Question

UPSC Prelims 2022 Question:

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

  1. 1. Arab merchants
  2. 2. Qalandars
  3. 3. Persian calligraphists
  4. 4. Sayyids

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4: Sayyids

Detailed Solution

Learn more about the Sayyid Dynasty in the given explanation below.

Explanation:

The Sayyids, who belonged to the theological class during the Delhi Sultanate era, were called as Kulah-Daran (cap-wearers). It was the distinctive pointed cap which gave them unique identity among the larger section of theologians who were generally referred to as Dastar-bandan (turban-wearers) which was their official head-dress.

The Sayyid Dynasty

  • The Sayyid dynasty (1414-1451) was the fourth dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, with four rulers ruling for 37 years. The first ruler of the dynasty, Khizr Khan, who was the Timurid vassal of Multan, conquered Delhi in 1414, while the rulers proclaimed themselves the Sultans of the Delhi Sultanate under Mubarak Shah, which succeeded the Tughlaq dynasty and ruled the Sultanate until they were displaced by the Lodi dynasty in 1451.
  • The Sayyid dynasty was a period of relative stability for the Delhi Sultanate, after the turmoil of the preceding Tughlaq dynasty. The Sayyid rulers were able to consolidate their power and expand their territory, bringing much of northern India under their control. They also patronized the arts and sciences, and built a number of impressive monuments, including the Khizr Khan Mosque and the Mubarak Shah's Tomb in Delhi.

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on December, 2025

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Interview Guidance Programme for expert help to crack your final UPSC stage.

UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now out.

UPSC Notification 2026 is scheduled to be released on January 14, 2026.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Vajiram Content Team
Vajiram Content Team
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹65000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹25000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹13000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now