Kotwal

Kotwal also spelled as Cotwal, was a title used by Koli caste of Gujarat who were the leader of a Kot or fort.[1][2][3][4] 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 India Zaildar[5] 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.[6] The post of Kotwal was known since ancient times as Kota pala who was the chief of Police.[7]

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

See also

References
  1. Kohli, Atul (2014-07-14). India's Democracy: An Analysis of Changing State-Society Relations. New Delhi, India: Princeton University Press. p. 266. ISBN 978-1-4008-5951-1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  2. Lobo, Lancy (1995). The Thakors of North Gujarat: A Caste in the Village and the Region. New Delhi, India: Hindustan Publishing Corporation. pp. 1: some title of Kolis are by their profession such as Pagi and Kotwal. Pagi title used by Kolis who served in as a detective for rulers or any chief and Kotwal used by Kolis who were headman or protecter of villages or forts. ISBN 978-81-7075-035-2.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  3. 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.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  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.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Shah, Giriraj (1993). Image Makers: An Attitudinal Study of Indian Police. Abhinav Publications. p. 95. ISBN 978-81-7017-295-6.
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