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

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Q: 58 (IAS/2022)
With reference to Indian history, who of the following were known as 'Kulah-Daran' ?

question_subject: 

History

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,104,167,52,60,55,104

keywords: 

{'arab merchants': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'persian calligraphists': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'indian history': [0, 0, 1, 2], 'sayyids': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'kulah': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'qalandars': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'daran': [0, 0, 0, 1]}

The term 'Kulah-Daran' refers to a group of people who were Persian immigrants in India during the medieval period. These individuals were known for their skills and expertise in various fields, including calligraphy, architecture, and poetry.

The term 'Kulah-Daran' literally means 'hat-wearers' and was used to refer to individuals who wore a particular type of Persian cap known as a 'kulah'. These individuals were respected for their cultural and intellectual contributions to Indian society and were patronized by the ruling classes.

The 'Kulah-Daran' were particularly prominent during the Mughal era, when they were employed as court officials, advisors, and artists. Many of the great Mughal monuments and buildings, such as the Taj Mahal, were designed and constructed by Persian architects and calligraphists who were part of the 'Kulah-Daran' community.

The term 'Kulah-Daran' is not commonly used in contemporary Indian society, but the legacy of these Persian immigrants continues to be felt in the country's art, architecture, and cultural traditions.

 

Preparing for Future Exams: Learning from the Analysis of Past Questions

Topics:

  • Medieval India
  • Social and Cultural History of India
  • Muslim Society in India
  • Religious and Cultural Syncretism
  • Arabic and Persian Influence on Indian Culture

Sources:

  • NCERT textbooks on Indian history
  • Reference books on medieval Indian history such as "Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals" by Satish Chandra and "A Cultural History of India" by A. L. Basham
  • Online resources such as the Encyclopedia Britannica and the Oxford Islamic Studies Online

NCERT and reference book chapters:

  • Class 7 NCERT textbook "Our Pasts - II" Chapter 3: The Delhi Sultans
  • Class 11 NCERT textbook "Themes in World History" Chapter 6: Medieval History - 1
  • Chapter 7 "The Delhi Sultanate and Indo-Islamic Culture" in "Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals" by Satish Chandra
  • Chapter 13 "Religion and Philosophy in Medieval India" in "A Cultural History of India" by A. L. Basham

Related concepts:

  • Sufi Orders in India
  • Arab and Persian Influence on Indian Culture
  • Religious Syncretism
  • The Sayyid Dynasty
  • Persian Calligraphy

By studying these topics, sources, and concepts, one can gain a deeper understanding of Indian history, medieval Indian society and culture, and the various cultural influences that have shaped the country's history. This can help in answering questions such as the one given above about the Kulah-Daran.