Summary
The Kotwal also spelled as Cotwal, or Kotval, was a title used in medieval and early modern India 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]
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References edit
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Shah, Giriraj (1993). Image Makers: An Attitudinal Study of Indian Police. Abhinav Publications. p. 95. ISBN 978-81-7017-295-6.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Rao, B. S. S. (1992). Television for Rural Development. New Delhi, India, Asia: Concept Publishing Company. p. 161. ISBN 978-81-7022-377-1.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Khān, ʻAlī Muḥammad (1965). Mirat-i-Ahmadi: A Persian History of Gujarat. New Delhi, India, Asia: Oriental Institute. p. 831.
- ^ Vanyajāti. New Delhi, India, Asia: Bharatiya Adimjati Sevak Sangh. 1989. p. 26.
- ^ Shyam, Radhey (1966). The Kingdom of Ahmadnagar. New Delhi, India, Asia: Motilal Banarsidass Publications. p. 376. ISBN 978-81-208-2651-9.