Kotwal

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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]

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References

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  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.
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  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.