UPSC CSE Prelims 2022

Medieval Social Stratification

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

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

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Medieval terminology often reflects the social or professional identity of groups through their attire or specific cultural practices. 'Kulah' refers to a cap.

Explanation The Sayyids, who claimed descent from the Prophet Muhammad, held a high social status in the Delhi Sultanate. They were distinguished by their pointed caps, leading to the designation 'Kulah-Daran' (wearers of the cap).

Logical Breakup

Logic 1: The term is Persian in origin: 'Kulah' (cap) + 'Dar' (holder/wearer).

Logic 2: Options A, B, and C refer to groups known by other specific titles (e.g., Qalandars for wandering dervishes), but the specific visual marker of the 'Kulah' was associated with the elite Sayyid class.

Active Recall

Question

Why did the Sayyids maintain a distinct dress code like the Kulah?

Answer

As descendants of the Prophet's family, they used distinct markers to emphasize their religious authority and social prestige within the nobility.

Core Insight

Attire in the Sultanate era served as a visual hierarchy, distinguishing religious and racial elites from the general population.

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

Solution & Analysis

Active Recall

Core Insight

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