Amongst the handful of tribal communities residing in the heartland of West Bengal , Mahli has drawn the attention of all the eminent anthropologists who throng the region to carry on survey on tribal life . These Mahli tribes mostly found in the `Santhal Parganas` of the state.

Day by day these Mahli tribes are decreasing in number. As far as the occupations of these Mahli tribal communities are concerned, these Mahli tribes traditionally meet the demands of their sustenance mainly by selling items made of bamboo. Among various items that are prepared by these Mahli tribes are Machi , a tiny bench , umbrellas, sop ,chatai (for lying down and sleeping), raincap (special cap covering head, and upper back for protection from rains during work). A special utensil, soop is used in kitchen mainly for removing dust particles from cereals etc.

What is quite interesting is that the Mahli tribes have the custom of tattooing their names on their hands.