Seli-topi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A seli-topi is a traditional garment from Punjab. The word seli refers to a skein of twisted, woolen thread and a topi is a head-cap.[1] According to Bhagat Bedi, the seli was a black-string that was sometimes worn on the topi (hat) or on the neck (chhara) in a manner akin to a necklace or gatra.[2] The seli had five tassels attached to it.[3]
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History
Hinduism
The seli and topi play a role in the succession ceremony for the Vaishnavist religious institutions of Pindori and Damtal in Punjab, as a black woolen thread seli and a topi cap are received from the Jogi establishment of Jakhbar to be placed upon the new Mahant of the institutions, considered critically important items for the succession ceremony.[4] The garment can also be found amongst the Kabirpanthis.[3]
Sikhism
In Sikhism, the garment is associated with the early Sikh gurus and its wearing was continued by the Udasi sect.[5] At Cherisarma, near the Samye monastery, there is a peak-shaped mountain that locals believe to be the seli-topi of Guru Nanak.[6]
According to Jvala Singh, the seli topi was worn by the first five Sikh gurus rather than a turban.[7] It was only during the period of the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind, that the turban gained prominence amongst the Sikhs.[7] Guru Hargobind tied a turban rather than donning the traditional seli topi of the predecessory gurus.[7] Later, the practice of tying a turban became fully tied to Sikhs with the formalization of the Khalsa order by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.[7] According to Gurbilas Patshahi Chhevin, Guru Hargobind changed the custom of seli and topi to gatra and dumalla.[2] As per Giani Gian Singh, when Guru Hargobind was given the seli-topi (presented by Baba Buddha during his succession[8]), he remarked that he should be given two-swords instead and that the seli-topi be given to the Bedis instead. Baba Gurditta, son of Guru Hargobind, adorned the seli-topi.[9] A seli and topi in the possession of Baba Gurditta's descendants at Kiratpur is evidence that Sri Chand had passed them to Gurditta, with the guru's permission.[10] It is believed that on the occasion of the wedding Rup Kaur, daughter of Guru Har Rai, Mata Bassi presented Rup Kaur with five gifts, including Guru Nanak's seli and topi.[11]
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According to the Bedi Foundation, it was a custom to pass-on pothi-mala, the seli-topi and padam of Guru Nanak to the next Guru until Guru Ram Das, as Prithi Chand and the Minas stole the possessions.[12] The present custodians of the Pothimala institution in Guru Har Sahai claim to possess the seli-topi, made out of silk but damaged and having a protective outer case sewn to the original.[13][14][15] They practice a tradition of the Gaddi Nashin of Pothimala wearing the topi on New Sambat day every year.[13] Another seli-topi claimed to have been worn by the first five Sikh gurus is kept at the fort in Kartarpur, Jalandhar district, Punjab, India.[16][17]
Islam
The attire is worn by Sufis and also by fakirs of the school of Pir Bahaw Din.[18][19]
In artwork
Older, historical artwork of Guru Nanak frequently depicts him wearing a seli-topi.[18] At least three different types of topis have been depicted as being worn by Nanak in historical paintings.[2] Bhagat Singh Bedi has incorporated the seli-topi in his paintings, alongside a tilak and mala (rosary), depicting some Sikh gurus to increase their historical accuracy as opposed to commonplace anachronistic works.[2]
