The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), established in 1861, oversees archaeological research and the preservation of historical monuments in India. Key functions include excavation, conservation, and management of over 3,600 protected sites. Significant laws include the 1904 and 1958 acts, enhancing ASI’s role in safeguarding India’s cultural heritage.
Category: Art and Culture
Sati was a social practice in India involving widow self-immolation, primarily in Rajasthan and Bengal, seen as an act of devotion but often coerced. Lord William Bentinck abolished Sati in 1829, influenced by reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy, marking significant progress in women’s rights and social reform under British rule.
Shaikh Ruknuddin Abul Fath was a prominent Sufi saint of the Suhrawardi Order in India. He was also known as Shaikh Ruknuddin Rukn-e-Alam. He was the grandson of Shaikh Bahauddin Zakariya. He was also his spiritual successor. He played a crucial role in spreading Sufism in the Delhi Sultanate period. 1. Early Life and Background […]
Shaikh Bahauddin Zakariya was a significant Sufi saint of the Suhrawardi Order who emerged in medieval India, particularly during the Delhi Sultanate. Born in 1182, he emphasized Islamic law, social service, and maintained ties with rulers. His legacy endures through his teachings and his tomb in Multan, a Sufi pilgrimage site.
The Suhrawardi Order was a prominent Sufi movement that emerged in India during the medieval period. Unlike the Chishti Order, which focused on detachment from political power, the Suhrawardi saints maintained close relations with rulers. They actively participated in state affairs. 1. Origin and Founder ✔ The Suhrawardi Order was founded by Shaikh Shihabuddin Suhrawardi […]
Amir Khusrau (1253-1325) was a prominent poet, musician, and scholar of the Delhi Sultanate, credited as the “Father of Qawwali.” Born to a Turkish noble and Indian Rajput in Uttar Pradesh, he was a devoted disciple of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya. His works, written in Persian, Arabic, and Hindavi, were heavily influenced by Sufism, contributing significantly to both literature and music, introducing forms like Tarana. Khusrau’s legacy remains vital in Indian cultural, musical, and literary traditions, even after his death in 1325.
Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It combines spiritual poetry with music, creating a powerful medium of worship and devotion. 1. Origin and History ✔ Developed in the 13th century with the rise of Sufism in India.✔ Amir Khusrau, a disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, is credited with […]
Salim Chishti, a prominent Sufi saint of the Chishti order, was born in 1478 CE in Sikri. Revered by Emperor Akbar, he predicted the birth of Akbar’s son, Salim (later Jahangir), enhancing the Mughal faith in Sufism. Akbar erected a stunning white marble mausoleum in Fatehpur Sikri, which is now a significant pilgrimage site. Chishti advocated love, charity, and religious tolerance, influencing Akbar’s principle of Sulh-e-Kul, and leaving a lasting impact on Mughal history and culture.
Nizamuddin Auliya, a revered Sufi saint of the Chishti Order born in 1238 CE, significantly influenced the spiritual landscape of medieval India through his teachings on love, devotion, and humanism. Known for his simplicity, he rejected materialism and advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity. His Dargah in Delhi is a major pilgrimage site. Auliya’s legacy includes famous disciples like Amir Khusrau, and his teachings greatly impacted Indian culture and the Bhakti Movement.
Baba Farid, also known as Fariduddin Ganjshakar, was a renowned Sufi saint of the Chishti Order in India. He played a key role in spreading Sufism in Punjab and is highly revered in both India and Pakistan. His teachings emphasized devotion, love, humility, and service to humanity. 1. Early Life of Baba Farid ✔ Born: […]