The Mangela Koli,[1] or Mangala Koli[2] is a subcaste of the Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra.[3]
| Mangela Koli मांगेळा कोळी | |
|---|---|
| Subcaste of Koli caste | |
| Ethnicity | Koli people |
| Location | |
| Varna | Fisherman |
| Parent tribe |
|
| Language | |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Surnames | |
The Mangela Kolis mostly work as fishermen for their livelihood.[4]
History
editIn the year of 1922, the Mangela Kolis were hit by an epidemic of smallpox. They believed this epidemic to have been caused by a goddess who had therefore to be propitiated. Ceremonies were held at which Mangela Koli women became possessed by the deity.[5] Through these mediums she made it known to the community that she would be satisfied only if they gave up meat, fish, liquor and toddy.[6] The propitiation ceremony of the Mangela Kolis and Vaitty Kolis conformed to this pattern. As their spirit-mediums were normally female, women were possessed by the goddess and made her wishes known. One of these wishes was that they abstain from alcoholic drinks and meat.[7] The Koli women who were possessed by goddess known as Salahbai or advising sister because she gave the advice of goddess.[clarify][5]
The Mangela Kolis of Gujarat and Maharashtra started Devi movement to rid themselves of bad habits such as the consumption of meat (nonvegetarianism) and liquor.[8]
Clans
editHere are some of the prominent clans of Mangela Kolis,[9]
- Mangela
- Pagdhare
- Chaudhari
Mhatre
- Gharat
- Tandel
- Patil
- Raut
- Hambeere
- Ambhire
- Damankar
- Dhanu
- Marde
- Mandekar
- Vaidya
- Arekar
- Tamore
- Meher
- Dawane
- Keni
- Bhoir
- Akrekar
- Nijap
- Nijai
- Vinde
- Dhanmeher
Classification
editThe Mangela Kolis are classified as a Special Backward Class (SBC) caste by Government of Maharashtra.[2]
References
edit- ^ HARAD, PRANITA A.; JOGLEKAR, P.P. (2017). "A Study of Fish Symbolism in the Life of the Son Koli Community of Mumbai". Bulletin of the Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute. 77: 121–130. ISSN 0045-9801. JSTOR 26609165.
- ^ a b "National Commission for Backward Classes". www.ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 2022-07-25.
- ^ Walimbe, S. R. (1981). "Genetic Relationship Among the Kolis of Maharashtra". Bulletin of the Deccan College Research Institute. 40: 60–66. ISSN 0045-9801. JSTOR 42931105.
- ^ Dewan, Ritu (1999). Of Development Amidst Fragility: A Societal and Environmental Perspective on Vadhavan Port. New Delhi: Popular Prakashan. p. 42. ISBN 978-81-7154-688-6.
- ^ a b Guha, Ranajit (1984). Subaltern Studies: Writings on South Asian History and Society. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. p. 208.
- ^ Hardiman, David (2007). Histories for the Subordinated. New Delhi: Seagull Books. p. 69. ISBN 978-1-905422-38-8.
- ^ Hardiman, David; Hardiman, Professor of History David (1987). The Coming of the Devi: Adivasi Assertion in Western India. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. p. 26. ISBN 978-0-19-561957-7.
- ^ Chaudhuri, Buddhadeb (1992). Tribal Transformation in India. New Delhi: Inter-India Publications. p. 290. ISBN 978-81-210-0271-4.
- ^ Lal, R. B. (2003). Gujarat. New Delhi, India, Asia: Popular Prakashan. p. 851. ISBN 978-81-7991-104-4.