Koli clans

Koli (Sanskrit: Koliya) (Hindi: कोली) is a caste found in the Indian subcontinent, mainly modern-day India, Nepal and Pakistan. The Koli clans (Gotra, Kutumb) are spread almost all over country.



The Koli caste forms the largest caste-cluster in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, comprising 24% and 30% of the total population in those states respectively.

Clans

  1. Bhalia Kolis: The Bhalia (also spelled as Bhaliya) is a clan (Gotra) of the Koli caste mostly found in the Indian state of Gujarat and Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. In the census of 1931 in Baroda State, the population of Bhalia Kolis was 27,437 alongwith Ghedia Kolis. The Bhaliya clan is considered as superior clan among Kolis because they ruled over Bhal region of Gujarat. The Bhalia Kolis got their name from their homeland Bhal region of Gujarat which was ruled by them and was stronghold for their Koli piracy.
  2. Popere Kolis: The Popere, or Popera is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The ruling Koli dynasty of Jawhar State belong to the Popere clan of Mahadev Kolis of Konkan who established the rule over Jawhar in 1346 by Koli chief Jayaba Popere. They are Agriculturist and noted for the militant spirit.
  3. Bokad Kolis: The Bokad is a clan (Gotra) of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra. They served in the Maratha Empire and in 1769 - 70, Bokad Kolis received the grants of Jagir from Peshwa Madhavrao i. later, they served in British Indian Empire at good positions such as Faujdar.
  4. Thorat Kolis: The Thorat (Marathi: थोरात) is a clan (Gotra) of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra and Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.[16] The Thorat Kolis ruled over Dadra and Nagar Haveli till 1262. but in 1262, Koli king Nag Thorat was defeated by Ramsing who was a Rajput from Rajasthan. later, Thorat Kolis lived by plundering.
  5. Pichad Kolis: The Pichad is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Pichad Kolis served in Maratha Empire as Subedar, Mansabdar and Nayak but in 1776 - 77, they revolted against Peshwa government because of their deposition from posts but later Pichad kolis enlisted to their posts. After establishment of British rule in Maharashtra, Pichad Kolis took up arms against British authorities under their Koli chief Balaji Pichad.
  6. Solanki Kolis: The Solanki Koli (also spelled as Saulanki Koli) is a clan (Gotra) of Koli caste mostly found in the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The Solanki Kolis of Gujarat ruled over petty Princely states in Chunval region (now Becharaji) of Gujarat named as Bhankoda, Kukvav, Chaniar and Dekavada jagirs.
  7. Babria Kolis: The Babria, or Bavlia and Bavalia is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Gujarat and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Babria Kolis mostly found in the Babariawad region of Gujarat. the region of Babariawad of Gujarat got his name because of Babria Kolis. They mostly lived by plundering and Their plundering was called as Dhang.
  8. Dabhi Kolis: The Dabhi (Gujarati: ડાભી, Hindi: डाभी) is a clan (Gotra) of the Koli caste found in the Indian state of Gujarat and Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, India. The Kolis of the Dabhi clan ruled over Ghorasar state during British rule in India.
  9. Makwana Koli: The Makwana Koli also spelled as Makawana Koli, Makvana Koli, Makavana Koli, Mukwana Koli and Mukawana Koli is a clan (Gotra) of the Koli caste mostly found in the Indian state of Gujarat and Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. In 1931 census of Baroda State, there were 20,700 Kolis of Makwana clan in the Baroda state's territory. Makwana Kolis mostly belong to the Hindu faith but there are members of the community who converted to Islam during the reign of the invading Mughal power in Gujarat. Makwana Kolis are landholders and agriculturist by profession.
  10. Satav Kolis: The Satav, or Sataw is a clan of Malhar Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The Satav clan of Kolis was hereditary priest and responsible for Mahalaxmi temple of Dahanu and considered the Mahalakshmi as their clan deity. Satav Kolis also served as the royal priest to the rulers of Jawhar State.
  11. Sonvane Kolis: The Sonavane, or Sonawane (also spelled as Sonvane and Sonwane) is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
  12. Satpute Kolis: The Satpute, or Sutpute is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The Kolis of Satpute clan revolted against British rule in Maharashtra under their Koli chief Sakharam Satpute and captured the British offices and plundered the British controlled Territories in Konkan.
  13. Shilkande Kolis: The Shilkande, or Shelkande and Shilkunda is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of the Maharashtra and neighbouring Territories. The Shilkunda Kolis revolted against Peshwa (Prime minister of Maratha Empire) because of their land rights and cutoff the head of Patil of Chovisi.
