Kaul, Koul, or Kol (Kashmiri: कौल (Devanagari), کول (Nastaleeq)) is a surname used by the Kashmiri Pandit community.[1][2][3][4]The term also refers to the Kaul clan from which several other krams (surnames) of Kashmir have originated.[5]The surname Kaul is also found among Kashmiri muslims. Kaul surname is also found in Germany.
Etymology edit
The word Kaul, meaning well born, is derived from Kula, the Sanskrit term for family or clan. Its use as a surname or appellation is a derivative of the ancient name Kaula which means well born[6]and is related to Saivite beliefs.[7]
History & origins edit
There are several theories regarding the origins of Kaul as a surname.
Kaul from Mahakaul edit
One says that it is associated with the word Mahakoul, an epithet for Shiva. Shiva followers were thus called Kaulas.[7] Kaul therefore means a devotee of Shiva.[8]
Kaul from Shakta worship edit
Another states that since the Aryan Saraswat Brahmins of Kas'mira were believers in Saivism and Shakta, the peak of Saivism in Kashmir around the 9th century ~ 12th century gave rise to use of the name.[7] This has led many scholars to believe that almost all Kashmiri Pandits were Kaulas (Kauls) and they were later subdivided into different nicknames, & with the passage of time these nicknames became surnames. In recent years the use of the nicknames is being progressively discarded and surname Kaul is being adopted by almost all such people. The word Kaul is associated with being an aghoreshwara or enlightened. The practitioners (sadhaks) of the Tantra, associated with Shakti worship, are believed to reach the top of the spiritual ladder, and thus become a Kaul.[7][8]
Ram Krishen Kaul, in his book Sociology of names & nicknames of India, with special reference to Kashmir writes that:
It is stated that almost all Kashmiri Pandits were Kouls and there were later on subdivided according to nicknames ... and even now the number of nicknames associated with the surname Koul (Kaul) is the largest.[7]
By the 16th century, the Kaul surname was common and certain Kauls are mentioned as Sanskrit scholars and administrators during the time of Zain-ul-Abidin, the sultan of Kashmir. [7]
Religion edit
Kauls are traditionally Kashmiri Brahmins or Kashmiri Pandits as they are known today. They are Shakta worshippers and thus adopt a monistic approach towards religion. They believe in Shiva as their main deity or chief god (Shaivite). The two broad forms of Shakta worship in Kashmir are Shri Kul and Kali Kul. The Kularnava Tantra is the doctrine that defines the Shri Kul form of Shakta worship while the Mahanirvana Tantra defines Kali Kul worship.[7]
Parvez Dewan in his book 'Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh' mentions that "Kauls are considered the highest ranking Brahmins."[9]
Kauls claim to trace their lineage to the Dattatreya gotra,[10]Dattatreya being the son of Maharishi Atri and his wife Anusuya. The surname kaul is also sometimes found among Kashmiri muslims.
Subdivisions edit
Dr Subhash Kak writes that
"Since the dominant religious and philosophical system in Kashmir is that of Shaivism. According to the text of the Shaivites all those who accept the Kula dharma become Kauls, irrespective of their background.
As Shakta worship became more popular, a new class of Kaula Bhatta's emerged, who did not belong to the Dattatreya Gotra. In order to differentiate themselves from the new emerging class of Kauls, the Dattatreya's introduced a new appellation Dattatreya Kaula Bhatta (Dattatreya Kauls).
Occupation and Demographics edit
Kauls being Kashmiri Pandits have a tradition of being involved with education and teachings. Kauls in history have been the keepers of several of historical texts of Kashmir such as the Neelamat Purana. The earlier part of the 16th century saw them as the priests and the teachers of Tantra and were well read in Sanskrit. They later adopted to Persian. Being and educated class in the 18th and 19th century, Kauls were mostly employed as goverment servents and administrators. However, they continued their tradition of religious, spiritual and literary teachings through the british occupation of India. The first prime minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was also a Kaul.
Notable Kauls edit
- Mani Kaul (1944-2011) - Indian filmmaker, Filmfare Critics Award (1969), National Film Award (1974)
- Prithivi Nath Kaul Bamzai (1910 – 2007) - Kashmiri Pandit scholar and historian. Wrote several books on the history of Kashmir and related topics.
- Kailas Nath Kaul (1905-1983) - Botanist & agriculture scientist. Established the National Botanical Research Institute at Lucknow in 1948. Has Five plant species named after him, including "Kaulinia Polypodiaceae" (polypod ferns)
- Prof Jayalal Kaul - Prominent Kashmiri writer & Ex selection committee of Bharatiya Jnanpith Award.
- Sanjay Kaul - Managing Directory & Chief Executive Officer, NCMSL (National Collateral Management Services) NCMSL Website, & Ex IAS (Indian Administrative Services) officer.
- S.K. Kaul - Swaroop Krishna Kaul, Air Cheif Marshall of Indian Air Force (1993-1995). Chairman of Chiefs of Staffs committee [1]
- Zinda Kaul Masterji - Prominent Kashmiri Poet & writer.[12]Winner of Sahitya Academi Award 1956.
References edit
- ^ Kumar Suresh Singh (1996). People of India: Delhi. Manohar Publishers for Anthropological Survey of India. p. 324. ISBN 978-8173040962. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
- ^ Schofield, Victoria (2003). Kashmir in conflict. I.B. Tauris & Co. p. 4. ISBN 1860648983. Retrieved 25 June 2012., ...looms rose to 24,000 by 1813. Despite the religious oppression that many hindus were subjected , they were however, useful to the Afghans because of their administrative experience. Kashmiri Pandits were not prevented into entering into goverment service & there were some families whose names consistently appear in public service - the Dhars, Kauls, Tikkus & Saprus.
- ^ Irvin Molotsky, Wayne King (02 September 1986). "The Kauls are Everywhere". nytimes.com. Retrieved 08 August 2012.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help) - ^ Kabir, Ananya Jahanara (2009). Territory of Desire: Representing the Valley of Kashmir. University of Minnesota Press. p. 232. ISBN 978-0-8166-5356-0.
- ^ Dewan, Parvez (2004). Jammu. Kashmir. Ladakh. Manas Publications. p. 418. ISBN 8170491797.
{{cite book}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ "Last Name Origins and Meanings". familyeducation.com. Retrieved 05 September 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ a b c d e f g Bhat, S.; Kaul, J. N.; Dhar, B. B.; Shalia, Arun (2008). Kashmiri Scholars Contribution to Knowledge & World Peace. New Delhi: APH Publishing. pp. 130–133. ISBN 978-81-313-0402-0. Retrieved 18 March 2012. Cite error: The named reference "BhatKaulDhar" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b Kaul, Ram Krishen (1982). Sociology of Names and Nicknames of India, with special reference to Kas'mira. New Delhi: Utpal Publications. p. 98. Retrieved 07 July 2012.
{{cite book}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) Cite error: The named reference "RamK" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - ^ Dewan, Parvez (1996). Jammu Kashmir Ladakh. Manohar Publishers. p. 402. ISBN 978-8170490999.
{{cite book}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Lawrence, Walter R. (1895). Valley of Kashmir. Henry Frowde, Oxford University Press. pp. 304, 306. ISBN 9788120616301. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
- ^ Jawahar Lal Nehru. 'Toward Freedom: An Autobiography. ISBN 9781299411050. Retrieved 18 Mar 2012.,
- ^ Kashmiri Pandits: Looking to the future. S.P. Nangia, APH Publishing Corporation. 2011. ISBN 8176482366. Retrieved 08 July 2012.
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