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Mumbai University exploration finds 13th century Koli community relics

The findings by Centre of Archaeology and Centre of Extra Mural Studies include four temples in Dharavi.

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Explorations by Mumbai University's Centre of Archaeology and Centre of Extra Mural Studies have found 13th and 14th century relics related to the Koli community. The explorations were carried out at Dharavi, Khar and Juhu with the permission of Archeological Survey of India (ASI). Talking about the project, Dr Prachi Moghe, a research scholar who carried out the explorations with Krishma Shah and Sandeep Dshisarkar, said: "This city has a lot of history, especially of the Koli community. There are three types of Kolis — Son Koli (Kolis of Maharashtra), Mangla Koli (who migrated from Gujarat) and Christian Koli (who converted to Christianity). We have found 11 relics including khambas in our first attempt itselt."

The findings include four temples in Dharavi. They are of Khamabadev, Keryadev, Vetal Dev and Hapsadev — worshiped by Kolis and the oldest one is dated 1700; a Portuguese cross in Bandra dated 1727; four khambas (pillars) used to mark the boundary of a village; temple fragments and artefacts belonging to Shilahar period (12th centruy AD) and a pond in Vile Parle dated 1633 which is now used for sanctified water by Kolis." Talking further about these temples, Shah said, "Even today, when a Koli goes for fishing, he makes sure he visits the temple and prays and when he comes back he again offers fish at the Hapshadev temple." "These temples do not allow women in them. However, once a year on Naag Panchami, women are allowed," she added.

Talking about the well, she explained, "The water from this well is often used as sanctified water for marriage rituals." About the khambs, Moghe said: "In the 1700s, according to the tales, a Christian Koli had a dream of a khamb (white pillar). The next day when he went fishing, he found it in the sea. He got it to the village and erected it there. Ever since it is worshiped as gaava rakshak." Joint director general of ASI Dr RS Fonia said, "If the findings are justified and a report is presented, interesting findings will be published in the Indian Archeological Review."

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