About Mahadev Koli Tribe:
- Mahadev Koli or Mahadeo Koli are a subcaste of the Koli community of Maharashtra and Goa states of India.
- The Mahadev Koli derive their name from their god, Mahadev, and live in the Mahadev hills of Maharashtra.
- They are found mostly in the Pune, Ahmednagar, and Nasik districts of Maharashtra.
- They are classified as a Schedule Tribe.
- They speak Marathi and use the Devanagari script.
- There are twenty-four exogamous clans among the Mahadev Koli, and they use their clan's names as their surnames.
- Their staple food consists of rice, nagli, varai, and wheat.
- Occupation: Other than agriculture, they are also involved in cattle production, dairy and poultry farming, and wage labour as subsidiary occupations.
- Beliefs:
- Most of the Mahadev Koli follow a number of Hindu traditions.
- Members of each clan have their own deity.
- They possess extensive knowledge of local flora, utilizing over 50 native tree species for medicinal purposes.
- Tanaji Malusare, a revered general in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army, hailed from this community. His valor in the Battle of Sinhagad is legendary.
