Kol Tribe

Feb. 25, 2023

Recently, Union Home Minister addressed the 'Kol Janjati Mahakumbh' organized on the occasion of Shabri Mata Janm Jayanti at Satna, Madhya Pradesh.

About Kol Tribe:

  • The Kol tribes belonged to the Proto-Australoid ethnic stratum.
  • They consider themselves to be the descendants of Sahara Mata, a member of the Savaras of epic fame; she is known as the "mother of the Kol." 
  • They are concentrated in the northern districts of Madhya Pradeshand Small Kol populations are also found in Orissa and Maharashtra.
  • The Kol speak local dialects of Hindi and use the Devanagari script for writing.
  • They celebrate the Jawara festival which appears to be an ancient Kol agricultural festival that later acquired some Hindu characteristics.
  • The name is derived from the juari plant, a type of millet. Jawara is held twice a year, in the fall just before the sowing of the winter crop, and in the spring after it has been harvested.

What is Kol Revolt/uprising?

  • The Kols, tribal people from the Chhota Nagpur area, rose in revolt against the British in 1831.
  • The rebel kols were under the leadership of Buddhu Bhagat, Joa Bhagat, Jhindrai Manki, Madara Mahato  fought against British rules.