The Dhor Koli[1] also known as Tokre Koli, or Tokare Koli is a subcaste of the Koli caste found in the Indian states of Maharashtra,[2] Gujarat,[3] Karnataka[4] and Rajasthan.[5] Dhor Kolis are bamboo cutters by profession.[2]

Origin and distribution

The Dhor Kolis derived their name from the Kannada word for 'big', dodda; they are also known as Tokre Kolis because they were bamboo cutters.[6] They have traditionally had a reputation for alleged dacoity.[6]

They are distributed in the Nashik, Thane and Greater Mumbai districts of Maharashtra and are also found in Surat and Dang districts of Gujarat.[6]

Clans

The Dhor Kolis are divided into several clans. Their prominent clans include:[6][7]

Classification

The Dhor Kolis are classified as a Scheduled Tribe by the Government of Karnataka,[8] Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan[5] states of India.

References

  1. ^ Tribhuwan, Robin D.; Savelli, Laurence (2003). Tribal Masks and Myths. New Delhi, India, Asia: Discovery Publishing House. pp. 13–14. ISBN 978-81-7141-636-3.
  2. ^ a b Chahel, Paramjot Singh (30 October 2015). Undisclosed Facts of Tribal Life. New Delhi: Partridge Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4828-3834-3.
  3. ^ Mehta, Prakash Chandra; Mehta, Sonu (2007). Cultural Heritage of Indian Tribes. New Delhi: Discovery Publishing House. p. 100. ISBN 978-81-8356-327-7.
  4. ^ Naheed Ataulla (25 June 2017). "Presidential election 2017: Koli community hopeful of getting ST tag in Karnataka". The Times of India. Section: Bengaluru News. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  5. ^ a b "PART - III". www.rajsec.rajasthan.gov.in. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  6. ^ a b c d Prasad, R. R. (1996). Encyclopaedic Profile of Indian Tribes. New Delhi: Discovery Publishing House. pp. 73–75. ISBN 978-81-7141-298-3.
  7. ^ Singh, Kumar Suresh; Bhanu, B. V.; India, Anthropological Survey of (2004). Maharashtra. New Delhi: Popular Prakashan. p. 1087. ISBN 978-81-7991-101-3.
  8. ^ "Karnataka State Tribal Welfare". kstrimysuru.in. Retrieved 22 April 2022.