Language and dispersal Koli and Marathi are the main languages spoken by Kolis in Mumbai. The Koli goddess, Ekaveera Devi There are also a significant number of Koli Christians in Mumbai, whose ceremonies combine elements of traditional Koli culture with the religious observances of Roman Catholicism. The pejorative English word ' coolie ' (referring to Asians in general) is derived from the name of this community at that time. In the 19th century, many Koli people were employed at textile mills in Mumbai (then known as Bombay) under British administration. Presently, Kolis are estimated to constitute more than twenty percent of the total population of Gujarat, or as many as 12 million individuals, although this estimate is based on 1931 enumeration, which is the last time caste based enumeration was taken in India. In 1901, the number of Kolis in India was returned as nearly 3.75 million, but this total includes a distinct weaving caste of Kolis, the Kori, in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in Northern India. The community has several subcastes, the prominent ones being Koli Kolis, Mangela Kolis, Vaity Kolis, Koli Christians, Mahadeo Kolis and Suryawanshi Kolis. In Gujarat, Kolis primarily speak Gujarati. The Kolis of Vasai are largely Hindu and Christian, though both belong to the Marathi ethnic group. In Maharashtra, Kolis almost exclusively speak Marathi, though some Koli communities speak a variant dialect.

In Gujarat, the Koli community is mainly located in the southern portion of the state, particularly around the cities of Surat, Navsari and Valsad.

In Maharashtra, the Koli community mostly inhabits the coastal region, and is among the original inhabitants of Greater Mumbai, which comprises the seven islands of Bombay. You only wish it would give them a sweet-tongue! The Kolis are an ethnic group found throughout India, most notably in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. They make a lot of sweet dishes at the Koli women are extremely fond of them. When at sea the men eat dried fish and rice gruel. The ordinary Koli meal consists of curry (ambat), rice, and fried fish.

Otherwise the Kolis live a very simple life.

Marathi koli geet youtube