Mangela Kolis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mangela,[1] or Mangala[2] is a Koli surname found in the Indian state of Maharashtra.[3]
| Mangela Koli मांगेळा कोळी | |
|---|---|
| Surname | |
| Ethnicity | Koli |
| Location | |
| Varna | Ethnic group |
| Parent tribe |
|
| Language | |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Surnames | |
The Mangelas (Koli) some of them work at Coastal areas for their livelihood.[4]
In the year of 1922, the Mangela Kolis were hit by an epidemic of smallpox. They believed this epidemic to have been caused by a goddess who had therefore to be propitiated. Ceremonies were held at which Mangela Koli women became possessed by the deity.[5] Through these mediums she made it known to the community that she would be satisfied only if they gave up meat, fish, liquor and toddy.[6] The propitiation ceremony of the Mangela Kolis and Vaitty Kolis conformed to this pattern. As their spirit-mediums were normally female, women were possessed by the goddess and made her wishes known. One of these wishes was that they abstain from alcoholic drinks and meat.[7] The Koli women who were possessed by goddess known as Salahbai or advising sister because she gave the advice of goddess.[clarify][5]
The Mangela Kolis of Gujarat and Maharashtra started Devi movement to rid themselves of bad habits such as the consumption of meat (nonvegetarianism) and liquor.[8]