Koli
कोली કોળી कोळी

Total population
12,339,000 ( 1.4% of Entire Indian Population )
Regions with significant populations
India (12,299,000)
Diaspora  Pakistan 98,000  Nepal 23,000
Languages
• Hindi • Gujarati • Marathi • Awadhi
Religion
Hinduism (80 %) • Buddhism (19 %) • Christianity (0.8 %) • Islam (0.2 %).

The Koli people (Sanskrit/Hindi: कोली; Gujarati: કોળી) are historically an Indo-Aryan ethnic group native to Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana areas. ^[1]

Originally, all Kolis were Hindu. Later, during the Mauryan Empire some Kolis converted to Buddhism, during the Mughal Empire some converted to Islam, and some converted to Christianity under the British Raj. ^[2]

On demographics, the Encyclopædia Britannica states: "In the early 20st century the Kolis constituted about 20 percent of the population of Gujarat, nearly 10 percent of the population of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and from 2 to 5 percent of the populations of Bengal and Orissa and Maharashtra." ^[3]

In 1931, the date of the last census of the British Raj before the abolition of caste, they were distributed throughout North India and Northwest India, mostly in the Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Rajputana.

Origin of name[link]

A common Koli Weaver from Gujarat, India.

Origin of the Community[link]

• According to legend, the Koli claim to be descendents from the Black Dwarf that came forth from the body of King Vena. Numbering more than 12 million they are one of the largest communities of western India. The Koli constitute of a number of communities with various occupations and cultural identities while still remaining Koli. As their name implies, fishing is a common occupation; other common occupations include: laborers, agriculturists, water carriers, boatman, and animal husbandry. There are also Koli people that have obtained advanced degrees and have placed themselves well within society and government.

History[link]

The Koliyan republics were established on the opposite banks of the Rohni river. The members of the ruling assembly in these two republics were called rajas and the chief of the rajas was called maharaja.The Koliyans were the khattiyas(Kshatriya) of the Adicca (Iksvaku) clan of the solar dynasty. The mother of Gautam Budh , Mahamaya and Mahapajapati Gotami were the Koliyan princess.

Medieval period[link]

There are records of Jhalkari Bai, She was a daughter of a Koli farmers, Sadovar Singh and Jamuna Devi. She was born on November 22, 1830 in Bhojla village near Jhansi. She is one of the famous Women to fight against Britishers in Indian Rebellion of 1857. (Other one is Rani Laxmi Bai )

In the State of Maharashtra, Shivaji's Commander-in-Chief and several of his Generals belonged to this tribe. ‘A History of the Marathas’ note with pride the bravery of Shivaji's army consisting mainly of Mavalas and Kolis. His General, Tanaji Rao Malusare, who was always referred to by Shivaji as ‘My Lion’ was a koli. When Tanaji fell fighting for and winning the‘Kodana Fort’, Shivaji renamed the fort as ‘Sinhghadhh’ in his memory. ^[4]

In the 1857 uprising a number of Koli women fighters played an important role in trying to save the life of the ‘Rani of Jhansi’. Among them was a very close colleague of the queen named Jalkaribai. She was a village girl and hailed from a very poor family. It is said that she had an encounter with a tiger while she was collecting firewood in the jungle and she killed the tiger single handed with her axe. She had a striking resemblance to Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi and because of this Rani took interest in her and inducted her into the women's wing of the army. During 1857-58 there were several British raids on Jhansi Fort and the Rani repulsed every one of the attacks. Later when the fall of fort became imminent Jalkari bai and some generates convinced Laxmibai to escape quietly with the help of supporters. In a ploy to deceive the British, Jalkari bai dressed herself up like the Rani and took command of the army. The British found out the truth, but it was too late. The Rani had covered a considerable distance by then. Jalkaribai fought the British forces valiantly but was eventually forced to surrender. The British general, impressed by her loyalty, courage and fighting prowess treated her with respect and set her free.

Modern period[link]

Today, Koli people found almost in every State of India. In Gujarat, they enjoy high society privileges.^{[citation needed]} Today, Kolis of Gujarat are very prosperous and come under General Category in only Indian State of Gujarat. They are leading in business, engineers, doctors, and especially teachers in Northern part of India including Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.^{[citation needed]}

Demographics[link]

Today, the largest population centre is located in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi areas. There are smaller distributions across the world, due to the large immigrant diaspora. In the immigrant diaspora major populations centres include the Nepal, Pakistan (During the Partition of British India), Bangladesh, Guyana(Black Indian Koli Hindus in Guyana) and UK.

