History of Kolis
The Kolis have an extensive spatial distribution in the central and western regions of India. Under various names this tribe has existed in different ecological conditions. Kolis are reputed to be the best of fisherman in some part of India, while in other parts they are believed to be having a militant heritage. The distinct bio-cultural demarcation of Kolis from other ethnic groups inhabiting Saurashtra speaks of adaptability which has made it survive the various ethnic and cultural invasions sweeping Saurashtra from time historic. During these periods of constant domination and exploitation by higher castes the Kolis have neither lost their inherent cultural traits nor have they totally merged their identity with neighboring cultures.You may be aware with the Names our community mostly known in India :
Koli, Koli Patel, Chuvalia Koli, Talpada Koli, Matia Koli, Gulam Koli, Mansarovaria Koli, Thakarda Koli, Ghedia Koli, Valankiya Koli, Talpada Koli, Thakarda Koli or Thakor, Idaria Koli, Pardeshi, Bariya, Bhalia, Kotwal, Patanwadia, Debaria, Patelia, Rathwa, Ghedya.
Origin of Koli/Kori Samaj
The most ancient King Mandhata, a supreme and universal ruler whose reputation spread far and wide throughout India and whose stories of 'Valour and Yajna' were described in the stone carvings of `Mohanjo Daro', belonged to this tribe.The most ancient and revered sage 'Valmiki', the author of `Ramayana' belonged to this tribe. Even today 'Ramayana' is referred to as 'Kori Valmiki Ramayana' in Maharashtra State. Teachings from `Ramayana’ form the basis of Indian culture.
The great king 'Chandra Gupta Mourya' and his line of descendent kings belonged to the 'Kori' tribe.
Lord Buddha’s mother and his wife belonged to the 'Koli/Kori' tribe.
'Sant Kabir', a weaver by trade, ended several of his 'bhajans' as ‘kahet kabir koli’ was a self-confessed Kori. 'Bhaktaraj Bhadurdas' and 'Bhaktaraj Valram' from 'Saurashtra' (in Gujrat State) Girnari Sant `Velnathji’ from city Junagadh, 'Bhaktaraj Jobanpagi', Sant 'Sri Koya Bhagat', Sant 'Dhudhalinath', 'Madan Bhagat', Sany 'Kanji Swami' of 17th and 18th Century all belonged to the Kori tribe. Their life and reputation were described in books of their life and in articles published in 'Mumbai Samachar', 'Nutan Gujarat', and 'Parmarth' etc. Newspapers & magazine.
In the State of Maharashtra, Sivaji’s Commander-in-Chief and several of his Generals belonged to this tribe. 'A History of the Marathas’ notes with pride the bravery of Sivaji’s army consisting mainly of Mavalis and Kolis. His General, Tanaji Rao Malusare, who was always referred to by Sivaji as 'My Lion' was a Kori/Koli. When Tanaji fell fighting for and winning the ‘Kodana Fort’, Sivaji renamed the fort as ‘Sinhghadh’ in his memory.
In the 1857 uprising a number of Kori women fighters played an important role in trying to save the life of the ‘Rani of Jhansi’. Among them was a very close colleague of the queen named Zalkari. The Koli Samaj, thus, has given India and the world, great sons and daughters whose teachings are of universal import and of relevance to modern day living.
Legend of our Ancient King Mandhata Archaeological findings of 'Mohenjo Daro' is estimated to date back to 5000-3000 B.C. The stone inscriptions there describe the great Kori Kings and their Pyanchayet method of administration in their kingdoms. References to the Great King Mandhata are found many times and the various aspects of his life, deeds of valour, and yajna are described in a number of publications.
