Q58 · UPSC Prelims 2022 · Set A · History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)

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

A Arab merchants
B Qalandars
C Persian calligraphists
D Sayyids

Correct answer: (d) Sayyids

Explanation

  1. A

    Arab merchants

    Arab merchants. Not kulah-daran.

  2. B

    Qalandars

    Qalandars. Wandering dervishes; different headgear story.

  3. C

    Persian calligraphists

    Persian calligraphists. Unrelated.

  4. D

    Sayyids

    Sayyids. Kulah-daran — ‘cap-wearers’; the pointed cap of Sayyid lineages in Sultanate India.

Summary. Official key is (d) Sayyids. Kulah-daran (‘those who wear the kulah’) refers to Sayyids distinguished by their head-cap in the Delhi Sultanate milieu.