July

This turban is of tall conical shape, formed from many wrapped layers of fine dark blue cotton or muslin, the ends of which are ornamented with silver thread. Presented by the East India Company, circa 1853.

HISTORY

The Akali turban also known as a Quoit turban or Dastar bunga – Fortress turban. These are the signature Turbans of the Akali Nihangs the vanguard warriors of the Sikhs since the inception of the Khalsa or fraternity of the pure.

The Akali turban or Dastar Bunga has been in the collections since 1853. It was most likely taken by the East India Company from the Toshkhana (Treasury) at Lahore, the capital of the Sikh Empire. It was originally sent to the Tower of London and eventually to the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

The depiction of the Akalis were a source of fascination to the British during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The Turbans composed of quoits (Chakrams) which protected them from sword thrusts and other miniature weapons were a sight to anyone who saw them. In battle they could draw on these for combat.

The Akalis were a walking army who wore weapons like clothes. They were adorned with swords, guns, punch daggers (Katars), and tiger claws (Bagh Nakkha). The 3D Sikh installation featuring this object was installed in The Royal Armouries, in 2023.