  14. Charavadia Kolis: The Charavadia, or Charvadia and Charawadia (also spelled as Charavadiya, Charawadiya, Charwadia and Charvadiya) is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Gujarat. The Charavadia Kolis originated from Bokadthamba village and in 2019, Their population was 700 only and the Bokadthamba village is inhebited by only Charavadia clan of Kolis. Around 1500 A. D., The ruler of Wankaner State gave the Bokadthamba village to four Chunvalia Koli brothers and now Charavadias are descendants of those Koli brothers.
  15. Kokate Kolis: The Kokate, or Kokata is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra. in 1776, Kokata Kolis revolted against Peshwa government in Maratha Empire. The Kokote Kolis served in Maratha Empire as Subedar and Faujdar. The Koli subedar burnt down the rebellion of Gavlis against Peshwa.
  16. Kirave Kolis: The Kirave, or Kirve is a clan (Gotra) of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra and neighbouring areas. in 1829, The Kolis of Kirwe clan revolted against British rule in Deccan.
  17. Kengale Kolis: The Kengale, or Kangle (Hindi: केंगले कोली) is a clan (Gotra) of the Koli caste found in the Maharashtra state of India. The Kolis of Kengle clan revolted against British rule and Sahukars, or Moneylenders in Deccan in 1872 to 1876 under their chief.
  18. Bhangre Kolis: The Bhangare, or Bhangre is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Bhangare Kolis were granted the villages from Peshwa and served as Patil and Deshmukh. in 1761 for Maratha Empire, Bhangare Kolis along with Pattikar Kolis captured the Trimbak fort from Nizam of Hyderabad state.
  19. Maliwad Kolis: The Maliwad, or Malivad is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Gujarat. During the Rebellion of 1857, The Maliwad Kolis of Khanpur in Lunawara State revolted against Rana of Lunawada under their Koli chieftain Suralmal of Khanpur. Because of Koli rebellion, Rana sought help from British government and British troops under Major Buckle attacked at Maliwad Koli rebels and suppressed the rebellions. In 1870, The Maliwad Kolis again raised and breakdown the peace in the state and British controlled Territories.
  20. Mer Kolis: The Mer, or Mair is a Clan (Gotra) of the Koli caste in the Indian state of Gujarat and Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. During the reign of Koli chieftain Dhan Mer of Dhandhuka, Mer Kolis were more powerful. Mer Kolis of Dhandhuka defeated the Rajputs of Vallabhipur to restore the peace to the Brahmins of Vallabhipur.
  21. Khade Kolis: The Khade, or Khare is a clan of the Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra, India. Khade Kolis served in Maratha Empire as Subedar and in 1761, Khade Kolis along with Bhangare and Pattikar Kolis captured the Trimbak fort from Nizam of Hyderabad State and annexed in Maratha Empire. But in 1776 - 77, Khade Kolis revolted against Peshwa government and captured several of forts from Peshwa under their Koli leader Javji Bamble. Khade Kolis were jahagirdars until the Jahagirs were recently abolished after Independence. They also were Inamdars and Naiks during Maratha Empire. The Khade Kolis revolted against British rule and Sahukar cheaters under their chief Haibati Khade and plundered the British controlled territory and Moneylenders.
  22. Bambale Kolis: The Bambale, or Bamble is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Bambale Kolis served in Maratha Empire and were received the grants of the Jagirs by Peshwa Madhavrao I in 1769 - 70. Bambale Kolis served at good positions Such as Patil, Mansabdar and Nayak in Maratha Empire.
  23. Chauhan Kolis: The Chauhan also spelled as Chouhan and Chohan is a clan of the Talpada and Patel Kolis of the Gujarat and Rajasthan states in India. The indian historian L. S. Vishwanath states that before the Independence of India, Kolis of Chauhan clan made the marital relations with poor Rajputs because poor Rajputs were not able to pay heavy burden of Dowry to marry their daughters so they married with elite Koli families of Chauhan, Rathod and Solanki clans and then Kolis claimed to be Kshatriya called as Nava Kshatriya. The Chauhan kolis ruled over petty princely states of Katosan and Likhi in Mahi Kantha Agency.
  24. Khasia Kolis: The Khasia, or Khasiya is a clan of the Koli caste found in the Indian state of Gujarat. The Mahuva was the stronghold or controlled by Khasia Kolis but they were defeated by the Thakur Wakhatsinhji of Bhavnagar State and their controlled Territories of Mahuva, Kundla, Rajula, Gadhada and Botad. Khasiya Kolis were pirates in Gujarat ocean and lived by piracy. The Khasia Kolis of Gujarat got their name from Khas village in Ranpur region of Ahmedabad district. The Khasia Kolis around Mahuva in Gohilwad district, had marital relations with Gohils. Juna Padar and Shevdivadar were ruled by Kolis of Khasia clan.
  25. Pattikar Kolis: The Pattikar, or Patekar, Pattekar and Patikar is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra and neighbouring Territories. In 1761, The Pattikar Kolis with the help of Bhangare and Khade Kolis captured the fort of Trimbak from Nizam of Hyderabad state and gave it to Peshwa (Prime minister) of Maratha Empire. They were led by Kheroji Pattikar who was serving in Maratha Empire and was rewarded with grants of villages and a large sum of money.
