Katwal

Katwal

Katwal or Katowal is a surname used by Nepali Hindu community belonging to the Indo-European race originally from Nepal.

The Katwals derive their ancestry from the legendary Hindu warrior Sant Katowal who was known to be a devotee of the Hindu deity Shiva. The Katwals are known for their valour and high skill in warfare. They were the original inhabitants of the mountains and later on moved south to merge with other Kshatriya (Chhetri) castes. In fact, Katwal used to be in the royal dynasty. After they fought each other, the King decided to ostracize the youngest son and he was banished accordingly who was later termed as Katwal because he was ready to amputate and kill anyone. And this is because of his tarnished valour, he was addressed as Katwal. Despite of all these, Katwals still belongs to upper caste Hindu family, i.e. Chhetri family. The spelling of Katwal is often written as Katowal, Katuwal and Katawal, all of which representing the same surname. Some even write K.C. (Katowal Chhettri). Katwals are mostly residents of Nepal and Indian states especially Sikkim, West Bengal and Assam.