Mangela Kolis Explained

The Mangela Koli,^[1] or Mangala Koli^[2] is a subcaste of the Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra.^[3]

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The Mangela Kolis mostly work as fishermen for their livelihood.^[4]

History

In 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 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

Here 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

The Mangela Kolis are classified as a Special Backward Class (SBC) caste by Government of Maharashtra.

External links

• Undisclosed Facts of Tribal Life By Paramjot Singh Chahel

Notes and References

1. HARAD . PRANITA A. . JOGLEKAR . P.P. . A Study of Fish Symbolism in the Life of the Son Koli Community of Mumbai . 2017 . Bulletin of the Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute . 77 . 121–130 . 26609165 . 0045-9801.
2. Web site: National Commission for Backward Classes . 2022-07-25 . www.ncbc.nic.in.
3. Walimbe . S. R. . Genetic Relationship Among the Kolis of Maharashtra . 1981 . Bulletin of the Deccan College Research Institute . 40 . 60–66 . 42931105 . 0045-9801.
4. Book: Dewan, Ritu . Of Development Amidst Fragility: A Societal and Environmental Perspective on Vadhavan Port . 1999 . Popular Prakashan . 978-81-7154-688-6 . . 42 . en.
5. Book: Guha, Ranajit . Subaltern Studies: Writings on South Asian History and Society . 1984 . . . 208 . en.
6. Book: Hardiman, David . Histories for the Subordinated . 2007 . . 978-1-905422-38-8 . New Delhi . 69 . en.
7. Book: Hardiman . David . The Coming of the Devi: Adivasi Assertion in Western India . Hardiman . Professor of History David . 1987 . . 978-0-19-561957-7 . New Delhi . 26 . en.
8. Book: Chaudhuri, Buddhadeb . Tribal Transformation in India . 1992 . Inter-India Publications . 978-81-210-0271-4 . New Delhi . 290 . en.
9. Book: Lal, R. B. . 2003 . Popular Prakashan . 978-81-7991-104-4 . New Delhi, India, Asia . 851 . en.