  26. Chivhe Kolis: The Chivhe, or Chive is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Chivhe Kolis were Naiks of Purandar fort served in Maratha Empire of Shivaji.[94] Chivhe Kolis were soldiers, cultivators and Vatandar in Maratha Empire and also in Bidar Sultanate and received the title of Sarnaik from Bidar Badshah.[95] The Chivhe Kolis of Purandar revolted against the Peshwa government because of the appointing of new Sarnaik named Abhaji Purandare who was a Brahmin by caste. Chivhe Kolis were not in favour of Abhaji Purandare because they were Vatandar and Purandare was controlling their rights on land. Thereupon, Abhaji Purandare dismissed all of them and appointed fresh fortkeepers. After that 400 Chivhe Kolis entered and captured the fort by killing officers and took control of garrison. a duty imposed on the surrounding villages. they brought out their weapons and proceeded to seize control of the fort on 7 May 1764. Five days later they took the fort of Rudramal. Interestingly, they appointed a Brahman, Visaji Kesava to superintend affairs within the fort. They also began to appropriate the state and private property in the fort for safe-keeping. Peshwa Raghunathrao had went to fort to worship the temple but there peshwa was captured by them. Finally, the garrison despatched horsemen and began to collect tribute from adjoining regions. Reproved for this, Kondaji Naik Chivhe wrote to the Peshwa: ‘Then how is the master’s fort to be safeguarded by us on empty stomachs?’; and demanded a years’ pay and pro visions. The infuriated Raghunathrao despatched Maratha troops to punish the insurgents Kolis but Maratha army was unable to enter the fortresses controlled by Chivhe Kolis. Peshwa began seizing the families of the insurgents (Chivhe Kolis), beating and maltreating the women and children, and burning villages.The insurgents were quite aware of the tensions between Raghunathrao and his nephew, and sent a delegation with protestations of loyalty to the camp of Madhavrao, then on the Mysore frontier. Raghunathrao’s attempts for repression also failed to the insurgents, who had ‘taken the tiger- hunters’ oath’, and he now decided to win over the garrison to his side by reinstating them.
  27. Mewasi Kolis: The Mewasi, or Mevasi, Mehwasi is a clan of Koli caste found in Indian state of Gujarat. The Koli chieftains of villages populated by Kolis were titled as Mewasi because of their rebellious activities against Maratha and Mughal rulers. In that days, Mewasi word was used to describe the unruly, turbulent and violent person but during British Raj, Mewasi was used for Koli chieftains in rebellions against British rule as a hero. Koli Mewasis liked the independent rule of self so they always fought against their Rajas, Maharajas and other rulers. Koli Mewasis often plundered the villages to collect the revenue. In the fifteenth century , the early Sultans of Ahmedabad attempted to subjugate the Koli Mehwasis; but they were met with such a sturdy resistance from those chiefs, who were naturally helped by the wild nature of their Koli chiefs. Firozkhan II ruled at Palanpur from 1707-1719, during which period he attacked and took Tharad which was ruled by Koli chieftain, subdued the Koli Mewasis of Sur Bhakhri, Kidotar and Dabhela and extended his territory. The Rewakantha settlements were made during the regime of Sayajirao. these areas were constantly disturbed by the depredations of the Koli Mehwasis, and the maintenance of law and order in these areas became a challenge for Baroda government. The villages which were ruled or controlled by rebellious Koli chieftains and inhabited by turbulent Kolis were called Mewasi Villages by Mughal rulers. The Barmuvada, Chhapra, Khumarwad were most notable Mewasi villages and their Koli chieftains were receiving Giras dues from Radhvanaj rulers. The British government always faced the trouble in Mehwasi areas and used the troops to collect the annual revenue.
  28. Baria Kolis: Baria, or Baraiya, Bareeya and Bariya is a clan of the Koli caste found in the Indian State of Gujarat and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. the Devgad Baria was their Stronghold or given their name to Baria State in Gujarat. according to the historian Y.V.S Nath, the ruling royal family of Baria State is original Koli by caste but later they claimed to be of Rajput origin to be in high status among other Princely States.
  29. Shial Kolis: The Shial, or Shiyal is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Gujarat. They were noted pirates of Gujarat. Shial Kolis defeated and captured the Shial island from Portuguese India and make it their stronghold along with Chanch but later they were defeated by Nawab of Janjira and Jafrabad. during the World War I, they were enlisted as soldiers in British Indian Army by British Indian government.

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