Kotwal

For the surname 'Kotwal', see Kotwal (surname).

The Kotwal also spelled as Cotwal, or Kotval, was a title used in medieval and early modern period for the leader of a Kot or fort. Kotwals often controlled the fort of a major town or an area of smaller towns on behalf of another ruler. It was similar in function to a British Indian Zaildar[1] From Mughal times the title was given to the local ruler of a large town and the surrounding area. However, the title is also used for leaders in small villages as well. Kotwal has also been translated as Chief police officer.[2] The post of Kotwal was known since ancient times as Kota pala who was the chief of Police.[3]

Among members of the Koli caste, Kotwal is a title, derived from the occupation of fort-keepers or protectors of forts and village leader.[4][5] Even when a Koli man retired as a Kotwal, he and his descendants would use "Kotwal" as a surname as it signified prestige.[6] Kolis were Kotwal from the times of Mughal rule in Gujarat[7] and were hereditary Kotwal of the royal palaces of Rajkot, Morvi and Bhavnagar Princely states.[8] Kolis of Maharashtra also served as Kotwal in Ahmadnagar Sultanate and controlled the forts.[9]

  1. ^ Massy, Charles Francis (1890). Chiefs and families of note in the Delhi, Jalandhar, Peshawar and Derajat divisions of the Panjab. Printed at the Pioneer Press. p. 407. Retrieved 29 May 2010.
  2. ^ Saudā, Mirzā Muḥammad Rafiʻ; (Major), Henry Court (1872). Selections from the Kulliyat, or, Complete works of Mirza Rafi-oos-Sauda: being the parts appointed for the high proficiency examination in Oordoo. Printed by J. Elston, "Station Press,". pp. 20–. Retrieved 29 May 2010.
  3. ^ Shah, Giriraj (1993). Image Makers: An Attitudinal Study of Indian Police. Abhinav Publications. p. 95. ISBN 978-81-7017-295-6.
  4. ^ Somanaboina, Simhadri; Ramagoud, Akhileshwari (2021-11-15). The Routledge Handbook of the Other Backward Classes in India: Thought, Movements and Development. New Delhi, India: Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-000-46280-7.
  5. ^ Rao, B. S. S. (1992). Television for Rural Development. New Delhi, India, Asia: Concept Publishing Company. p. 161. ISBN 978-81-7022-377-1.
  6. ^ Shah, A. M. (2002). Exploring India's Rural Past: A Gujarat Village in the Early Nineteenth Century. New Delhi, India: Oxford University Press. pp. 82–91. ISBN 978-0-19-565732-6.
  7. ^ Khān, ʻAlī Muḥammad (1965). Mirat-i-Ahmadi: A Persian History of Gujarat. New Delhi, India, Asia: Oriental Institute. p. 831.
  8. ^ Vanyajāti. New Delhi, India, Asia: Bharatiya Adimjati Sevak Sangh. 1989. p. 26.
  9. ^ Shyam, Radhey (1966). The Kingdom of Ahmadnagar. New Delhi, India, Asia: Motilal Banarsidass Publications. p. 376. ISBN 978-81-208-2651-9.