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More model informationSMI 21: Akali Turban Date: Late 18thC/Early 19thC Punjab. Location: The Royal Armouries, Leeds Object number: XXVIA.60
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 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 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, with swords, guns, punch daggers (Kartars), and tiger claws (Bagh Nakkha).
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