Census under the British Raj[link]

The census in 1931 in India recorded population on the basis of ethnicity. In 1925, the population of Kolis was around 3 millions in South Asia, of which 99% were Hindu, 0.5% Christian and 0.5% Muslim. ^[5]

According to earlier censuses, the Koli people accounted for approximately 25% of the entire Gujarati speaking area, making it the "Second largest single socially distinctive group" in the region.

The region-wise breakdown of the total koli people population in 1931 (including Koli Hindus, Koli Christians) is given in the following table. The Koli people, approximately 73%, were located mainly in the Western Part of India.

Modern estimates[link]

Professor Sriram panthi states that by taking population statistical analysis into consideration the Koli population growth of both India and Pakistan and Bangladesh since 1925, Quanungo's figure of three million could be translated into a minimum population statistic (1988) of 10 million and 20 Million in 2011.

Republic of India[link]

The Koli people are one of the most prosperous groups in State of Gujarat on a per-capita basis. (Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat are the wealthiest of Indian states).

Adult franchise has created enormous social and political awakening among Koli people. Consolidation of economic gains and participation in the electoral process are two visible outcomes of the post-independence situation. Through this participation they have been able to significantly influence the politics of North India. Economic differentiation, migration and mobility could be clearly noticed amongst the Koli people.

Pakistan[link]

As the Rann of Kutch extends into parts of Pakistan, there are also Kutchi Kolis among the Pakistanis. The Hindu Koli tribes are located mostly in southeastern Pakistan. They are primarily concentrated in the fertile flood plain of the province of Sindh. There are several major subdivisions of Koli in that area, including the Parkari Koli, the Wadiyara Koli and the Tharadari Koli.

Culture and society[link]

Historically, the Koli People are the adherents of Hinduism.

The Koli community has its own distinct identity, with a particular focus on folk dance. These dances typically incorporate nautical themes that commemorate the fishing and seafaring traditions of the community. ^[6] The dance is performed by both men and women divided into two groups, where fishers stand in two rows holding oars in their hands. The dancers move in unison, miming the rowing of a boat. Fisherwomen stand opposite the men with their arms linked, and advance towards the men. The separate formations then break up and dance together, with movements symbolizing the waves and the actions of rowing and casting fishing nets. ^[2]

Additionally, Kolis have a rich tradition of Folk Song, with songs such as Aga Pori Sambhaal Dariyala Tufaan Ayalay Bhari and Me Hai Koli being famous both within and beyond the Koli community.

Religion[link]

A Statue of Ekveera Devi.

In 1925, the population of the Koli people was around three million in British India, made up of followers of Two major religions Hinduism (80%), Buddhism (19%).

Most Kolis are adherents of Hinduism, India's dominant religion. Kolis from around Mumbai worship the goddess Ekaveera, most notably at her shrine near Karla Caves at Malavli near Lonavala. Ekaveera is particularly venerated on Chaitra Purnima (the 15th day of the first month of the Hindu calendar

Most Koli Christians were converted from Koli Hindus, during British Indian Empire (1857-1947).

Community subdivisions[link]

Social customs[link]

Koli Festivals[link]

Kolis celebrate both mainstream Hindu festivals and traditional festivals unique to their community. ^[7]

Narali Punaw[link]

Narali Punaw is the most important festival for Kolis. According to the Koli seafaring tradition, this is the day after which the wind strength and direction changes in favor of fishing, and thus this is the day on which Kolis celebrate the start of a new business season. Prayers are made to the sea god, and Puja religious offerings are made for the community's fishing boats. ^[7]

Shimaga[link]

Shimaga is the Koli counterpart to the Hindu festival of Holi, and is celebrated at the same time.

Languages[link]

Koli people usually speak languages according to their Living areas like Gujarati, Hindi, Gojri, Dogri, Rajasthani, its dialects (Haryanvi, Malvi). Kolis from Haryana and Rajasthan mostly speak Haryanvi and Rajasthani specially their dialects Katchi. ^[8]

See also[link]

• Koliya clan
• List of Kolis
• Koli Christians
• Koli/Kori/Bhuiyar Dharmshala

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Koli people

• Koli people at the Open Directory Project
• Bhartiya Koli mahasabha
• Koli Samaj
• Koli Samaj Organization
• Koli Matrimony
• Akhil Bhartiya Yuva Koli/Kori Samar Organisation
• Plants and animals important to the Koli-Agri community in Maharashtra on Biodiversity of India
• Koli (caste) article on Encyclopedia Britannica Inc.

