Ask those who were born at the turn of the last century or later what Rampur in Uttar Pradesh is famous for, and the answer invariably would be – knives.
Known as Rampuri knives, these foldable knives were frequently used by criminals throughout the country. These were made more famous, or infamous, by Hindi movies and songs.
But, there is more to Rampur than knives.
Over a century ago, the princely state of Rampur also became the origin of something diametrically opposite to the knife — the white Gandhi cap.
If the knife symbolised violence, crime, bloodshed, terror and brute power, the Gandhi cap has become an emblem of non-violence, peace, love, austerity, patriotism and unity.
After India gained Independence, there came a time when fewer and fewer people stopped wearing the Gandhi cap. But it is still associated with the political class, especially in
— source newsclick.in | Rohit Ghosh | 02 Oct 2021