koli ; Chikna Chikna ; Dang Ding ; Lal lal pagote ; Chandnan Chandnya ; Dirki la bombil; Maza Kombra ; Me Dolker ; Haldin Bharlay ; Dol Doltai ; Nach go Nach ; Galyat Sakali ; Paru go Paru ; Lai Lai Liakarni ; Gomu Tuze Dadan Go; Vadal Wara ; Valav re Nakva ;
[edit] Koli Festivals

Narali punaw: This is “The day” for kolis. As per traditions kolis know that after this day the wind strength and direction changes in favor of fishing. This is the day when kolis celebrate the kick off of new business season. This is the day when they pray to god sea and make puja of their boats and begins their fishing season. There are songs for this occession as..san aaila go narali punvecha...

Shimga - Shimaga means holi in koli accent haa-wa-li. Holi and Koli goes long way. It is one of the most important Festival for Kolis. There are many koli songs for this occession