sola topi

English

Etymology

From the shola or sola plant (Aeschynomene aspera, L.) -- whose pith is used -- and "topi" or "tope", Hindi for "hat". The pith helmet was popularised by the British colonials who wore them while inspecting farms or travelling. The reason for using sola as the material for the hat is its lightness and as insulator of heat so that maximum comfort is derived for the protection of the head from the scorching heat of the sun in tropical country.

Noun

sola topi

1. A pith helmet
   • 1988, Alan Hollinghurst, The Swimming Pool Library, (Penguin Books, paperback edition, page 96)

     In some Charles appeared, in shorts and sola topi, flanked by robed, shock-headed men of intense blackness.