
The Sindhi cap, also known as the Sindhī ṭopī () rarely known as the Sindhi Kufi ( sd, سنڌي ڪفي), is a skullcap worn predominantly by
Sindhis in
Sindh
Sindh (; ; ur, , ; historically romanized as Sind) is one of the four provinces of Pakistan. Located in the southeastern region of the country, Sindh is the third-largest province of Pakistan by land area and the second-largest province ...
,
Pakistan. Together with
Ajrak or
Saraiki Ajrak, the Sindhi cap is regarded as an essential part of
Sindhi Saraiki culture
Saraiki culture is the culture of the Saraiki people, residing in Pakistan and outside Pakistan.
Religion
Almost 99% population in South-Punjab region is Muslim. Islam came to this region with the Arab conquest of Sindh in eighth centur ...
, and
Balochi culture.
History
The Sindhi cap originated during the time of the
Kalhoras, but came into general use under the
Talpurs.
It was widely worn in Sindh by all except religious persons, who wore the
turban.
It was primarily associated with the higher classes, both Sindhi Muslims and
Sindhi Hindus, specially the
Amil caste.
In Sindhi culture, the Sindhi cap is often given as a gift or as a sign of respect, along with the traditional
Ajrak.
Hand-woven Sindhi caps are a product of hard labour, and are primarily produced in
Tharparkar,
Umerkot,
Sanghar and other districts of the
Mirpurkhas division of
Sindh
Sindh (; ; ur, , ; historically romanized as Sind) is one of the four provinces of Pakistan. Located in the southeastern region of the country, Sindh is the third-largest province of Pakistan by land area and the second-largest province ...
.
The Sindhi cap, along with Ajrak, is specially celebrated on
Sindhi Cultural Day
Sindhi Cultural Day ( sd, سنڌي ثقافتي ڏھاڙو) is a popular Sindhi cultural festival. It is celebrated with traditional enthusiasm to highlight the centuries-old rich culture of Sindh. The day is celebrated each year in the firs ...
, which was originally named ''Sindhi Topi Day''.
In December 2009, for the first time ''Sindhi Topi Day'' was celebrated in Pakistan’s Sindh province to celebrate the Sindhi cap, and Sindhi culture in general, where the following year the day was renamed to Sindhi Cultural Day.
Description
The hat is a cylindrical skullcap with an
arch
An arch is a vertical curved structure that spans an elevated space and may or may not support the weight above it, or in case of a horizontal arch like an arch dam, the hydrostatic pressure against it.
Arches may be synonymous with vaul ...
shaped cut-out on the frontal side. Often worn with the
Ajrak, the hat is embroidered with intricate geometrical designs with small pieces of mirrors or
gemstones sewed into it.
See also
*
Culture of Sindh
*
Sindhi Cultural Day
Sindhi Cultural Day ( sd, سنڌي ثقافتي ڏھاڙو) is a popular Sindhi cultural festival. It is celebrated with traditional enthusiasm to highlight the centuries-old rich culture of Sindh. The day is celebrated each year in the firs ...
*
Ajrak
References
External links
{{Hats
Pakistani headgear
Pakistani clothing
Indian headgear
Indian clothing
Sindhi culture
Caps