Amir Khusrau (1253–1325) was a poet, musician, and scholar of the Delhi Sultanate. He is often called the “Father of Qawwali” and played a key role in developing Hindustani classical music.
1. Early Life
✔ Born in Patiali, Uttar Pradesh in 1253.
✔ His father was a Turkish noble, and his mother was an Indian Rajput.
✔ He became a disciple of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.
2. Contributions to Literature
✔ Wrote in Persian, Arabic, and Hindavi.
✔ His poetry was deeply influenced by Sufism.
✔ Famous Works:
- Tughlaqnama – History of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- Khazain-ul-Futuh – Military achievements of Alauddin Khalji
- Ashiqa – Love story of Deval Devi and Khizr Khan
✔ Introduced Riddle (Paheli) and Rhyme (Qissa-Khwani) traditions in Hindi.
3. Contributions to Music
✔ Developed Qawwali by blending Persian and Indian music.
✔ Credited with inventing the Sitar and Tabla.
✔ Introduced Tarana (fast-paced vocal music) in classical music.
✔ Played a major role in the growth of Khyal and Ghazal singing styles.
4. Role in the Delhi Sultanate
✔ Served as a court poet to multiple sultans, including Alauddin Khalji and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
✔ Wrote historical accounts of wars, conquests, and administration.
5. Association with Nizamuddin Auliya
✔ Devoted disciple of the Sufi saint.
✔ His poetry reflects Sufi ideals of love and devotion.
✔ After his master’s death, Khusrau refused food and water and died within months.
6. Death and Legacy
✔ Died in 1325 and was buried near Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi.
✔ Remembered as the “Parrot of India” (Tuti-e-Hind).
✔ His influence can still be seen in Indian music, poetry, and Sufi traditions.
7. MCQs on Amir Khusrau
- Who is known as the “Parrot of India”?
- (a) Tulsidas
- (b) Kabir
- (c) Amir Khusrau
- (d) Bulleh Shah
- Answer: (c) Amir Khusrau
- Which musical instrument is credited to Amir Khusrau?
- (a) Veena
- (b) Tabla
- (c) Shehnai
- (d) Sarangi
- Answer: (b) Tabla
- Amir Khusrau was a disciple of which Sufi saint?
- (a) Moinuddin Chishti
- (b) Salim Chishti
- (c) Nizamuddin Auliya
- (d) Baba Farid
- Answer: (c) Nizamuddin Auliya
- Amir Khusrau’s “Tughlaqnama” is a historical account of which ruler?
- (a) Alauddin Khalji
- (b) Balban
- (c) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- (d) Muhammad bin Tughlaq
- Answer: (c) Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq
- Which form of music did Amir Khusrau introduce?
- (a) Tarana
- (b) Bhajan
- (c) Dhrupad
- (d) Thumri
- Answer: (a) Tarana
8. Subjective Questions on Amir Khusrau
- Discuss the literary and musical contributions of Amir Khusrau.
- Describe the relationship between Amir Khusrau and Nizamuddin Auliya.
- How did Amir Khusrau influence the cultural development of medieval India?
- Explain the impact of Amir Khusrau’s works on Indian classical music.
- Analyze the historical importance of Amir Khusrau’s writings in the Delhi Sultanate.
9. Conclusion
✔ Amir Khusrau was a polymath who contributed to music, poetry, and history.
✔ His innovations in Qawwali, Sitar, and Hindustani music continue to shape Indian culture.
✔ He remains an iconic figure in Indian Sufi traditions and literature.
This topic is important for UPSC, SSC, State PSC, and other competitive exams. Let me know if you need mind maps, timelines, or additional details! 🚀
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