The Malhar also known as Panbhare is a subcaste of the Koli caste found in the Indian states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. The Malhar Kolis used to work as Yeskar and they were subedar or fortkeeper of Sinhagad, Torna and Rajgad forts during time of Shivaji. Their local traditional dance is Tarpa dance in Maharashtra and they worship the Waghowa Devi, a lion goddess. The Malhar Kolis are hereditary priest in the Mahalaxmi temple of Dahanu which was built by the King Jayaba Mukne of Jawhar State in 1343.

Origin and distribution

The name of Malhar Kolis is probably derived from either the Dravidian word 'Mala' meaning hill or, from a description of the tribe as Kolis worshiping the god Malhar. Malhar Kolis are mainly concentrated in Palghar, Dahanu, Wada, Jawhar, Vasai, and Bhivandi tehsils of the Thane district of Maharashtra.

Clans

Here are some of the clans of Malhar Kolis:

Classification

The Malhar Kolis are classified as Scheduled Tribe by the Government of Maharashtra. In few areas, Malhar Kolis are classified as Other Backward Class (OBC) caste by the Government of Gujarat.

Notable people