25th Anniversary of Jahan-e-Khusrau Sufi Music Festival

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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