Fisherwomen of Bombay

The Koli community has lived in Mumbai long before the seven islands morphed into present day Bombay/Mumbai.

They are said to be of two types: 1) Dongri Kolis (residing in the hills) and 2) Fishermen Kolis.

The Fishermen Kolis are further divided into 27 groups according to their fishing activities in salt or sweet water bodies.

The Son Kolis are considered one of the Chief groups of fishermen Kolis and the original inhabitants of Bombay. It is said, the word ‘Mumbai’ is named after Mumba Aai, the goddess worshiped by the Koli community.

Today, traces of their hamlets are found as hamlets, gaontans, colonies, and wadas around Mahim, Sion, Worli, Colaba, etc. There are around 23 villages of Koli settlements. According to Koli tradition, their prosperity in society is based on the number of boats they possess. While the fisherman is tested on the waves, the fisherwoman is on how well she does in the markets.