Khulla basis for Turban Sikh soldiers 1942
€ 22,50
SKU
B877897
marked J. Collet Ltd 1942, OWD 780, size 21 1/2
The original Khulla’s were made of wicker or straw covered in cloth and were thus offered a reasonable hard type of cap. Into the 20th century these were produced solely in cloth, typically khaki, but versions in gray and blue can also be found.
Sikhs soldiers wore – and continue to wear – pagri that is wrapped around the head without a khulla. In both World War I and World War II it was common for these soldiers to forego wearing a steel helmet as a result.
By the start of World War II typically only Sikhs continued the tradition of wearing turbans into combat, although turbans of various styles are used in both India and Pakistan today.