Kaul
<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>
Kaul, Koul, Caul or Kol (Kashmiri: कौल (Devanagari), کول <smalltkaul>(Nastaleeq)) is a surname used by the Kashmiri Pandit community.[1][2][3] The term also refers to the Kaul clan from which several other krams (surnames) of Kashmir have originated.[4]
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[5] and is related to Saivite beliefs.[6]
Contents
Origins
There are several theories regarding the origins of Kaul as a surname.
Kaul from Mahakaul
One says that it is associated with the word Mahakaul, an epithet for Shiva. Shiva followers were thus called Kaula.[6] Kaul therefore means a devotee of Shiva.[7]
Kaul from Shakta worship
Another states that since the 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.[6] This has led many scholars to believe that almost all Kashmiri Pandits were 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.[6][7]
Notable people with Kaul surname
- Ajay Kaul, (1966-), Senior Google Executive who has revolutionized the IT industry
- Asit Kaul, Indo-Canadian Film Maker (http://asitkaul.com/)
- Bansi Kaul (1949 – ), theater director
- Brij Mohan Kaul, commanded the Indian forces in the Sino-Indian War
- Kailas Nath Kaul (1905–1983), Indian botanist, agricultural scientist
- Mani Kaul (1950–2011), Indian film director
- Manohar Kaul (1925– ), painter
- P. K. Kaul (1929-2007), ambassador of India to the United States (1986–1989)
- Sheila Kaul (1915-2015) Indian politician, cabinet minister
- S. K. Kaul (b. 1934), Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force, former Chief of Air Staff (India) (1993–1995)
- T.N. Kaul (1913–2000), Indian diplomat, Indian Foreign Secretary (1967 - 1972)
- V. N. Kaul (b, 1943), Indian civil servant, CAG (2002-2008), padma bhushan
- Sanjay Kaul (b, 1962), Business Man. Founder University of Petroleum and Energy Studies
- Prof Hari Krishna Kaul a renowned writer and one of epitomes in kashmir. Prof HK Kaul was also sahitya academy award winner...
See also
References
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found., ...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 government service & there were some families whose names consistently appear in public service - the Dhars, Kauls, Tikkus & Saprus.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "BhatKaulDhar" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "BhatKaulDhar" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ 7.0 7.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "RamK" defined multiple times with different content
