Kotwal
Indian military title
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kotwal, also spelled as Cotwal, or Kotval, was a term for police officer used during the medieval and early modern period in South Asia.[1][2] 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[3] 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.[4] The post of Kotwal was known since ancient times as Kota pala who was the chief of Police.[5]
Among members of the Koli caste, Kotwal is a title, derived from the occupation of fort-keepers or protectors of forts and village leader.[6][7] Even when a Koli man retired as a Kotwal, he and his descendants would use "Kotwal" as a surname as it signified prestige.[8] Kolis were Kotwal from the times of Mughal rule in Gujarat[9] and were hereditary Kotwal of the royal palaces of Rajkot, Morvi and Bhavnagar Princely states.[10] Kolis of Maharashtra also served as Kotwal in Ahmadnagar Sultanate and controlled the forts.[11]