What is "kotwal"

n. 1 (context historical English) The leader of a kot or fort in medieval India. 2 The local police chief or magistrate of an Indian town or city.

Kotwal is a surname found in Deshastha and Chitpavan Brahmin and Maratha communities in the state of Maharashtra, India. In Maratha community, Kotwal was a title conferred upon influential people similar to Inamdari or Deshmukhi.

The surname is also common among " Rajputs" in northern states in India, especially J&K and Himachal Pradesh. North Indian people with this surname generally belong, or can trace their lineage to the town of Bhaderwah in Doda District, J&K. There is a significant concentration of Kotwal community in and around the city of Jammu. Kotwal is the Title given to " Rajputs" of Bhaderwah.

Kotwal title is also common among Gurjars e.g. Kotwal Dhan Singh Gurjar.

Kotwal is also a surname used among the Parsis in India.

Kotwal was a title used in medieval India 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 India Zaildar 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.