With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as "Kulah-Daran" ?
- (a) Arab merchants
- (b) Qalandars
- (c) Persian calligraphists
- (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.