mandli

Mandli is a term used in parts of South Asia with several distinct meanings. In several Indo-Aryan languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, and Marathi, mandli (also rendered mandali or mandliye in some dialects) denotes a circle, group, or assembly. It is commonly used to refer to a social circle or informal association—such as a group of friends, neighbors, or coworkers who meet regularly. The word carries connotations of collective activity or mutual aid and can appear in everyday speech as well as in cultural expressions, such as songs and proverbs, describing groups formed for recreation, work, or mutual support.

Mandli is also encountered as a toponym component in India. Several villages and settlements bear Mandli or Mandali as part of their names, reflecting historical patterns where communities identified themselves by their gathering or council. In some cases, the term appears in compound place names indicating a locality centered on a fellowship, guild, or assembly.

In transliteration from local scripts, the term appears with variants such as mandali, mandalai, or mandili, depending on language and region. The usage and connotations can vary, and modern usage may be influenced by popular culture and regional dialects.