The term Teli is a business caste among Hindus. Muslim converts are called Roshandaar, malik ( since 1992) or Muslim Teli. They are found in North India and Pakistan.

The word Teli comes from Tel which means Oil in Marathi/Hindi/Oriya language. The name Teli is given because of their profession of "making edible oil". They are also known as Oil Makers. In old times, these people were having their small oil mill units known as 'Kolhu' operated by oxen to make or extract edible oil from oil seeds like mustard, sesame etc. They were responsible for providing oil to society.

Telis also called themselves Sahu Vaishyas. Telis are found throughout India. Hindu Teli are called Teli Sahu and Muslim Teli are called Teli Malik.

In North Maharashtra, most of them hide their family name and suffix Chaudhari use as their surname (last name).

In haryana some Telis who have different configurations of rajputs and jats and others who had adopted this profession upon conversion to Islam during different periods. Malik Muslim Teli association was established to work for their welfare more than a century ago since 1901. The blood line of the Teli tribes found in the Sialkot, Lahore and Gujranwala regions of Pakistan shows this fact. In these areas they are called Jungla and use Malik as a surname.

Telis are spread all over India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives and Nepal.