The Mahli are a community in the Indian states of Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. Basketry was main occupation of mahlis. Mahli speak Sadri, Mundari and Santali as their mother tongue rather than Mahli. May be Mahli is a threatened language. Also use Bengali, Hindi and Odia. They are included in list of Scheduled Tribe.

Origin

They are caste who works as palaqulin bearers and bamboo workers. They are divided into five endogamous subdivision: the bansphor Mahli, pahar mahli, Sulunkhi, Tanti and Mahli Munda. Their some septs are dumriar (wild fig), gundli (a kind of grain), Kerketta (a bird), mahukal (a bird), Tirki, Tunduar, Turu, Bhuktuar, Lang Chenre, Sanga. Their four septs Hansda, Hemron, Murmu, Saren also found in Santal tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India.

Culture

Their deity is Surjahi (Solar deity). Other deity are Bar Pahari (mountain deity) and Mansa Devi. Their festival are Bangri, Hariyari and Nawakhani etc.