Scott Bakula
Bakula at the Hamilton Benefit on May 10, 2005.
Born	Scott Stewart Bakula (1955-10-09) October 9, 1955 (age 56) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1983–present
Height	5 ft 11.75 in (1.82 m)[1]
Spouse	Krista Neumann (1981–1995) Chelsea Field (1996–present)

Scott Stewart Bakula ( /ˈbækjʊlə/; born October 9, 1955) is an American actor, known for his role as Sam Beckett in the television series Quantum Leap, for which he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama in 1991 and was nominated for four Emmy Awards. He also had a prominent role as Captain Jonathan Archer in Star Trek: Enterprise. Bakula also guest starred in seasons two and three of NBC's Chuck as the title character's father Stephen Bartowski.

Bakula's most recent role was on Desperate Housewives as the lawyer named Trip which happened to be his chief engineer's nickname in Enterprise.

Early life[link]

Bakula was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Sally and Stewart J. Bakula, a concert pianist/lawyer. He graduated from Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, Missouri, in 1973. During high school, he was active in soccer, tennis, and theatre. Also during high school, he had the lead roles in Godspell and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at First Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood. He also played Tevye in an Independent Theatre Production of Fiddler on the Roof at Kirkwood High. Bakula attended college at the University of Kansas until his sophomore year. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta while attending the University.

Career[link]

Bakula left college to pursue acting, having been cast in the leading role in a national tour of Godspell. The tour was canceled before it began and he soon moved to New York. Shortly after, he was cast in a dinner theater production of Shenandoah in North Carolina.

In 1983, Bakula, having previously appeared as a standby, made his Broadway debut playing Joe DiMaggio in Marilyn: An American Fable. His television debut came in commercials for Canada Dry and for de-caffeinated Folgers coffee. He appeared in an off Broadway production, Three Guys Naked from the Waist Down.^[2]

His performance in the Broadway musical Romance/Romance, starring him and Alison Fraser and subsequent Tony Award nomination helped Bakula win the lead role opposite Dean Stockwell in the critically acclaimed television series Quantum Leap.^[3] In this science fiction series, Bakula played the time traveler Dr. Sam Beckett, who was trapped by a malfunction of his time machine to correct things gone wrong in the past.^[4] His performance in this program would earn him a Golden Globe award (along with three nominations) and four Emmy nominations for Best Actor as well as five consecutive Viewers For Quality Television Awards for Best Actor in a Quality Drama Series.

In 1995, Bakula appeared on the cover of Playgirl. In 1997, Bakula voiced Danny Cat in Cats Don't Dance, a high-rated, but little-known, animated movie, singing in one number with Natalie Cole. In 1998, Bakula played the aging veteran pitcher Gus Cantrell in Major League: Back to the Minors, the final movie in the Major League trilogy. He also played Jim Olmeyer, same-sex partner of Sam Robards' Jim Berkley, in the Academy Award–winning American Beauty in 1999.

Bakula, as Captain Jonathan Archer, meets United States Navy Sailors of the Year for the year 2001 on February 28, 2002, on the set of Star Trek: Enterprise.^[5]

As Jonathan Archer in Star Trek: Enterprise, Bakula played the captain of Earth's first long-range interstellar ship. In 2006, he reprised the role of Archer for the Star Trek Legacy PC and Xbox 360 video games as a voiceover. Bakula starred in the musical Shenandoah, a play which also provided his first professional theatrical role in 1976, at Ford's Theatre, in 2006. Bakula is heard singing "Pig Island" on Sandra Boynton's children's CD Philadelphia Chickens, which is labeled as being "For all ages except 43."

Some of Bakula's other musical appearances include the Hollywood Bowl in 1996 and 2004, Carnegie Hall, a benefit performance of Stephen Sondheim's Anyone Can Whistle in 1995, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1993 and 2003, in honor of Sondheim and Carol Burnett, respectively.^{[citation needed]} Scott Bakula said that he might be starring as Sam in a Quantum Leap film as stated in TV Guide Magazine along with Dean Stockwell. At Comic Con 2010, he announced that a script was being worked on and that while he would be in the movie, he would not be in the main role.^[6]

Performances since 2008[link]

Bakula performed various songs from his career for a one-night-only performance entitled An Evening with Scott Bakula at Sidney Harman Hall on January 18, 2008, as a benefit for the restoration of the historic Ford's Theater.^[7] Bakula had three appearances in 2008. He appeared as Atty. Jack Ross in an episode of Boston Legal, "Glow in the Dark", which aired on February 12, 2008 on the ABC network.^[8] From March 4 - April 20 he starred as Tony Hunter in the world premiere of Dancing in the Dark at The Old Globe in San Diego, California. Dancing in the Dark is based on the 1950s movie The Band Wagon, which starred Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse.^[9] Bakula appeared as the character Chris Fulbright in the five episode run of the Tracey Ullman sketch comedy series State of the Union on Showtime.

