Turban

The wrapped cloth head covering known as a turban has been a marker of eminent religious and political status in the cultures of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent for centuries, and the importance of the turban in the religious identity of the Sikh community can be traced back to the beginnings of the tradition. In all likelihood, the early Gurus wore turbans to denote their status within the community; with the ascension of Guru Hargobind (1595–1644), however, we have specific references to the majesty of his turban representing a higher order of eminence than that of Jehangir, the Mughal emperor of the time.

The turban as a distinct marker of Sikh religious identity took a new turn during the period of Guru Gobind Singh (1661–1708), the last living Guru. As a result of the execution of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675), at the hands of the Mughal authorities and the subsequent confrontation with the administration, Guru Gobind Singh commanded his Sikhs to distinguish themselves by their uncut hair covered with turbans. Manuals of conduct written around 1700 that focus on detailing the personal and collective behavior expected of Sikhs highlight the importance of unshorn hair (kes) and how a male Sikh should tie his turban daily and keep it tidy to the utmost extent.

Over time, the turban has become the most overt symbol of male Sikh identity, and its color and shape can provide interesting sociological information. For example, the shape of a turban will distinguish urban Sikhs from rural Sikhs; the round and large turban with displays of weaponry reflect the practices of sectarian groups such as the Namdharis and the Nihangs; and the colors blue and white indicate political affiliation with religious and secular parties, the Akali Dal and Congress, respectively. Although women do not [Page 1310]wear turbans in the mainstream Sikh community, in sectarian groups such as the Akhand Kirtani Jatha and the largely American Sikh movement, 3HO, it is obligatory for women to wear a turban. These two groups have emerged during the 20th century, and this practice indicates their emphasis on both religious orthodoxy and gender equality.

Increasingly, debates regarding the place of the turban have become quite polemical. For instance, in the Punjab there is profound concern that young Sikhs under the influence of modernity and globalization are cutting their hair and are no longer interested in wearing turbans. Given these changing trends, efforts have been made to educate young Sikhs about their heritage and the importance of the turban. In some places, competitions are held in turban tying, with prizes given to the individual who ties the best-shaped turban.

The large migration of Sikhs overseas has created additional areas of concern regarding the preservation versus assimilation of Sikh heritage in new cultural contexts. For example, where local driving and safety laws require the use of helmets, as a result, problems have emerged given the logistical difficulty of wearing a turban and a helmet at the same time. Many Sikhs have demanded to be relieved of some of these obligations given the importance of the turban as a Sikh religious symbol. The turban has also been in the spotlight in the wake of the events surrounding September 11, 2001. Despite these pressures, the turban remains the preeminent symbol of the Sikh tradition.

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