अभिलेखहरूका अनुसार काठमाडौं उपत्यका विजय पश्चात् प्रशासनिक गतिविधिलाई थप चुस्त बनाउन बडामहाराजाधिराज पृथ्वी नारायण शाहले कोतवाली, कोतवालको स्थापना गरेको देखिन्छ ।
शुरुमा पहाडका क्षेत्रहरूमा स्थापना गरिएको कोतवाली पछि गएर तराईका जिल्लाहरूमा समेत स्थापना भएको र कोतवालले चोरी, डकैती नियन्त्रण गर्ने, अनुसन्धान गर्ने र आफूलाई तोकिएको जिम्मेवारीको क्षेत्रमा शान्ति सुरक्षा स्थापना गर्न प्रमुख भुमिका निर्वाह गर्ने गरेका थिए ।
पहाडी जिल्लाहरूमा सेतो फेटा लगाएका र तराईका जिल्लाहरूमा रातो फेटा लगाएका कोतवालीहरू कार्यरत थिए ।
Kotwali Police
Kotwals served as mediators between the king and the people, overseeing the areas on both sides of the hills. Positioned on the hilltops, they also used to announce government circulars and notices loudly to the citizens.
King Prithvi Narayan Shah, after his conquest of the Kathmandu valley in 1768 A.D appointed Kotwals (Kotwali Police) in hilly region to perform policing as well as mediating and information-sharing roles.
Later, the Katuwal/Kotwals were appointed in the areas of west and east Terai and were assigned to detect thefts as well as manage security in their areas.
Their duties varied based on the location. In the lowlands of the Terai region, the Kotwals were tasked with recovering stolen goods and providing peace and security to the residents engaged in undesirable activities like theft and dacoity.
The hilly regions had Kotwals with white turban and terai areas had Kotwals wearing red turban.
History of Nepal Police
Article sourced from ‘Nepali Parahari ko Itishas’ Published by Police Headquaters in 2052 B.S
Graphics Art in aid of AI Designed by: Pranab Joshi Photography
