Syllabus: GS1/History
Context
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Sufi music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau 2025.
About
- Jahan-e-Khusrau Festival:
- International festival dedicated to Sufi music, poetry, and dance.
- Celebrates the legacy of Amir Khusrau.
- Brings together artists from across the world.
- Organized by the Rumi Foundation.
- Founded by filmmaker and artist Muzaffar Ali in 2001.
- During the festival, the Prime Minister also visited TEH Bazaar (TEH: The Exploration of the Handmade), which showcased One District-One Product crafts and exquisite artifacts from across India.
Amir Khusrau – He was the most beloved disciple of the Chishti Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya. – He started out in the service of princes and nobles, before becoming a permanent fixture in the court of the Delhi Sultan. 1. In mediaeval Islamic culture, praise poetry was one of the principal means for a ruler to establish and propagate his cultural and political legitimacy. 2. Khusrau served at least five Sultans — Muizuddin Qaiqabad, Jalaluddin Khalji, Alauddin Khalji, Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah, and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. – He wrote in Persian, the language of the court, as well as Hindavi. – Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji bestowed upon Khusrau the title of ‘Amir’. 1. He also bestowed him with the sobriquet of Tuti-yi-Hind, the ‘Parrot of India’, title. – Legacy: Khusrau made lasting contributions to Indian classical music and qawwali, and is also credited for developing Hindavi, a precursor to modern Hindi and Urdu. 1. He is also credited with crafting dozens of ragas and creating ornate khayal music. |
About Sufism and Its Origin
- Sufism is a mystic dimension of Islam which formally originated in the Middle East between the ninth and tenth centuries.
- Mysticism is a religious practice in which people search for truth, knowledge and closeness to God through meditation and prayer.
- It focuses on inner purity, love, and devotion for salvation.
- Historically, Sufism flourished in Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Turkey, and Arabia.
- Origin in India: Sufism came to India in the 11th and 12th centuries, after the arrival of Islam via the Arab trading community in South India.
- The tradition draws from Persian, Turkish, Urdu, Sindhi, Pashto, and Punjabi literature.
Sufism’s Influence in India
- Sufis contributed to spirituality, poetry, and music in India.
- Key figures like Moinuddin Chisti, Nizamuddin Auliya, Amir Khusrau, and Kabir shaped the Bhakti movement, merging Hindu and Sufi practices.
- Saints like Namdev, Tukaram, and Guru Nanak Dev integrated Sufi and Hindu devotion.
Key Sufi Orders in India
- Chisti Order: Introduced by Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chisti in Ajmer, India.
- Influential figures: Nizamuddin Auliya, Nasiruddin Chiragh, Sheikh Burhanduddin Gharib, Mohd Banda Nawaz.
- Suhrawardi Order: Emphasized property, knowledge, and mystical enlightenment.
- Prominent in Punjab and Multan; did not advocate for extreme austerity.
- Naqshbandi Order: Introduced by Khawaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi, focused on silent meditation.
- They viewed the human-God relationship as that of a slave and master, observed Shariah law, and opposed Emperor Akbar’s liberal policies.
- Qadri Order: Established during Mughal rule, popular in Punjab.
- Believed in the unity of God and creation (Wahdat-al-Wajood).
- Key figures: Mughal princess Jahanara and Dara, prominent Qadri disciples.
Sufism Through Music
- Music in Sufism plays a key role in spiritual connection and transformation.
- It helps induce states of ecstasy and deep devotion, facilitating a closer communion with God.
- Key aspects include:
- Sama: Spiritual music and dance that lead to mystical union.
- Whirling Dervishes: Dance accompanied by music to symbolize the soul’s journey toward God.
- The act of spinning reflects the mystical experience of Fana (annihilation of the self) and Baqa (remaining in God).
- Poetry and Song: Sufi poetry is often sung, expressing love and devotion to the Divine.
- Sufi poets like Rumi, Hafiz, and Bulleh Shah wrote poetry that is often sung or recited during Sufi gatherings.
- Healing Power: Music is believed to bring emotional balance and peace.
- Dhikr: Music enhances the Dhikr (remembrance of God), helping to focus the mind and open the heart.
Significance of Sufism in India
- Sufi saints attracted followers from both Hindu and Muslim communities.
- It facilitated the co-existence of Hindu shrines and Muslim asthans, with mutual respect and reverence.
- Indigenous Sufis fused practices with local traditions, promoting religious tolerance and respect.
- Their teachings inspire seekers of truth and embody the philosophy of ‘Vasudev Kutumba” (universal family) and “Let all beings be at peace.”
Terms Related to Sufism – Tariqa: Spiritual path or order followed by Sufi practitioners. – Pir: A saint. – Sheikh (Murshid): Spiritual guide or teacher in Sufism. – Murid: A disciple or follower of a Sufi order. – Khanqah: A Sufi lodge or retreat for spiritual practices. – Qalb: The heart, spiritual center of understanding. – Wali: A saint or friend of God. – Muraqaba: Meditation or contemplation on God’s presence. |
Source: IE
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