King Mandhata is estimated to have lived some ten thousand years ago. Long after him were born such great souls as Shree Ram, Shree Krishna and Lord Buddha. Yet the greatness of King Mandhata’s achievements was such that a household phrase came into universal use to this day when comparing others to ask – ‘Was he as great as Mandhata?’ Mandhata has been compared as the brightest star in the Sun Dynasty and was born in the 15th generation of Brahma. The great Manu was of the 5th generation and 10th generation after Manu was Mandhata. Shree Ram is said to born as 25th generation after Mandhata. Ishvaku was another great King of the ‘Sun Dynasty Kori Kings’ and so Mandhata and Shree Ram were said to be of Ishvaku Sun Dynasty. This Dynasty later got divided into nine major sub groups, all claiming their roots to the Kshtria Caste. They are: Malla, Janak, Videhi, Koliye, Morya, Lichchhvi, Janatri, Vajji, and Shakya.’
King Yuvenashawer, Mandhata’s father had hundred wives but no male child was born to them. He consulted many `Rishis’ and finally came to `Bhargav Rishi’ who agreed to perform a yajna to beget a son for him. At the end of the yajna, a pot of mantra-charged-water was put aside for the king to be taken to his queen the next morning. During the night, the king became thirsty and went looking for water in the Ashram. He saw the pot and quenched his thirst with this potent water. In due course, a son was delivered by cutting open the King’s abdomen. God Indra heard of this unique incident and came to see the infant. To the question who will feed and protect the child God Indra put his thumb in the child’s mouth and said ‘Ma thasyati’. Thus the child was named ‘Mandhata’ and later learned the art of warfare from God Indra and acquired his unconquerable Bow.
King Mandhata with his superior strength, knowledge and well-equipped army conquered vast areas and many surrounding kingdoms. He would reinstate the defeated kings. Such a king would be made to agree to the payment of an annual tax. An ambassador would be posted in each such kingdom to ensure compliance and good governance. Such a king would also enjoy the protection of Mandhata. To fulfill this promise he once had to fight his own Godfather Indra, who when defeated, challenged Mandhata to fight Lavnasur, a demon king. Soon an opportunity for a battle with this demon king arose.
For an ever-victorious King Mandhata, this encounter proved to be an anticlimax end to his life. The King and his army marched right into Lavnasur’s kingdom but no resistance was forthcoming. Evening was approaching. King Mandhata decided to camp for the night, confident of capturing Lavnasur the next day. Lavnasur’s agents however infiltrated the camp in the night and killed the sleeping king.
Archaeological findings, when pieced together, show Mandhata as belonging to Ishvaku – Sun Dynasty and his descendents were known as ‘Sun Dynasty Kori Kings’. They were known to be brave, illustrious and just rulers. Buddhist texts have numerous references proving this beyond doubt. The descendants of Mandhata played a vital role and our ancient Vedas, epics and other relics mention their important contributions in the art of war and state administration. They are referred to in our ancient Sanskrit books as Kulya, Kuliye, Koli Serp, Kolik, Kaul etc.
Koli Region
Bundelkhand (till 16th century (during the rule of Chandelas) known as Jaijak bhukti or Jejaka bhukti) is a geographic region of central India. The region is now divided between the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with the larger portion lying in the latter.The major towns are Jhansi, Datia, Lalitpur, Sagar, Damoh, Orai, Panna, Mahoba, Banda Narsinghpur and Chhatarpur. However, the cities of Gwalior, Jabalpur and even Bhopal are under close cultural influence of Bundelkhand, especially linguistically. Bundelkhand’s most well known place, however, is Khajuraho, which has a number of 10th century temples devoted to fine living and eroticism. The mines of Panna have been famous for magnificent diamonds; and a very large one dug from the last was kept in the fort of Kalinjar.
Koli's Customs and Culture
Here we present customs and culture of Koli people who have their own distinct culture and customs:The Kolis, unlike two main branches of Hinduism-Vaishnavism and Shaivism, believe in Shaktism. That is, their main deity is one or other form of Shakti. Since Shakti is consort of Shiva, a Shiva temple, along with numerous Shakti temples, is found wherever Kolis are in sizeable numbers.
