UPSC Prelims 2022 GS Paper I · Q58 of 98 History medium

With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as "Kulah-Daran" ?

  1. (a) Arab merchants
  2. (b) Qalandars
  3. (c) Persian calligraphists
  4. (d) Sayyids ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• 'Kulah-daran' ('cap-wearers') was the term used in Sultanate-era chronicles for the Sayyids — those claiming descent from the Prophet — who wore a distinctive tall cap (kulah) as a mark of their lineage, in contrast to the turban-wearing nobility — option (d).

• The Sayyids enjoyed special honour and stipends under the Delhi Sultans, and one Sayyid family ruled Delhi (1414–51).

• Qalandars were wandering dervishes; Arab merchants and Persian calligraphers had no such designation.

• Hence option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Arab merchants
Arab merchants were not called kulah-daran.
(b) Qalandars
Qalandars were wandering mendicants, not kulah-daran.
(c) Persian calligraphists
Persian calligraphers had no such title.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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