This cap covered in fine and elaborate zardozi would have most likely been used by a noble or aristocrat, for special occassions like a wedding. The painstaking technique and high-value materials of zardozi, which was popularised under the Mughal empire in the 17th century, restricted it to the upper classes or for special clothing or objects. Zardozi motifs up to the 20th century, such as the ones on this cap, show strong Mughal influences.
