Nahali is concentrated in the Jalgaon, Nasik, Dhule, and Nandurbar districts of North-West Maharashtra. This region lies on the southern side of the Ajanta ranges, the northernmost branch of the Western Ghats. The east-flowing River. Godavari and it’s few seasonal tributaries support agriculture along the banks. The terrain is the northern boundary of the Deccan plateau, mostly rocky. The climatic conditions make the southern slopes of the Satpura ranges forested with tropical trees and bushes, resulting in an active environment.
The climate exhibits dry tropical characteristics, with a brief yet intense monsoon period lasting from July to mid-October. Winters are cold, and summers are hot. Average annual rainfall 60-100 mm. To the East is Hill-station Tormal in the Satpuras; while Nasik records one of the highest and lowest temperatures in the Western Region
Brief History
Jamod, located in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, India is believed to be the place of origin of the Nahali community. Over time, the community migrated to the valleys of the Satpura ranges in central India, where they developed a strong sense of tradition and close-knit community ties. Throughout many centuries, despite the influence of outside forces, the Nahali community has managed to maintain a steadfast resistance to change. As a result, much of their way of life has remained unchanged. As of today, the majority of the Nahali population, approximately 75%, remains illiterate. Currently, the Nahali community is estimated to comprise around 10,000 people, who mostly reside in the villages of the Toranmal region situated in the eastern Nandurbar district of Maharashtra.
Life and Culture
They live in mud houses plastered with cow dung. Builders lay wooden frames and cover them with baked clay tiles to construct roofs. Men wear traditional Dhoti-kurta and turban, while women wear traditional ghagra skirts and blouses. They worship Hindu gods and goddesses. All night revelry and performance of the ‘Bhongrya’ dance mark the celebrations at festival times. The dancers dress up as characters from the Hindu Scriptures.
Agriculture has been the main occupation. They are too poor to own land, and labour for wages or share of the seasonal produce in the landlord’s fields.
Social issues faced by Nahali people
Nahali people are very superstitious, Literacy is almost 25%. In remote mountainous regions, the tribal people live in constant fear of death and the influences of evil spirits.
Idol worship, superstition, alcoholism, disrespect for women and children, black magic etc. are the main social issues they face.