Mangela Kolis

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

Mangela Koli
मांगेळा कोळी
Regions with significant populations
Maharashtra, Gujarat
Languages
Marathi, Gujarati, Koli (Kachi Koli, Parkari Koli, Wadiyara Koli), Hindi, English
Religion
Hinduism, Koli Christians
Related ethnic groups
Vaitee Koli, Son Koli, Agri Koli

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 Koli women who were possessed by goddess known as Salahbai or advising sister because she gave the advice of goddess.[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

Here are some of the prominent clans of Mangela Kolis,[9]

  • Mangela
  • Pagdhare
  • Gharat
  • Tandel
  • Raut
  • Hambeere
  • Ambhire
  • Damankar
  • Dhanu
  • Marde
  • Monderkar
  • Vaidya
  • Arekar
  • Tamore
  • Meher
  • Dawane
  • Keni

Classification

The Mangela Kolis are classified as an Special Backward Class (SBC) caste by Government of Maharashtra.[2]

References
  1. 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.
  2. "National Commission for Backward Classes". www.ncbc.nic.in. Retrieved 2022-07-25.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Guha, Ranajit (1984). Subaltern Studies: Writings on South Asian History and Society. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. p. 208.
  6. Hardiman, David (2007). Histories for the Subordinated. New Delhi: Seagull Books. p. 69. ISBN 978-1-905422-38-8.
  7. 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.
  8. Chaudhuri, Buddhadeb (1992). Tribal Transformation in India. New Delhi: Inter-India Publications. p. 290. ISBN 978-81-210-0271-4.
  9. Lal, R. B. (2003). Gujarat. New Delhi, India, Asia: Popular Prakashan. p. 851. ISBN 978-81-7991-104-4.
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