Who were called ‘Kulah-Daran’? — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2022
With reference to Indian history, which of the following were known as “Kulah-Daran”?
- Arab merchants
- Qalandars
- Persian calligraphists
- Sayyids
Explanation
Option (d) is correct
- The Sayyid dynasty was the fourth dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate from 1414 to 1451. They succeeded the Tughlaq dynasty and ruled that sultanate until they were displaced by the Lodi dynasty. The sayyids put on a pointed cap (kulah), and they were known as ‘Kulah Daran’ during the Delhi sultanate.
- This set them apart from the larger group of theologians who were generally referred to as “Dastar Bandan” (turban wearers).
- Like the wandering Yogis, the wandering Islamic mystics were popularly known as Qalandars
Answer: (d) Sayyids; Difficulty Level: Hard
