The history of the Bhiwandi is a fascinating saga of change. The region was called Kolwan and the people there were called Kolis. Before the Annous Dominium era, this was a main port between Nangat and Borgat. This port mainly exported oil, cotton, rice and salt to ports around the world. This area is also famous for its weaving and hand made Saris. It is also known for its naval bases. This area has seen a lot of change since the invasion of the Aryans. This change is mainly due to the British, who imposed a lot of taxes. Once India won her freedom, a lot of this was undone, but some customs are still British related.

The region has been settled through the ages and in an archeological dig, items were found that date back to around 3000 B.C. This region has seen quite a bit of change and now is in the control of the Muslim majority. As this was once a major port, industry has grown up all around it. It’s weavings and textiles are some of the best in the world. This region as stated above was also famous for its hand made saris. The textiles from this region of India were primarily hand-made, but of fine quality. They were the sought after items and the crafters were right to be proud of their wares.

These gentle people can trace their history back through the ages, even though some of that history is penned in blood. Numerous wars have been fought in this region. At one point a famous general captured Bhiwandi and as a result created a good many naval bases as hubs of protection from any type of attack, thereby saving the harbor from invaders. The Bhiwandi harbor is a well protected harbor even today.

The Bhiwandi people are very industrious and Bhiwandi is a prominent industrial destination in the western part of India. The Bhiwandi is home to the typical Konkani Muslims and the proud Koli Hindus. This has meant a lot of secular violence between the two, which has resulted in quite a few avoidable carnages and bloodshed. This has gone on for centuries, and sees no stopping anytime soon. The political climate adds fuel to such religious devide. This is saddening.

But notwithstanding the rivalry, the vitiating political climate, the devastating floods, there are more textiles created here and sold around the world. Rice and cotton are also still exported to most of the areas around the world. Majority of the old trades are still thriving in this industrialized place. No one can say for sure what will happen next in this region, but the region and its people will definitely survive and thrive no matter what the circumstances or the times will bring. They are survivors and will continue to do so despite any or many differences; a testament to the fighting spirit of the natives of Bhiwandi.