Author: Unknown
•6:54 PM
By Annabelle Newton


The origin of the turban hat is found in the deserted plains of Rajasthan, rural India. This traditional headpiece is almost all that reminds us of the heritage of the once great Rajput monarchy. Safa, as the turbans are traditionally referred to, is a colorful, beaded piece of cloth that heralds the strong Indian culture. The pagari, an alternative name, is a long colorful cloth that was usually worn on the head by men. Other than its aesthetic appeal, the safa has other uses.

Most people know the safa as a traditional Middle Eastern hat. When worn on the head, it is a symbol of caste and class. It shows that the wearer demands respect and shows their place in life. Colored hats with intricate bead work may signify fun and vitality and are likely to be donned by young men. Older men show affluence by wearing safas with a single color and expensive fabric.

The religious nature attached to the pagari cannot be understated. In many Middle Eastern cultures, the traditional headband is worn for religious purposes. For instance, Sikhs who do not cut their hair in respect for God, keep it covered with a cloth. Muslims also wear the headpiece as a sign of their devotion and humility. The different color cloths hold different meanings to different individuals. A white safa signifies purity according to Islam, while the green one represents paradise.

With the knowledge that most days in Rajasthan are ruled by the scorching sun, it may puzzle an ordinary man why the need for additional clothing. The answer is simple. At night, the temperatures in the desert fall rapidly and it becomes necessary to have an additional piece of warmth. As the day breaks and the sun rises, the pagari is progressively tied to the upper layers of the head.

It is a common sight in Rajasthan to find individuals sleeping during the day or shading from the scorching sun. In such cases, the ten meter cloth is unwound from the head and used as a makeshift pillow. The material used to make the cloth is soft and cozy and is bound to provide a solace from the harsh weather conditions.

Traditional men use the headpiece to carry small objects that they cannot do without. In this case, the hat serves as a pocket. In it, you can find items such as knives, tobacco, money or pens. In towns, the headband has become a hiding place for pick pockets and small time thugs. Waiters, bartenders and restaurant attendants use the hat to conceal their tips.

Since much of Rajasthan is a desert, wells are common. It is possible to find wells that are as deeps as fifteen to twenty meters. Men use their head gear to draw and strain water from the wells. The lengthy piece of cloth is unwound and connected to a metal bucket and used to draw water.

In terms of defense, the turban hat could also be used as an armament. An ancient rogue religious sect known as the Thugees, was particularly notorious for asphyxiating travelers and robbing strangers. Furthermore, the cloth can also serve as a sling.




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