Introduction / History

The Koli people are also called Dongar or Raj Koli. Generally 'Koli' means a fisherman but the Koli people's primary occupation is agriculture. The Mahadev Koli derive their name from their god Mahadev and live in the Mahadev hills of Maharashtra. They are found mostly in the Pune, Ahmednagar and Nasik districts of Maharashtra. They speak Marathi and use the Devanagari script. A smaller number live in Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their staple food consists of rice, nagli, varai and wheat. Other than fishing and agriculture, they are also involved in cattle production, dairy and poultry farming and wage labor as subsidiary occupations.
They resemble the Kunbi and the Maratha communities in matters of dress and appearance. They live in nuclear families.
Bride price plays an important part in the marriage. The marriage ceremony lasts for three to four days. They allow for divorce and remarriage. The dead are buried, but in some cases, cremation is also practiced.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There are twenty-four exogamous clans among the Mahadev Koli and they use their clan's names as their surnames. Members of each clan have their own deity. Most of the Mahadev Koli follow several Hindu traditions.

What Are Their Needs?

This people group needs literacy programs that will reach them at the grass roots level.

Prayer Points

Pray for the salvation of the people of the Mahadev Koli community.
Pray more literacy and development programs.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers to take Christ to the Koli people in Pakistan.

Scripture Prayers for the Koli Mahadev in Pakistan.

References

India Missions Association - Edited by Philipose Vaidyar, Copyrighted © Used with permission