Bhadgonly topi now a days, we rarely make
those kinds and besides we are costlier then the normal
ones we make, which are machine-embroidered This topi has
been found to be mostly used by commoners rather than aristocrats
in the past. According to the cap makers, during the times
of their fathers and grandfathers, the transactions of the
caps were done at the local level. Chronicler Purushottom
Lochan adds, "As these caps had not been mentioned
or depicted in any sculptures photographs and scripts related
to royal families and other higher classes, we can draw
the conclusion that these topies had been mostly used by
the common people."
Bhadgaonly topi with its artistic humps and
troughs, might have served the common citizen's social chivalry,
the one that had not been derived from the higher class.
By evaluating its history and its prevalent use amongst
the commoners, the Bhadgaonly topi earns a perfect name
for itself- the people's cap.
Producers say that during the Panchayat system,
the soldiers did maximum use of the topi, as it had been
an essential part of their uniform. A special design of
the topi's had been made for the army. Though uses of such
caps were stopped latter the design still lived on and today
is being used as the uniform cap for the boys Scouts of
Nepal.
This Topi has spread throughout the nation.
Everybody is making its use, irrespective of his status
or caste. It remains as important accessory of the government
officers to this day, Bhadgaonley topi has even been recognized
as the national cop of Nepal along with the Dhaka Topi.
Yet the makers claim the market of these caps to be tumbling
day by day. Till some years back, people from every culture
or tradition around world has a specific headgear of its
own. The headgear symbolizes the respect and dignity one
possesses. It also represents the tradition our ancestors
have left for us to continue.
As we shed the old skins and move ahead in
development, there likes no necessity of abandoning al the
old whole embracing everything new. It is best to carry
them along as they can act as reminiscences, which would
help us realize who we really were and how far we have reached.
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