Koli clans and titles

The Koli is a Indian caste mostly found in the Indian states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Here are the information about Koli clans (Gotra) and titles (Upadhi):

Before the Independence of India, in Gujarat, the Bhil women were Concubines for the Koli landlords.


 Clans (Gotra) 
 Vala Kolis 
The Vala, or Wala is a Koli clan (Gotra) found in the state of Gujarat in India. They claim to be the earliest Koli settlers in Saurashtra, and are descendants of Dhan Mer who was son of Koli chieftain Sonang Mer, who defeated the ruler of the Vala kingdom (Valabhi) of Gujarat.
Sord Kolis
The Sord dynasty was a ruling dynasty of Koli caste in Gujarat who ruled over Idar state for two generations. This dynasty was founded by the Thakor Hathi Sord, who belonged to the Koli caste. Hathi Sord was a vassal in the Eder state, but Amarsingh Parmar, the ruler of the Eder state, was killed in a battle after which Hathi Sord took over as the ruler of the Eder state. Maharaja Hathi Sord ruled peacefully till his death, and after his death his only son, Prince Samwaliya Sord, took the throne of Idar. Maharaja Sanvalia Sord appointed a Nagar Brahmin as the commander of the army of the state of Idar but Commander was jealous of the maharaja, Due to which the commander became with the Rathore Rajputs. The Senapati incited the Rathore Rajputs to attack the Maharaja but the Rajputs did not dare, after which the Senapati made a plan. According to the plan, the commander called Maharaja Sord for his daughter's wedding party and hid the Rajputs in the houses of neighbors. The Maharaja Sord was enjoying the feast with some of his ministers, when the Brahmin commander also gave him a banquet of liquor, due to which Maharaja Sord and his ministers and some special soldiers got drunk. The commander was waiting for this, the commander pointed to the Rathore Rajputs hiding in the neighboring houses and attacked the minister and soldiers including Maharaja Sord. It was the year 1300 and the Sord Dynasty of Idar came to an end this year. Rathore Rajputs captured the idar from Kolis but later rathores was drove out by Rao Rajputs.

Valakiya Koli
The Valakiya (also spelled as Valakia, Valankiya and Valakya) 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. Valakiya Kolis were pirates by profession and ruled over Valak village of Surat.
The Valakiya Kolis got their name from the Valak village in Kamrej tehsil of Surat district in Gujarat. They ruled over Valak village and were noted pirates by profession.

