The word Koul, meaning well born, is derived from Kula, the
Sanskrit term for family or clan.
Origins
There are several theories regarding the origins of Kaul as a surname.
Koul from Mahakoul
One says that it is associated with the word Mahakoul, an
epithet for
Shiva. Shiva followers were thus called Kaula.[4] Koul therefore means a devotee of Shiva.[5]
Koul/Kaul from Shakta worship
Another states that since the Saraswat Brahmins of Kas'mira were believers in Shaivism and Shakta, the peak of Shaivism in Kashmir around the 9th–12th century gave rise to use of the name.[6] This has led many scholars to believe that almost all Kashmiri Pandits were Kauls/Koul and they were later subdivided into different nicknames, then with the passage of time these nicknames became surnames. In recent years the use of the nicknames is being progressively discarded and the surname Kaul/Koul is being adopted by almost all such people. The word Kaul/Koul 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/Koul.[6][7]
Notable people with Kaul surname
Anita Kaul (1954–2016), Indian Administrative Service officer
Bansi Kaul (born 1949), Indian writer and theatre director
^Schofield, Victoria (2003).
Kashmir in conflict. I.B. Tauris & Co. p. 4.
ISBN1860648983. 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 government service & there were some families whose names consistently appear in public service - the Dhars, Kauls, Tikkus & Saprus.
^Irvin Molotsky, Wayne King (2 September 1986).
"The Kauls are Everywhere". nytimes.com. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
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