Bakula appeared in the 2009 dark comedy film The Informant! as Brian Shepard, an FBI agent working with the title character, Mark Whitacre, (played by Matt Damon).^[10]

In April 2009, Bakula began a recurring role on the television series Chuck as Stephen Bartowski, the eponymous character's long lost father. From July 31 to August 2, 2009, he starred as Nathan Detroit in three performances of Guys and Dolls at Hollywood Bowl. Beginning in December 2009, Bakula began appearing as Terry, one of the three lead characters, along with Ray Romano (Joe) and Andre Braugher (Owen), in TNT's hour long comedy/drama Men of a Certain Age. In 2011, he performed a voice cameo in the film Source Code as a slight nod to his character on Quantum Leap, with his catchphrase of "Oh, boy."^[11]

Also in 2011, Bakula appeared in the feature length documentary The Captains. In the film, which was written and directed by William Shatner, Bakula is interviewed by the original Star Trek captain about his life and career leading up to his performances as Captain Jonathan Archer in Star Trek: Enterprise. In the movie Shatner interviews Bakula at his ranch in California where the pair ride horses and discuss the pitfalls that come with a career in television.^[12]

In September 2011, Bakula starred in Terrible Advice by Saul Rubinek at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

In April to May 2012, Bakula guest starred in the last five episodes of Desperate Housewives as Bree Van de Kamp's criminal defence lawyer and third husband three years after the series end.

Personal life[link]

Bakula married Krista Neumann in 1981; they divorced in 1995. The couple had two children, Chelsy (born 1984), Cody (born 1991 - adopted)^{[citation needed]}. Although he and actress Chelsea Field have been together for "16 years, almost" as of December 2010, they have only been married for "a year," according to a radio interview Scott did, with Todd 'n Tyler, on December 14, 2010.^[13] Scott and Chelsea have two children, Wil and Owen.

Filmography[link]

• I-Man (1986)
• Gung Ho (TV Series) (1986)^[14]
• My Sister Sam (1 episode 1986)
• Designing Women (1986–1988)
• Matlock (2 episodes 1987)
• Eisenhower and Lutz (1988)
• Quantum Leap (1989–1993)
• Sibling Rivalry (1990)
• Necessary Roughness (1991)
• Mercy Mission: The Rescue of Flight 771 (1993) see Air New Zealand Flight 103
• Color of Night (1994)
• A Passion to Kill (1994)
• Nowhere to Hide TV movie (1994)
• Murphy Brown (14 episodes 1994–1996)
• The Invaders (mini-series) (1995)
• Lord of Illusions (1995)
• The Bachelor's Baby CBS movie-of-the-week (1996)
• Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1996)
• Cats Don't Dance (1997)
• Major League: Back to the Minors (1998)
• NetForce (1999)
• American Beauty (1999)
• Above Suspicion (2000)
• In the Name of the People (2000)
• Life as a House (2001)
• A Girl Thing (2001)
• What Girls Learn Lifetime original movie (2001)
• Star Trek: Enterprise (2001–2005)
• Papa's Angels (2000)
• The Trial of Old Drum (2000) – George Graham Vest
• The New Adventures of Old Christine (3 episodes, 2 in 2006, 1 in 2009)
• Blue Smoke Lifetime original movie (2007)
• American Body Shop (1 episode, 2007)
• Boston Legal (1 episode, 2008)
• State of the Union (5 episodes, 2008)
• The Informant! (2009)^[15]
• Chuck (8 episodes, 2009–2010)
• Men of a Certain Age (2009–2011)
• Source Code (2011) (voice cameo)
• The Captains (2011)
• Desperate Housewives (2012) (5 episodes)

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Scott Bakula

Star Trek portal

• Scott Bakula at the Internet Movie Database
• Scott Bakula at AllRovi
• Scott Bakula at Memory Alpha (a Star Trek wiki)
• Scott Bakula 2000 Interview on Sidewalks Entertainment