Monday, July 29, 2024

A portrait of a Koli chieftain of Dahewan by James Forbes, 1813

 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/A_Coolie_Chieftain.jpg

 

Koli pirates

A largest number of Kolis lives in Gujarat and Kathiawar of Gujarat has always been famous for its Koli Piracy. In times of unsettled British government, the coasts of Kathiawar have swarmed with Koli pirates, who, from the shelter of every creek and headland, took toll on all merchandise Ships that was carried on the Arabian Sea. Along the southern coast the leading pirates were Shial Koli, Baria Kolis, while, in the Gulf of Cutch and near Dwarka and Porbandar, from an early date, Other Kolis made their names a terror to merchants.

Ghogha and Piram Islands

In 1326, Ghogha and Piram Islands of Gujarat was stronghold of Koli pirates and they often lavied or attacked the ships of traders passed by nearby sea. But Koli pirates were defeated by the Mokhadaji. Later in 1340, Mokhadaji was defeated by Sultan Mohammad Bin Tughluq of Delhi Sultanate and Koli pirates raised again and captured a English ship named "’Morning Star"’ of big cost and loaded with cargo.

 

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https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/A_Coolie_Chieftain.jpg