Kaul, Koul, Caul or Kol (Kashmiri: कौल , کول ) is a surname used by the Kashmiri Pandit community. The term also refers to the Kaul clan from which several other krams (surnames) of Kashmir have originated.
Contents
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 and is related to Saivite beliefs.
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. Kaul therefore means a devotee of Shiva.
Kaul/Koul 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 century ~ 12th century gave rise to use of the name. This has led many scholars to believe that almost all Kashmiri Pandits were Kauls/Koul 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/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.