Bhalia Kolis
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.
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.
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.
Thorat Koli
The Thorat Koli (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. 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.
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.
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.
Babria (Bavalia) 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.
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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Williams |first=Raymond Brady |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=rs5JDwAAQBAJ&vq=dabhi+Koli&source=gbs_navlinks_s |title=Swaminarayan Hinduism: Tradition, Adaptation, and Identity |last2=Trivedi |first2=Yogi |date=2016-05-12 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-908959-8 |location=New Delhi, India, Asia |pages=The following is a list of the Koli Thakordas or lordlings in North Gujarat: the Solankis of Bhankoda, Chaniar, Dekavada, and Kukvav in Chunwal; the Makwanas of Katosan, Jhunjuvara, and Punar, the Rathods of Ghanti and Vaghpur on the banks of the Sabarmati; the Dabhis of Ghodasar in the Charotar; the Chauhans of Amliara in the Mahi Kantha; and the Vaghelas of Kankrej.... |language=en}}</ref>
Makwana Kolis
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. Here are list of Princely States ruled by Makwana Kolis, Katosan State, Gabat State, Punadra State, Hadol State and Khadal State. Muslim Koli, The Muslim Makwana, or Musalman Makwana (also spelled as Makawana, Makvana, and Makavana) is a Muslim Koli caste in Gujarat who were converted to Islam from Hinduism during Mughal rule in Gujarat. Muslim Makwana Kolis are descendants of the Hindu Makwana Kolis of Chunval region who was converted to Islam and his descendants knows as Muslim Makwana Kolis in Gujarat. They were converted to Islam by Sultan Mahmud Begada during his reign. The Muslim Makwana Kolis follows the bath rituals of Islam and Hinduism like other hindus.
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.
Sonwane Kolis
The Sonavane, or Sonawane (also spelled as Sonvane and Sonwane) is a clan of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
Shelkande 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bhangare 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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. Chivhe Kolis were soldiers, cultivators and Vatandar in Maratha Empire and also in Bidar Sultanate and received the title of Sarnaik from Bidar Badshah. 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.
Mewasi Kolis
The Mewasi, or Mevasi, Mehwasi is a Clan (Gotra) 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. Here are some prominent subclans of Koli Mewasis: Baria 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 recieving Giras dues from Radhvanaj rulers. The British government always faced the trouble in Mehwasi areas and used the troops to collect the annual revenue.
Baria Kolis
The Baria Koli, 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. According to the census records of 1931, there were 1,03,769 Hindu Baria Kolis and 5 Baria Kolis were converted to Jain religion in the Baroda State of Gaekwars. The Baria Kolis got their name from the Devgadh Baria of Gujarat and it was their Stronghold as well as they were lawless and turbulent people. Historically, the Baria Kolis were well known pirates of Gujarat and the Piram island of Gujarat was stronghold of Baria Koli pirates but later they were defeated by Mokhadaji Gohil in 1325. Rawal Bhavsinhji of Bhavnagar died in 1764, leaving behind him five sons, and the eldest of and these, Akherajji I, succeeded as Ruler of the State. At this juncture the fort of Talaja was in the hands of Baria Koli pirates, a ment lawless band of pirates who infested the western littoral from Cambay to the Indus. Their unjust exactions pressed so heavily upon merchants in that locality that the large trade previously carried on was almost entirely ruined, even British ships falling ment then sent troops, which were assisted by Rawal Akherajji and his army, and it was their combined forces which captured the stronghold of Talaja and defeated the Baria clan of Koli pirates. During the British Raj in Gujarat, The Baria Kolis were holders of Vanta lands (private estates). the Bariya Kolis were formerly known as Bandits because of their anti-social activities but later settled as agriculturist in villages. Around 1950, Kolis of Baria clan joined the Gujarat Kshatriya Sabha which was started by Koli elite Natwarsinh Solanki for upliftment of Koli society. after joining the Sabha, Baria Kolis were not in conflicts against Rajputs but Kolis of Saurashtra didn't joined the Sabha because they think that Patidar is not our enemy and we don't need Rajputs to be called as Kshatriya.
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. The Shial Kolis got their name from the Shial island situated at south coast of Kathiawar.

 Titles (Upadhi) 
 Koli Khedut 
The Khedut, or Khedoot is a term or title used for the Koli caste of Gujarat who were traditional farmer and peasants or landlords Kolis of Gujarat. During the British Raj in India, The Koli Kheduts of Navanagar State were worstly affected by the high rates of interest by moneylenders of Navanagar Riyasat for the loan given by them to Koli Kheduts for agriculture. The Khedut Kolis was represented and uplifted by their Gujarat Koli Khedut Samaj organisation till 1967 along with other castes such as Rajputs, landowning Bhils and poor Patidars in minor numbers but in 1969 Indira Gandhi of Indian National Congress party Introduced the KHAM theory as vaste politics for Koli, Harijan, Adivasi and Muslims with a Koli leader Madhavsinh Solanki and mobilized the Other Backward Class Kolis to form the government in Gujarat. The meaning of the Khedut is peasant of farmer which is called as Kisaan in hindi language.
 Koli Darbar 
The Darbar, Durbar or Darbar Sahib is a honorific title of Koli caste in the Indian state of Gujarat. During the reign of Maratha Empire and British Indian Empire, Koli Darbars were petty rulers of several villages and jagirs and known as Pallavi Darbar Sahib and Koli Thakor for their landholdings. The Kolis who were enjoying the power called Koli Darbar often use Sang, Singh and Sinh as their middle name. according to the Harald Tambs-Lyche, the Kolis who respected as Darbar Sahib were not agriculturist like other Khedut Kolis (Farmer Kolis) of Gujarat and generally follow the Kshatriya ways of Koli society. The Koli Darbars of north Gujarat made several vast gathering under their Koli society organisations'' to uplift their society and educational interests.
 Koli Maratha 
The Maratha Koli is a Koli caste in Maharashtra who fought for Maratha Confederacy during the Maratha ruler Shivaji and for their bravery, Shivaji recognised them as Maratha. according to the District Gazetteer of Thane from 1882, The elite or respectable Koli families were called as Maratha Koli in Maharashtra.
 Koli Bandkari 
The Bandkari, or Bundkari is a title conferred to the Koli chief of dacoits or revolutionaries of Maharashtra till 1960. if a person pleasure the Koli heros call them as Bandkari but when want to degrade calls them Daku.

