The Kolis Built Mumbai
Can They Survive Its Future? Mumbai is often called India’s financial capital, known for its skyscrapers, sea links, and relentless ambition. Long before colonial forts were built or trains arrived, this city belonged to a community shaped by the sea, the Kolis.
Recognized as Mumbai’s original inhabitants, the Kolis are among South Asia’s oldest indigenous groups. For centuries, they have lived along the city’s coast, relying on fishing, navigation, and a deep understanding of the Arabian Sea. Even today, despite rapid urban growth, Koli communities work to preserve traditions passed down through generations. To better understand their way of life, Team CSR visited a Koli fishing community in Mumbai. They spent time with fishermen, cultural advocates, and local residents who keep this ancient heritage alive.
Who Are the Kolis, Mumbai’s Original Inhabitants?
Long before Mumbai became a global city, the seven islands that formed it were home to Koli settlements. Historical accounts suggest that Koli communities inhabited the area centuries before colonial rule and played a crucial role in developing the local maritime economy. While the Kolis are widely known today as fishers, many inland Koli clans historically survived through hunting, gathering, and pastoral activities. Along the coast, fishing became not only a livelihood but also a key part of their identity. What makes this community special is its strong connection to place. Many families Team CSR met could trace their ancestry back four or five generations in the same neighborhood. Despite modern job opportunities drawing younger members to different careers, their ties to their ancestral villages remain strong. For many Kolis, Mumbai is not just a city—they believe it is a city their ancestors helped to build.
A Day in the Life of a Mumbai Fisherman
For Mumbai’s fishermen, the day begins before sunrise. Most fishermen wake up around 4 a.m. to prepare for their trip to sea. They check their nets, get their boats ready, and look at the weather before heading out. Depending on the size of their boat, some fishermen travel through nearby creeks and khadis, while others venture deeper into the Arabian Sea. The work is tough and requires patience, experience, and knowledge of changing marine conditions. Once at sea, fishermen cast their nets and wait. Sometimes the nets come back full of fish. However, they increasingly return with large amounts of plastic waste. The sea that has sustained generations of Kolis now brings back signs of a growing environmental crisis.
How Plastic Pollution Is Threatening Mumbai’s Fishing Communities
One of the biggest worries expressed by fishermen during Team CSR’s visit was the rising amount of plastic waste in Mumbai’s coastal waters. According to research by The Ocean Cleanup, millions of kilograms of plastic enter the Arabian Sea through Mumbai’s drainage systems every year. This pollution affects marine ecosystems, harms mangroves, and threatens hundreds of species that rely on coastal habitats. For fishermen, the impact is immediate. Plastic bags, wrappers, and other waste often get stuck in fishing nets, reducing their catch and increasing costs. Time that could be spent sorting fish is often used to clear trash from nets. Many fishermen believe the problem has significantly worsened over the last decade, impacting their livelihoods and the long-term health of marine life.
Development Versus the Sea
Mumbai’s infrastructure continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. Projects like coastal roads have improved transportation and reduced travel times for millions of residents. However, many fishing communities fear that the environmental cost of rapid development is being ignored. Fishermen raised concerns about the loss of mangrove ecosystems and changes to coastal conditions that directly affect breeding grounds for fish. Mangroves act as natural barriers against erosion and play a vital role in maintaining marine biodiversity. For communities that depend on healthy coastal ecosystems, the discussion is not just about development versus tradition. It is about finding a balance between urban growth and environmental health.
The Rich Culture and Traditions of the Kolis
Beyond fishing, the Kolis have a rich cultural heritage that sets them apart in Mumbai’s diverse social landscape. Traditional Koli attire remains an important part of their community identity. Fishermen often wear a distinctive red cap to shield themselves from the harsh sun while also serving as a cultural symbol. Traditional garments like the Surkha have been worn by generations. Gold jewelry is another unique aspect of Koli culture. Historically, fishermen spent most of their time at sea and had little access to secure storage. Because of this, wealth was often carried as gold ornaments worn by family members. These traditions are celebrated during festivals, weddings, and community events, showcasing a culture that has endured through centuries of change.
Young Voices Keeping Koli Heritage Alive
While many young Kolis are pursuing careers outside of fishing, several are working to ensure that their culture is not forgotten. One such individual is Adarsh Bhandari, a young community member who actively documents Koli traditions, rituals, and daily life on social media. By using digital storytelling, he and others are helping introduce a new generation of Mumbaikars to the history and heritage of the city’s original inhabitants. Their efforts show how traditional communities can utilize modern platforms to preserve cultural memory in an increasingly digital world.
A Simple Solution from the Fishermen
Among the many concerns discussed during Team CSR’s visit, one practical suggestion stood out. A young fisherman proposed that waste collected in fishing nets should be separated from the catch and taken to designated collection points along the shore. Municipal workers could then collect and process the waste, preventing it from re-entering the sea. This idea highlights an important reality: fishermen are often the first to see environmental degradation and can play a key role in developing solutions.
More Than a Profession, a Way of Life
For generations, the sea has shaped the identity, culture, and livelihood of Mumbai’s Koli community. Yet today, fishermen face challenges from pollution, climate change, urban growth, and declining fish populations. Despite these pressures, the community continues to show remarkable resilience. As Mumbai moves towards the future, the story of the Kolis reminds us that the city’s foundations were built not just by industry and commerce but also by communities living in harmony with the sea long before the skyline existed. Their survival is not just about preserving tradition. It is about protecting the environmental and cultural heritage that helped create Mumbai itself.
