The Kolis

Mumbai is home to the ethnic group known as the Agri. During Raja Bhimdev’s rule in the 13th century, they relocated to Mumbai. Agar, a salt-pan, is whence the word Agri (pronounced “agari”) originates.

Women as well as men contribute to providing for daily needs. Women control both the domestic and business affairs in their homes. This is a key factor in why this group does not use a dowry system.

The sage Agasti is said to have given birth to two sons, Agla and Mangla, according to a tradition. The former evolved into the Agris’ ancestor, while the latter gave rise to the Mangelas (fishermen).

The first was instructed to sustain himself by making sea salt, while the latter was instructed to do so by fishing. The goddesses Agri and Mangela intervened to stop the god Parashuram from throwing back the sea.

He agreed to throw it back only 27 miles at their request, and the resulting strip of coastal land became known as the Konkan. Currently, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Delhi are where you can find Agri. The Kharpatil and Agri dialects of Maharashtra are related.

Agri people are focused on doing business. People own large amounts of real estate that was once utilised for farming. They love gold, and Agri women often wear gold jewellery.

The main industries in this community are rice cultivation, fishing, and salt production. Their everyday meal consists of rice bread and steaming rice with meat and fish.

The community today faces a fear of encroachment with the saltpans becoming a gold mine for real estate.