Word Meaning
कुलाह
kulaah
hinoun, feminine
Meaning
A high cap, hat, or crown, especially worn by dervishes or nobles.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'kulah' refers to a tall cap or headgear, often contrasted with the royal crown ('taaj'). In this couplet, 'namad ki kulah' refers to the coarse felt cap worn by Sufi ascetics, preferred over imperial dominion. It signifies spiritual independence, ascetic pride, and complete detachment from worldly power.
Etymology
Persian (کلاہ - kulāh), meaning cap, bonnet, or tiara.
Usage
In classical ghazal, it is frequently juxtaposed with 'taaj' (the monarch's crown) to exalt spiritual poverty over temporal power.
Examples
He cast away the royal crown for a beggar's kulah.
The dervish bore a humble kulah upon his head.
Synonyms
टोपीताजकफ़िया
Related Words
ताजदस्तारनमदफ़क़ीरी