THE RAIGAD EXPRESS

  Chronological index shows that Katkari tribes are aborigines of India .  Following the British invasion katkari habitation in forest restricted.  Katkari’s livelihood had dependent on forest sources, after imposing ban they reduced to bonded labor gradually. Even today, they live an insignificant life.   The British had defeated Pune’s last Maratha Empire in 1818, and their sovereignty established over Indian land   Katkari’s main source of livelihood was to make katha from the tree of Acacia Catechu. Before invasion forestland were open to the people. British’ interest was to rule and exploit the resources so they restricted the people who were dependent on forestland, among those katkari tribe was the worst affected as forest was their main source of livelihood.  In some places, as vatandari , Landlords had owned a chunk of forestland; some took the land on lease and collaborated with British. British imposed taxes on forest resources. Thus, the Katkari had d