| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 155,023 (2011 census)[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| India | |
| Jharkhand | 152,663 |
| West Bengal | 2,360 |
| Assam | 13,452 (1951est.)[2] |
| Languages | |
| Mahali,Santali,Odia,Bengali,Hindi | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Bansphor,Basor | |
TheMahli are a community in the Indian states ofJharkhand,Odisha andWest Bengal.[3]Basketry is their main occupation.[4] They speak theMahali language, which belongs to theMunda group, and many of them also knowOdia,Santali,Bengali, andHindi.[5] They are included in list ofScheduled Tribe.[6]
They are caste who works as palanquin bearers and bamboo workers. They are divided into five endogamous subdivision: the bansphor Mahli, pahar mahli, Sulunkhi, Tanti and Mahli Munda. Their some septs are Barwar (banayan), Bhuktuar, dumriar (wild fig), gundli (a kind of grain), Induar (eel), Kantiar, Kasriar, Kathargachh (jackfruit tree), Kendriar, Kerketta (a bird), mahukal (a bird), Tirki, Tunduar, Turu, Lang Chenre, Sanga. Their four septs Hansda, Hemron, Murmu, Saren also found in Santal tribe.[7][8]
Their traditional occupation was making households items of bamboo.
They were also making musical instruments such as Mandar, Dhol, Nagara etc.[9]
Their deity is Surjahi (Solar deity). Other deity are Bar Pahari (mountain deity) andMansa Devi. Their festival are Bangri, Hariyari andNawakhani etc.[10]
They are listed as aScheduled Tribe by the Jharkhand government.[11]
{{cite book}}:|website= ignored (help)
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.{{cite book}}:|website= ignored (help)Jharkhand categorises the Mahelis along with the Oraon, Munda and Badaiks, as a Scheduled Tribe
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
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