Mahadev Koli Tribe

Mahadev Koli Tribe Latest News

A recent study highlights the Mahadev Koli tribe’s rich reservoir of medicinal and ecological knowledge, expertise that could be vital in strengthening global climate resilience.

About Mahadev Koli Tribe

• Mahadev Koli or Mahadeo Koli are a subcaste of the Koli community of Maharashtra and Goa states of India.
• 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 are classified as a Schedule Tribe.
• They speak Marathi and use the Devanagari script. 
• There are twenty-four exogamous clans among the Mahadev Koli, and they use their clan's names as their surnames.
• Their staple food consists of rice, nagli, varai, and wheat. 
• Occupation: Other than agriculture, they are also involved in cattle production, dairy and poultry farming, and wage labour as subsidiary occupations.
• Beliefs: 
  • Most of the Mahadev Koli follow a number of Hindu traditions. 
  • Members of each clan have their own deity.
• They possess extensive knowledge of local flora, utilizing over 50 native tree species for medicinal purposes.
• Tanaji Malusare, a revered general in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army, hailed from this community.  His valor in the Battle of Sinhagad is legendary.

Mahadev Koli Tribe FAQs

Q1. In which Indian states are the Mahadev Koli primarily found?

Ans. Maharashtra and Goa

Q2. The Mahadev Koli primarily speak which language?

Ans. Marathi

Q3. Tanaji Malusare, a heroic general under Shivaji Maharaj, belonged to which community?

Ans. Mahadev Koli

Source: IE