 Origin 
The meaning of Bandkari is revolutionary or leader of revolt. The Band, or Bund means revolt (rebellion) and Kari means leader or a person of position.

According to a 19th century Marathi-English dictionary, Band meant either insurrection, sedition, or an insurgent, a rebel. A 'Bandkhorvala' or 'Bandkari' was a rebellious person. Until the 19th century, the title appears to have been associated exclusively with revolts against the state or other ruling powers. Revolts by Mahadev Kolis were all described as Bands. Regions which were outside the control of the Maratha state were known as 'Bandi Mulk'. During the course of the nineteenth century, the title evolved, being associated increasingly with the activities of peasants rebelling against social oppression. Today, the people of the mountain regions describe the Koli outlaws as Bandkaris. This is not a word that appears in the nineteenth-century records. The title is applied now not so much to a rebel against the state, but to a person who has put himself outside the law to fight the social oppressors of his caste. He thus enjoys the support of the caste as a whole. In this, the Bandkari is distinguished today from the Daku, or dacoit, who is seen as being involved in illegal activities primarily for his own gain, and who does not enjoy popular support. In English. we may say that the contrast, as it now exists, is between the social bandit, as defined by Eric Hobsbawm, and the mere 'robber' or 'thief who belongs to a professional underworld. When outsiders wish to denigrate the heroes of the Kolis, they call them Dakus. In this section of the essay, I shall examine the tradition of the Band in the pre colonial and early colonial periods, seeing how it had begun to change by 1830, and then go on in the following section to see how this tradition fed into the revolt of Raghu Bhangare.

 Diffrence between Bandkari and Dacoit 
The Bandkari is thus different from the dacoits of the professional underworld. Intrinsic to the varying significance is a complex interplay of power, benefit and dissent with agenda and alliances of convenience.
 Dacoits looted the people for their livelihood but a Bandkari looted only rich or bad people.
 Dacoits collected the looted goods for self but a Bandkari distribute the looted goods in needed or poor people.
 Dacoits generally attacked the people but a Bandkari plundered the rich or high profile person in response to punish him.
 Koli Dharala 
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 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 eho 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.
 Koli Deshmukh 
The Deshmukh is a title used by the Koli caste of Maharashtra. The ruling royal Koli of Surgana State held the title of Deshmukh respectively. the title Deshmukh mostly used by Mahadev Kolis who ruled over several Princely States before Independence of India. most of the influenced Koli families conferred the titles of Deshmukh, Patvari and Patel by ruler of their territories.
 Koli Patil 
The Patil also known as Gaonpatil and Sarpatil is a title used by Koli chiefs of villages in Maharashtra. the Janjira island was built and fortified by Koli chieftain Ram Patil. Koli Patils sometimes called as Gaonpatil which means 'village head' and it is found among both Hindu and Christian Kolis. Patil is hereditary title to the Koli families of Maharashtra. In Koli society, there were several types of Patil
 Police Patil: Police Patil was a service position in Kolis during British Raj and Maratha rule. Kolis who were serving as in-charge of police knowns as Police Patil.
 Zemidar Patil: the Kolis who were village headman or landlord were known as Zemidar Patil. They recieved the grants of villages from rulers for their services in Princely states, kingdoms and Sultanates.
 Samajik Patil: the Koli people who were responsible to maintain order in Koli society and promote their problems were called as Samajik Patil.

Kolis of Maharashtra served in Maratha Empire and a Koli Patil who was naval chief in Maratha Navy named Laya was honoured by Shivaji with the title of Sarpatil and grants of villages for his courageous actions and Siddis of Janjira.
 Koli Patel 
The Patel is a Surname of the Koli caste of Gujarat in India which have most importance in the Politics of Gujarat and Koli Patels of Saurashtra was most benefited under the rule of Indian National Congress party. Koli Patels are recognised as a Other Backward Class caste by Government of Gujarat. Koli Patels are Agriculturist by profession and own the high landholding in villages. Koli Patels also call himself as Mandhata Patel and Mandhata Koli Patel and those who have migrated to East Africa are Businessman and civil servants.

