Kotwal Explained

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]

See also

• Faujdar
• Kiladar
• Castellan

Notes and References

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