Dharala Koli

The Dharala, or Dhurala is a title used by Koli caste of Gujarat, Dadar and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu who were professional soldiers and were experts in sword fighting. during the British Raj in India, the 80% of the total population of Kolis in Kheda district were Dharala. the Koli Dharalas plundered the  British trading ships because they were turbulent and considered as bad tribe. the Koli Dharalas also served in British Indian Army as trackers and village guard and were occasionally used as soldiers in wartime by British government in return of sum.

The most of the Koli Dharalas were from Patanvadia, Talapada subcaste of Kolis who were prosperous and respected in society and ruled over petty Princely States during British regime.

 Dharala Vero 
The Dharala Vero was a type of tax collected by Kolis of Gujarat to allowed the other caste people to live in their villages. in 1920, the Mahatma Gandhi tried to reform the Koli Dharalas to get ride of Anti social activities such as gang Robberies and tax collection from other caste people.

 Origin or meaning 
The title of Dharala is taken from the Dhar (Sharpness) of a sword's edge. Dharala means experts of sword fighting.

 Clans 
The most of the Koli Dharalas were belong to the Baria clan of Kolis.

 References 

 Other websites 
 Caste and Democratic Politics in India by Ghanshyam Shah

Category:Koli titles