 Clans 
Some of the well known Clans of Koli Patels are here.

 Chauhan
 Makwana
 Rathod
 Koli Kotwal 
Among members of the Koli caste, Kotwal is a title, derived from the occupation of fort-keepers or protectors of forts and village leader. Even when a Koli man retired as a kotwal, he and his descendants would use "Kotwal" as a surname as it signified prestige. Kolis were Kotwal from the times of Mughal rule in Gujarat and were hereditary Kotwal of the royal palaces of Rajkot, Morvi and Bhavnagar Princely states. Kolis of Maharashtra also served as Kotwal in Ahmadnagar Sultanate and controlled the forts.
 Koli Girasia 
The Girasia, or Garasia, Girasiya and Garasiya is a title used by the Koli chieftains of petty states or Jagirdars who held the villages as Giras granted by rulers. the most of the Chunvalia Kolis held the title of Girasia and they worshipped the Hindu goddess Shakti.

The Koli Garasiya were tributary to the ruler of state who gave the Giras.
 Koli Pagi 
The Pagi, or Pugee and Paghi is a title used by Koli caste of Gujarat who were guard of village and served as detective for any ruler or chiefs. The Chunvalia Kolis adopted the profession of Pagi in Gujarat. a number of Talapada Kolis also served as Pagi and held the title as hereditary to family. the title of Pagi also considered as inferior to Kotwal title of Kolis because some of Pagis worked as watchman so they was degraded in position.

 Clans 
The Talapada Kolis who served as Pagi adopted the Solanki clan in Radhvanaj of Gujarat.
 Koli Agariya 
The Agariya, or Agaria is a title of Chunvalia Kolis who are salt farmers in Kutch district of Gujarat, India. in 2019, Koli Agariyas faces the great loss of salt trade because of the Trade war between China and United States of America.

They produce the 30% of the salt of the total of country. they were listed as Criminal Tribe under Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 by British Indian government because of their rebellions against British rule in India.

The Koli Agariyas were landowners of the land of Little Rann of Kutch but in 1978 this area was declared as Wild Ass Sanctuary by Government of Gujarat and their lands were captured by Gujarat government. Koli Agariyas demanding recognition as farmers and an assurance that they have a legal right on Little Rann of Kutch land for salt farming to get the benifit like agriculture farmers such as money package and releif for natural calamities like flood.

 Clans 
Here are some of the clans used by Agariya title holder Kolis of Kutch,

 Jhala
 Makwana
 Jadav
 Chudasama
 Chauhan
 Parmar
 Rangpara
 Munjapara
 Jhinjhuvadia
 Katosana

 Classification 
The Koli Agarias are classified as Other Backward Class by Government of Gujarat but in past they were notified as Criminal Tribe.

 Organisations 
 Agariya Hitrakshak Manch
 Koli Behera 
The Behera or Dal Behera is a title of Koli caste found in the Indian state of Odisha. Kolis of Odisha who were chief of villages used the Behera as a title.
 Koli Rana 
The Kolis of India used the title of Rana and ruled over Princely State of Shevdivadar and Sinhagad fort was ruled by Koli Rana Nag Nayak who challenged the Delhi sultanate's Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq.
 Koli Mansabdar 
The Mansabdar, or Mansubdar is a Military title used by the Kolis of Maharashtra during the reign of Maratha Empire, Mughal Empire and Deccan Sultanates. the Koli chiefs of Maharashtra held the good position of Sardar and Mansabdar in Bahamani Sultanate and Ahmednagar Sultanate's military. the most prominent Koli Mansabdar in Maratha Empire was Javji Bamble who was Mansabdar of Rajur and was close aide to Tukoji Holkar of Indore State.
 Koli Sardar 
The Sardar''' is a title used by the Koli caste of Maharashtra during the reign of Bahamani and Ahmednagar Sultanates conferred by the Sultans of Both sultanates to the Koli fortkeeper or Koli protecters of hilly tracts.

 Related pages 
 Koli dance

 References 

Category:Koli