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Amir Khusrau: The Legacy of India’s Sufi Poet & Musician

Amir Khusrau: The Legacy of India’s Sufi Poet & Musician


Introduction Amir Khusrau, a 13th-century poet, musician, and scholar, is one of India’s most revered historical figures. His contributions to literature, music, and the Sufi tradition have left a lasting impact on Indian culture. Often called the “Tuti-yi-Hind” (Parrot of India), Khusrau’s works reflect a unique fusion of Persian and Indian influences, shaping the literary and musical landscape of the subcontinent.

Who Was Amir Khusrau?

  • A Persian and Hindavi poet, court musician, and Sufi scholar.

  • Disciple of the renowned Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.

  • Served as a court poet under five Delhi Sultans: Muizuddin Qaiqabad, Jalaluddin Khalji, Alauddin Khalji, Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah, and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.

Family & Early Life

  • Born in 1253 CE in Patiyali, Uttar Pradesh.

  • His father was a Turkic noble from Central Asia, and his mother was an Indian Muslim.

  • Migrated to India due to the Mongol invasions of Transoxiana.

Amir Khusrau’s Contributions

Literary Contributions

  • Wrote in Persian and Hindavi, blending diverse cultural traditions.

  • Famous works include Masnavi (Nuh Siphir, Qiran-us-Saadain), ghazals, riddles, and folk poetry.

  • Developed riddles, proverbs, and playful verses, influencing early Hindi and Urdu literature.

Musical Legacy

  • Introduced Qawwali, merging Persian, Arabic, and Indian musical traditions.

  • Credited with crafting several ragas, khayal singing style, and bol-bant in Hindustani classical music.

  • Believed to have invented the sitar and tabla, though historical evidence remains debated.

Influence on Sufi Tradition & Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb

  • Advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity, fostering India’s syncretic culture.

  • His compositions are still sung at Sufi dargahs and religious gatherings.

  • Promoted the concept of love and devotion in Sufism, making it accessible to the common people.

Legacy & Enduring Influence

  • His Qawwalis, including Chhaap Tilak, Zehal-e-Maskeen, and Sakal Ban Phool Rahi Sarson, remain popular today.

  • Influenced later Persian, Urdu, and Hindi poets, shaping India’s composite cultural identity.

  • His grave lies near Nizamuddin Auliya’s dargah in Delhi, signifying their spiritual bond.

MCQs for UPSC CSE

  1. Who among the following was the disciple of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya? a) Mirza Ghalib
    b) Kabir
    c) Amir Khusrau
    d) Tulsidas
    Answer: c) Amir Khusrau

  2. Amir Khusrau is credited with which of the following musical innovations? a) Sitar and Tabla
    b) Sarod and Santoor
    c) Veena and Flute
    d) Harmonium and Dholak
    Answer: a) Sitar and Tabla

  3. Which language did Amir Khusrau primarily write in? a) Sanskrit
    b) Hindi
    c) Persian and Hindavi
    d) Arabic
    Answer: c) Persian and Hindavi

  4. Which famous Sufi festival is held in honor of Amir Khusrau? a) Jahan-e-Khusrau
    b) Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
    c) Basant Panchami
    d) Mahakumbh
    Answer: a) Jahan-e-Khusrau

Mains Question for UPSC CSE

Discuss the contributions of Amir Khusrau to Indian literature, music, and Sufi traditions. How did his works influence India’s composite culture?

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