Kotwal

 ( History Of Law Enforcement In India ) 

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.

M. B. Chande (1997). 9788171566280, Atlantic Publishers & Dist. . ISBN 9788171566280

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 Raj Zaildar From Mughal Empire 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 as well. Kotwal has also been translated as Chief police officer. The post of Kotwal was known since ancient times as Kota pala who was the chief of Police.

Giriraj Shah (1993). 9788170172956, Abhinav Publications. . ISBN 9788170172956

Among members of the Koli people caste, Kotwal is a title, derived from the occupation of fort-keepers or protectors of forts and village leader.

B. S. S. Rao (1992). 9788170223771, Concept Publishing Company. . ISBN 9788170223771

Even when a Koli man retired as a Kotwal, he and his descendants would use "Kotwal" as a surname as it signified prestige.

A. M. Shah (2026). 9780195657326, Oxford University Press. . ISBN 9780195657326

Kolis were Kotwal from the times of Mughal rule in Gujarat and were hereditary Kotwal of the royal palaces of Rajkot State, Morvi State and Bhavnagar State . Kolis of Maharashtra also served as Kotwal in Ahmadnagar Sultanate and controlled the forts.

Radhey Shyam (1966). 9788120826519, Motilal Banarsidass Publications. . ISBN 9788120826519

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See also

• Faujdar
• Kiladar
• Castellan

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