Mumbai Research Centre, Asiatic Society of Mumbai, and Avid Learning present Uncovering Urban Legacies – The Original Residents of Bombay: The Koli Community

The history and contribution of Mumbai’s indigenous fishing community – the Kolis, span more than 500 years making them the original inhabitants of the city. Closely tied to the seas for their daily bread, their koliwadas or villages, entrenched along the city’s coastline, serve as notable reminders of their unique cultural identity. 

However, in recent years, the Kolis have had to bear the brunt of rapid urbanisation, unsustainable fishing practices by large corporations, and climate change which have resulted in submerging their socioeconomic identity at the cost of providing mobility and prosperity to others. 

Join us for a panel discussion with experts and representatives from the Koli community that makes up Bombay’s historic DNA to explore the lasting impact of the Kolis on Mumbai's development, culture, and economy as well as the challenges they face today. 

The discussion is part of the ongoing ‘Uncovering Urban Legacies’ series that looks at the legacy of small but unique diasporas that have historically, economically and socio-culturally shaped our city as we know it. 

Speakers 

1. Assistant Professor, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Gayatri Nair 
2. Fisherman & Founder of Blue Catch, Ganesh Nakhawa 
3. Artist & Visual Auto-Ethnoghraper of the Koli community of Mumbai, Parag Tandel 
4. History and Heritage Enthusiast, Anita Yewale 
5. Author and Editor of Scroll.in, Naresh Fernandes (moderator)