Koli people
कोली, કોલી, कोळी | |
|---|---|
| Languages | |
| Kachi Koli, Parkari Koli, Wadiyara Koli, Rathwi Bareli, Hindi, Gujarati, Konkani, Marathi, Bhil, Kannada | |
| Religion | |
| Hindu, Muslim, Christian | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Kori, Koli Christians |
The Koli people are an agriculturist caste of India, mostly found in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Koli caste was recognised as a criminal tribe under Criminal Tribes Act by British Indian government because of their anti-social activities; but during World War I, Kolis were recognised as a martial caste by British Indian Empire. Kolis of Gujarat were well-known pirates of Arabian Sea.
The Kolis form the largest caste cluster in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, comprising 24% and 30% of the total population in those states, respectively.