Kaul

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1 Kaul
2 Kauls in Germany
3 Kauls in Madhya Pradesh
4 Reference

[edit] Kaul

Kaul (also spelled as Koul, Kaula) is also a well-known surname of Kashmiri Hindus ( also known as Kashmiri Pandits ) and Muslims. Kauls belong to the Saraswat Brahmin class (which forms the apex of the Indian caste order) & trace their descent to Lord Dattatreya, the legendary son of the sage Atri & Anusuya. Some Kauls trace their origin to Maha Kaul which is another name for Lord Shiva.This has led many scholars to believe that all Shaivas of Kashmir could have been Kauls. This view, however, is not supported by too many scholars.

One variant of the surname is Kullu used mostly by Kashmiri Muslims. The anglicized variant Kaula means ' a fool' in Sanskrit . The exact origin of this surname is not very clear, however, it is widely believed that it has origins in 'Kaula' path of Shaivism. The first prime minister of free India Jawaharlal Nehru was also a Kaul.

[edit] Kauls in Germany

Kaul is also a well-known surname in Germany ( also spelled as Caudl, Caul and Kauhl)& Ireland ( also spelled as Cowel).

[edit] Kauls in Madhya Pradesh

Kaul is a tribal community dwelling in Rewa division and Jabalpur district in Madhya Pradesh, India. These people are also known as Kolerian and Mundari tribes. Rohia and Rothail are there sub-castes. As per 1981 census the population of Kauls was 123811.

Kaul tribes have adopted Hindu system of living. They believe in Hindu religion and deities. Their deities are Dulha Dev, Bairam Dev and Bada Dev. They believe in existence of ghosts. They also have faith in Jādu-tonā.

Kaul people are dependent on agriculture for livelihood. Their main occupation is agriculture and animal husbandry.

They have their own Panchayats known as Gohia. They are politically more conscious than other tribes in Madhya Pradesh.