Community

Mahadev Koli tribe an indigenous forest-dwelling community from Maharashtra primarily found in Akole block of Ahmednagar district part of North Western Ghats.

Biodiversity Hotspot

The tribe inhabits one of top 8 global biodiversity hotspots Western Ghats known for endemic flora & fauna.

Study Conducted By

Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) Centre for Resilience Studies, Pune

Key Research Publication

Featured in Springer book Mitigation & Adaptation Strategies Against Climate Change in Natural Systems

Lead Researchers

Dr. Y.D. Imran Khan, Saurabh Purohit & Omkar Hande

Main Focus

Documentation & validation of Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) & Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) possessed by tribe regarding medicinal plant use & climate variability detection.

Medicinal Knowledge

The Mahadev Kolis use 51 native tree species from 41 genera & 25 families for treating ailments like Fevers, Dysentery, Coughs, Joint pain, Skin infections, Snake bites

Most Used Plant Parts

Tree Bark – 24.8%

Leaves – 23.1%

Fruits – 20.5%

Dominant Medicinal Families

Fabaceae & Moraceae

Skills in Climate Monitoring

Community members can detect subtle ecological changes such as Alterations in plant cycles Availability of medicinal flora Shifting weather patterns

Scientific Contribution

TEK framed not as folklore but as adaptive, place-based, scientific knowledge vital for localised climate change response.

Climate Dataset Value

Offers real-time, ground-based climate observations not captured by conventional meteorological systems.

Interdisciplinary Knowledge

Tribal knowledge spans Plant taxonomy, Healing systems, Land-use patterns, Seasonal calendars, Spiritual significance of flora

Policy Recommendation

Inclusion of TEK in climate policy & disaster management strategies, Ethical collaborations between indigenous communities & scientists, Recognition of local taxonomies & environmental interpretations

Broader Implications

Highlights underrepresentation of tribal communities like Mahadev Kolis in climate discourse despite their critical knowledge base.

Cultural Sensitivity Appeal

Emphasises treating indigenous knowledge systems with respect, sensitivity & intellectual equity.

Tribal Name

Mahadev Koli (also spelled Mahadeo Koli)

Classification

Scheduled Tribe (ST) under Indian Constitution

Region of Origin

Primarily in Maharashtra & parts of Goa

Key Districts

Found mostly in Pune, Ahmednagar & Nasik districts

Etymology

Named after their deity Mahadev (Shiva) & Mahadev Hills their traditional homeland

Language

Speak Marathi

Script Used

Devanagari script

Clans (Gotras)

24 exogamous clans (intermarriage outside own clan); clan names used as surnames

Famous Personality

Tanaji Malusare – celebrated general in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army; hero of Battle of Sinhagad

Traditional Beliefs

Predominantly Hindu traditions

Each clan worships its own kuldevata (clan deity)

Worship of Lord Mahadev (Shiva) is central

Staple Food

Rice Nagli (finger millet, Varai (barnyard millet), Wheat

Primary Occupation

Agriculture cultivating crops suited to hilly & semi-arid areas

Subsidiary Occupations

 Cattle rearing Dairy & poultry farming Wage labour (in agriculture & construction)

Medicinal Knowledge

 Possess Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Utilise over 50 native tree species for medicinal purposes

Famous for use of bark, leaves & fruits from species in families like Fabaceae & Moraceae

Ecological Skills

 Expertise in identifying subtle changes in climate & biodiversity

Use of seasonal calendars, local taxonomy & forest-based indicators

Cultural Identity

Strong ties to folk traditions, oral storytelling, nature worship & ritual healing

Settlement Type

Typically live in forest-fringe villages & hilly terrains; semi-isolated settlements in Western Ghats

Traditional Attire

Men Dhoti, kurta, turban

Women Lugade (sari), nose rings, silver ornaments

Marriage Customs

Strictly exogamous mostly endogamous within tribe; traditional marriages with clan rituals

Festivals Celebrated

 Mahashivratri Pola, Gudhi Padwa, Diwali Local deity-specific fairs & jatra (temple festivals)

Tribal Governance

 Informal tribal councils (panchs) to resolve disputes Important role for elders in conflict mediation

Challenges Faced

 Marginalisation in mainstream policy-making

Lack of access to quality education & healthcare

Threats from deforestation & development projects

Contemporary Status

Increasing recognition in climate resilience research & heritage documentation; need for policy integration & scientific collaboration

Classification

Scheduled Tribe (ST)

Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)

Scheduled Tribe (ST)

Region

Maharashtra (Pune, Nasik, Ahmednagar), Goa

Raigad, Thane, Palghar, Pune

Palghar, Thane, Dahanu

Language

Marathi

Katkari dialect (Marathi influence)

Varli (Marathi-Konkani mix)

Script Used

Devanagari

Devanagari

Devanagari

Clans

24 exogamous clans

Clans not rigid; community-based roles

Matrilineal clans with totems

Religious Beliefs

Hinduism; clan deities; worship Mahadev

Animism, ancestor worship, Hindu influence

Worship of Nature, Mother Earth & spirits

Staple Food

Rice, nagli, varai, wheat

Rice, roots, tubers, wild fruits

Rice, fish, local vegetables

Traditional Occupation

Agriculture, dairy, medicinal plant use

Charcoal making, forest labour, fishing

Subsistence farming, forest work, mural painting

Famous For

Tanaji Malusare; forest-based climate knowledge

Extremely poor socio-economic indicators; forest workers

Warli Art tribal wall painting tradition

Medicinal Knowledge

High – 50+ native tree species used

Limited documented TEK

Some knowledge of wild herbs & healing rituals

Art & Culture

Oral traditions, deity worship, Shivaji-era folklore

Folk songs, dance during fairs

Warli paintings, wedding rituals, musical instruments

Marriage Customs

Exogamous within tribe; clan-based rituals

Early marriages; symbolic exchanges

Wedding murals, rice rituals, traditional music

Festivals Celebrated

Mahashivratri, Diwali, Gudhi Padwa

Local jatras, Holi, Diwali

Holi, Diwali, Tarpa festival

Tribal Governance

Traditional Panchs & elders

Community gatherings for decisions

Elders & ritual leaders (Bhagat)

Settlement Type

Forest-fringe villages in Ghats

Forest hamlets; migratory pattern

Hilly, coastal settlements

Key Challenges

Recognition of TEK, climate inclusion

Poverty, malnutrition, bonded labour history

Cultural commodification of art, forest loss

Current Status

Featured in climate research (Springer, 2025)

Listed under PVTG; vulnerable to displacement

Warli art gaining global recognition; eco-tourism interest

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous communities like Mahadev Koli plays a vital role in cultural sustainability. Discuss with examples.