How a Silent Protest Led to the First Koli-Language Dictionary

Researcher Parag Tandel might have been working towards the preservation of the Koli language and culture, but it took a "feminist touch" when he was joined by artist and fellow researcher Kadambari Koli-Tandel. Together, they have now launched what could be called the first dictionary of the Koli language.

The influence of the matriarchal structure within the Koli community on their work may not be new — the community is largely dominated by women. However, this dominance may only exist on the surface, particularly through visible representation in the fishing trade. What lies deeper in the social structure is more complex. “The community has always been ‘aggressive’ in terms of language, and a matriarchal touch makes the preservation of this language even more significant,” says Parag, acknowledging his wife Kadambari, while she smiles.

On 1st September, also observed as 'Koli Bhasha Diwas', the duo launched the outcome of four years of travel and linguistic documentation. As part of the 'Tandel Fund Archives', the dictionary includes words and meanings either familiar to Kolis or previously unheard of. “Various koliwadas have different semantics, pronunciations, and even contextual meanings,” says Kadambari, adding that it is a “functional language”.

Mission of perseverance

Despite being aware of this linguistic diversity, the duo travelled across various Koliwadas in Maharashtra to gather words and their meanings. “It is important to revive the language,” says Parag Tandel, who has been working on its preservation for several years. He was joined by Kadambari after their marriage.

Living in a Koliwada themselves in Thane, the couple could clearly sense the urgency of the situation. “The Koli language has been influenced by various invasions — Portuguese, British, and even a confluence with Hindi — and these influences are now clearly reflected in the language,” says Parag. Kadambari adds, “At such a time, it becomes even more important to preserve the authenticity of the language.”

But how can a language that has never been formally recorded or documented be compiled into a book that claims authenticity? The answer lies within Koli culture itself. “Koli wedding songs and everyday speech have helped us immensely in curating the vocabulary,” says Kadambari, adding that the traditional Dhavla songs sung during Koli weddings were especially valuable.

However, not only does the language lack a script, but it has also been surrounded with stigma over the years, where people hesitate to even speak the language in public. As we speak at length through video conferencing, the duo explains the reasons: "Kolis were sidelined with the urban expansion," says Parag.

Silent protests for the language of shores

The protest, which was primarily against the declaration of Gaothan villages as slums, also gained momentum due to the denial of Scheduled Tribe status to the Koli community. The encroachment on market areas traditionally used by fisherwomen added further fuel to the movement. The only way to safeguard their ancient presence, the duo believes, was by preserving their identity — one deeply rooted in the ocean and their way of life.

This mission soon found support from younger songwriters and singers, who approached the couple for a word bank, as traditional Koli songs were being remixed and original words were being lost, says Parag Tandel. Since then, the duo has been travelling across the state to create “pop-up museums” in different Koliwadas. “The words are collected as older community members narrate stories and rituals. This oral tradition has become a powerful tool for learning and documentation,” he explains.

Beyond vocabulary, traditional recipes, folktales, rituals, and local anecdotes have also contributed to the documentation. The dictionary currently includes approximately 1,150 words, compiled from various Koli regions and related community activities. “We also sought help from YouTubers, vloggers, and others well-versed in the language from areas like Worli, Colaba, Versova, and beyond,” adds Parag.

This is not to say the initiative unfolded smoothly. “We faced resistance from within the Koli community. People not only questioned the benefits of the project but also raised doubts about our sources of funding,” says Kadambari, adding that things gradually improved as they involved the community through pop-up museums and open discussions.

It was this initial resistance that made their first museum — which featured photographs — particularly challenging in terms of community engagement, despite its visual appeal. Parag also recalls the difficulties they faced with funding. “I worked on several grant proposals, but most of them were too complex for companies to understand, and the funds wouldn’t come through,” he explains.

At present, the Tandels operate out of a small, often cluttered studio, which is why Kadambari was unable to invite us in for a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes work. Still, the couple acknowledges that things have improved with time.

However, challenges remain. “Koli festivals were gradually overshadowed by mainstream Hindu festivals, leading to the loss of several traditional practices,” says Kadambari, pointing out that the community’s distinct calendar and seasonal rhythms still persist. Known primarily as a fishing community, the Kolis, through this initiative, are being reintroduced as keepers of a valuable philosophy and way of life — preserved one word at a time.