The Sindhi cap, locally called Sindhī ṭopī (Sindhi: سنڌي ٽوپي) rarely known as the Sindhi Kufi,[1] is a skullcap worn predominantly by Sindhis in Sindh, Pakistan. Together with Ajrak, the Sindhi cap is regarded as an essential part of Sindhi culture.[2][3][4]
The Sindhi cap originated during the time of the Kalhoras[5] It was widely worn in Sindh by all except religious people, who wore the turban.[5] It was primarily associated with the higher classes, both Sindhi Muslims and Sindhi Hindus, especially the Amil caste.[6]
In Sindhi culture, the Sindhi cap is often given as a gift or as a sign of respect, along with the traditional Ajrak.[7] 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.[8]
The Sindhi cap, along with Ajrak, is specially celebrated on Sindhi Cultural Day, which was originally named Sindhi Topi Day.[9] 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. The following year, the day was renamed Sindhi Cultural Day.[9][8]
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The hat is a cylindrical skullcap with an arch-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 sewn into it.[10]