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. There are twenty-four exogamous clans among the Mahadev Koli and they use their clan's names as their surnames.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their staple food consists of rice, nagli, varai and wheat. Other than agriculture they are also involved in cattle production, dairy and poultry farming and wage labour 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 marriage. The marriage ceremony lasts for three to four days. They allow for divorce and remarriage. They bury their dead, but in some cases they cremate.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the Mahadev Koli follow a number of Hindu traditions. Members of each clan have their own deity.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mahadev Koli people need the opportunity to allow Jesus Christ to enrich their lives physically, economically and spiritually. Some Mahadev Koli villages are without electricity. Solar panels would greatly improve their lives. They often lack access to clean water and modern medicine. The Mahadev Koli must hear and understand the message about Jesus Christ to have their sins forgiven and to obtain eternal life.

Prayer Items

Pray for a movement to Christ among the Mahadev Koli community.

Pray for more literacy and development programs and better schools.

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive them to Jesus Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Koli Mahadev in India.

References

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