Dhaka topi is a traditional Nepalese cap that has been integral to Nepalese culture for centuries. It is a symbol of national pride and has been worn by Nepalese men for generations. The cap is made from a distinctively patterned cloth called Dhaka, which is traditionally woven in Nepal. Dhaka topi is worn on various occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and other cultural events. In this article, we will explore Dhaka topi’s history, design, and significance.
History In Nepal
Dhaka topi is a headgear made of Dhaka cloth, a fine cotton fabric that was once exclusively imported from Dhaka, the present-day capital of Bangladesh. The cap became an integral part of the Nepalese national dress and a symbol of Nepalese nationality. It gained popularity during the reign of King Mahendra, who ruled between 1955 and 1972. He made wearing a Dhaka topi mandatory in Governmental photographs for passports and documents.
During King Mahendra‘s reign, Dhaka topis were rented out near Singha Durbar in Kathmandu. The cap was worn by Nepalese men and government officials as a part of the national dress. The badge of the kukri cross was worn on the cap, mainly by officials in Kathmandu or during visits to the Palace.
The credit for introducing Dhaka topi to Nepal also goes to Ganesh Man Maharjan. In the 1950s, he worked in a Jamdani factory and was inspired to learn the art of making Dhaka cloth when he saw Dambar Kumari, the daughter of Shree Teen Jung Bahadur Rana, wearing Dhaka clothes that she had brought back from Benares. After returning to his village in Palpa, Nepal, Ganesh Man Maharjan established a factory to produce Dhaka cloth in 1957. They started with one spool and one hand-operated Charkha spinning wheel, which they bought from Kathmandu. Local weavers were trained by Maharjan to produce the cloth, which was later used to make Dhaka topis in Nepal.
Dhaka topi is still made with a combination of cotton and silk or wool threads to create a beautiful, durable, desired design. The material used to make these traditional hats varies depending on the occasion and the wearer’s preference. A topi made with silk or wool thread is preferred for formal events, while a simpler cotton version may be suitable for casual gatherings.
In conclusion, the history of Dhaka topi is deeply intertwined with Nepalese culture and heritage. The high-quality muslin fabric produced in Dhaka, Bangladesh influenced the cap’s name and design. However, the credit for introducing the cap to Nepal goes to Ganesh Man Maharjan, who established a factory to produce Dhaka cloth in his native village. Today, the Dhaka topi continues to be an essential part of Nepalese culture and is worn with great pride and honor on various occasions.
Bhadgaunle Topi
Bhadgaunle Topi and Dhaka Topi are two different traditional hats worn in Nepal. It is a black or brown cap with a unique texture, while Dhaka Topi features intricate designs with multicolor threads in various patterns. While the former is associated with the cultural heritage of Bhaktapur, the latter is a symbol of Nepali identity and is often worn during cultural events and ceremonies. Generally, Brahmins and Chhetris men wear Bhadgaunle Topi.
Official men who wear Bhadgaunle Topi often pin a badge of the national emblem or khukuri, the national weapon, on the hat, which gives it a distinctive shine. On the other hand, men look astounding when they wear Dhaka Topi with a fresh and crisp Daura Suruwal, another traditional Nepalese garment. These hats hold cultural significance in Nepalese society and are worn on special occasions such as weddings and festivals.
Palpali Dhaka Topi
Palpali Dhaka Topi is made from exquisite Nettle fabric, which is handwoven using local cotton. The process of making Dhaka involves spinning, dyeing, and drying the yarn under the sun, before weaving it into beautiful patterns using handlooms. The Limbu and Rai women of Palpa and Tehrathum are known for their skill in weaving Dhaka, a practice that dates back to the Magarat era. In those days, almost every house in Palpa had a weaving machine, and home-woven Dhaka fabric was very popular. The advent of machine looms made from the Salla tree, which is commonly known as ‘Tangsing‘ in the Magar language. This tree is abundant in Palpa, and its headquarters is named after it – present-day Tansen. Today, it is rare to find such woven pieces, and the art of weaving Dhaka is slowly fading away.
Design Of Dhaka Topi
The Dhaka topi has a unique design that carries a symbolic meaning related to the mountains and the Himalayas of Nepal. The round base and height of 3 to 4 inches. It is said that the topi represents mountains after the melting of ice and the growth of greenery and flowers in the lower regions.
Significance of Dhaka Topi
The Dhaka topi may not dominate Nepalese fashion as it did in the past, but it still holds significant importance in Nepalese society and identity. While many Nepalis no longer wear a cap unless attending cultural events, it is still common to see men and women wearing costumes made in Dhaka regularly, especially on the streets of Kathmandu.
International Nepali Dhoti and Topi Day, celebrated by Nepali people globally on January 1st, is an event dedicated to keeping traditional Nepali fashion alive. On this day, Nepalis of Madhesi and Tharu ethnicity wear Dhoti, while all Nepali people wear Dhaka and Bhadgaunle topis. While topics are more commonly worn than the dhoti, Madhesis have used the opportunity to promote their unique identity, as they are often discriminated against in Nepal for not wearing the Dhaka topi.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Dhaka topi is more than just a hat. It is a symbol of Nepalese culture and identity, with a rich history that dates back centuries. The design of the Dhaka topi has evolved. Despite changes in fashion trends and the availability of modern clothing, the Dhaka topi remains an integral part of Nepalese society, and many Nepalese continue to wear it with pride.
