Amir Khusrau and Sufism

Indian Heritage & Culture

Amir Khusrau and Sufism

For Prelims: Amir Khusrau, Sufism, Khayal, Hindustani Music, Bhakti Movement, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
For Mains: Contributions of Amir Khusrau, Spread of Sufism and its Impacts in India

Why in News?

The Prime Minister recently praised Amir Khusrau and Sufism, recognizing them as key elements of India’s pluralistic heritage.

Who is Amir Khusrau?

• About: Amir Khusrau was a 13th-century Sufi poet and musician, often referred to as Tuti-yi-Hind, or the 'Parrot of India.' His birth name was Abu'l Hasan Yamin ud-Din Khusrau, and he was born in Patiali, Etah district, Uttar Pradesh.
• Contributions: Khusrau made enduring contributions to Indian classical music, Sufi qawwali, and Persian literature.
  • Language: He is credited with developing Hindavi, a precursor to modern Hindi and Urdu. His literary works, which include Divans (poetry collections), Mathnawis (narrative poetry), and treatises, blended Persian, Arabic, and Indian traditions, enriching India’s linguistic heritage.
  • Music: Khusrau created new ragas and developed musical forms such as Khayal (a classical Hindustani music style) and Tarana (a rhythmic, fast-paced vocal composition). He is also said to be one of the first to popularize the ghazal and qawwali, both of which became central to Sufi music traditions. Additionally, he is believed to have invented musical instruments like the sitar and tabla.
  • Role in the Delhi Sultanate: Khusrau served five Sultans over five decades, including Muiz ud-Din Qaiqabad, Jalaluddin Khalji, Alauddin Khalji, Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah, and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji bestowed upon him the title of Amir to honor his literary excellence.
  • Sufi Influence: Khusrau was deeply influenced by his spiritual mentor, Nizamuddin Auliya, whose teachings shaped much of his poetry and music.

What is Sufism?

• About: Sufism is the mystical and spiritual aspect of Islam, emphasizing inner purification, love, and a direct connection with God (Allah). Emerging between the 7th and 10th centuries CE, Sufism arose as a response to rigid institutionalized religion. It prioritizes devotion, self-discipline, and renunciation of materialism to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
• Core Practices: Sufis are organized into communities centered around khanqahs (spiritual centers), led by a master (shaikh or pir). They follow silsilas (spiritual lineages) linking disciples to God and use practices like zikr (remembrance of God), sama (musical recitals), and Fana-o-Baqa (dissolution of the self for union with God) to experience mystical ecstasy.
• Sufism in India: Sufism gained prominence in India during the 13th and 14th centuries, spreading messages of compassion and love for all, exemplified by the concept of Sulh-e-Kul (universal peace).
• Sufi Orders in India: By the 12th century, Sufis had organized themselves into 12 major orders or silsilas. Notable ones include:
  • Chishti Order: Founded by Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, it is the most influential Sufi order in India, associated with figures such as Akbar, Qutbuddin Bhaktiyar Kaki, Nizamuddin Auliya, and Amir Khusrau.
  • Suhrawardi Order: Founded by Bahauddin Zakaria in Multan, this order embraced state support and emphasized the combination of religious knowledge with mysticism.
  • Naqshbandi Order: Emphasizing adherence to Shariat, the Naqshbandi order opposed innovations like musical assemblies and pilgrimages to saints’ tombs. Emperor Aurangzeb followed this order.
  • Rishi Order (Kashmir): Founded by Shaikh Nuruddin Wali, this order was inspired by the Shaivite bhakti tradition and flourished in Kashmir.
• Impact of Sufism:
  • Religious: Sufism emphasized personal devotion and equality, contributing to Hindu-Muslim coexistence.
  • Social: Sufism attracted marginalized groups and weakened caste hierarchies, with khanqahs and madrasas serving as centers of learning.
  • Cultural: Sufi music, particularly qawwali, and Sufi poetry, contributed to Indian music and vernacular literature.
  • Political: The concept of Sulh-i-Kul influenced Akbar’s policies of religious tolerance. Rulers also patronized Sufis to consolidate their authority.

Similarities Between Bhakti and Sufi Movements

Aspect	Bhakti Movement	Sufi Movement
Core Belief	Devotion to a personal God (Saguna/Nirguna Bhakti)	Love for God (Ishq-e-Haqiqi) and inner purification
Rejection of Rituals	Opposed Brahminical dominance and elaborate rituals	Offered an alternative to orthodox Islamic legalism
Emphasis on Love and Devotion	Bhakti as a path to liberation (Moksha)	Love as a means to unite with God (Fana – merging with God)
Simple Language for Masses	Used vernacular languages (Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, etc.)	Composed poetry in Hindavi, Persian, and Urdu
Music and Poetry	Bhajans and Kirtans (Mirabai, Tulsidas)	Qawwalis and Sufi poetry (Amir Khusrau, Rumi)

Conclusion
Amir Khusrau’s contributions to literature, music, and Sufism exemplify India’s pluralistic and syncretic cultural heritage. His works bridged Persian and Indian cultures, while Sufism, alongside the Bhakti movement, promoted social harmony and integration. These movements played a pivotal role in shaping India’s composite cultural and religious identity.

Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the contributions of Sufism in shaping India’s cultural and social heritage.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)

1. Saint Nimbarka was a contemporary of Akbar.
2. Saint Kabir was greatly influenced by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)

Q. With reference to the religious history of medieval India, the Sufi mystics were known to pursue which of the following practices? (2012)

1. Meditation and control of breath.
2. Severe ascetic exercises in a lonely place.
3. Recitation of holy songs to arouse a state of ecstasy in their audience.
   Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Mains
Q. Evaluate the nature of Bhakti Literature and its contribution to Indian culture. (2021)

Q. Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. (2014)

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