Koli

Koli may refer to several distinct things. It is the name of an ethnolinguistic community in western India, as well as the Koli languages spoken by this group. It is also the name of Koli National Park, a protected area in North Karelia, Finland. In addition, Koli is used as a place name and surname in various contexts.

The Koli people are an ethnolinguistic community living mainly along the western coast of India, including Gujarat and Maharashtra, with communities in adjoining regions. They have historically been involved in fishing, farming, and inland trade, and are organized into numerous clans and local groups. They practice Hinduism, Islam, and diverse local traditions, and their social organization and occupations have evolved with modernization and migration.

The Koli languages constitute a group of related Indo-Aryan languages and dialects spoken by Koli communities. Speakers often use regional languages such as Gujarati, Marathi, or Hindi in daily life, while Koli varieties remain important markers of identity in many communities.

Koli National Park is a protected area in North Karelia, Finland, known for its distinctive hill country, pine forests, and shoreline along Lake Pielinen. The park includes the hill Ukko-Koli and other scenic viewpoints; it is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and nature study. The landscape around Koli has played a significant role in Finnish art and literature, contributing to the national romantic perception of the Finnish countryside.

As a place name, Koli appears in other contexts, including surnames and local toponyms in various countries.