KOTWAL Meaning and
Definition
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A kotwal is a term that originated in India and refers to a local constable or police officer in charge of maintaining law and order in a specific area or town. This term dates back to ancient times and was primarily used during the Mughal era. The word "kotwal" is derived from the Hindi language, where "kot" translates to "fortress" or "palace" and "wal" means "one who has charge of" or "caretaker."
Historically, a kotwal was entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the security of a city or town, including the prevention of crimes, the maintenance of peace and the apprehension of criminals. They acted as the head of the local police force and served as an authoritative figure within their jurisdiction. The position of a kotwal was often appointed by the ruling king, and they had the power to enforce laws and regulations.
In contemporary times, the term "kotwal" is not widely used, and its relevance has diminished with the establishment of modern police departments and law enforcement agencies. However, in certain regions of India, the term may still be used colloquially to refer to a local police officer or an individual responsible for maintaining security in a specific area.
Common Misspellings for KOTWAL
- jotwal
- motwal
- lotwal
- ootwal
- iotwal
- kitwal
- kktwal
- kltwal
- kptwal
- k0twal
- k9twal
- korwal
- kofwal
- kogwal
- koywal
- ko6wal
- ko5wal
- kotqal
- kotaal
- kotsal
Etymology of KOTWAL
The word "kotwal" has its origins in the Persian language. It comes from the Persian word "kotwāl" (کوتوال), which means "a superintendent of police" or "a police officer". The term was used in medieval India during the Delhi Sultanate, then later adopted by the Mughal Empire. Over time, the word "kotwal" became incorporated into various Indian languages, including Hindi, Urdu, and Bengali, as a term for a local police officer or watchman.
