Koli Man, Kutch
Kutch is a large district in North-West Gujarat, with a population of only 2 million. It is inhabited by a variety of ethnic groups who have managed to preserve their traditions. Numbering more than 12 million, the Koli are one of the largest communities of Western India. The term Koli means fisherman. According to legend, the Koli claim to be descendants from the Black Dwarf that came forth from the body of King Vena. As they represent a large percentage of the population in Gujarat, some have advanced education and placed themselves well within society and government, but the majority live within the lower strata of society. Nearly all of Koli are Hindu and worship Guar Mati and Holi Mata among other deities. Both nuclear and extended families are common among them and the eldest son inherits the father's authority. The Koli cremate their dead and practice death pollution for eleven days. They also believe in ghosts and spirits.
Size: 4912px × 7360px
Location: Kutch Gujarat India Asia
Photo credit: © François-Olivier Dommergues / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 2, district, ethnic, groups, gujarat, india, inhabited, kutch, large, managed, million., north-west, population, preserve, traditions, traditions., tribe, tribes, variety
