Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes Amir Khusrau? I. He was a great poet and musician.
II. He introduced the qaul in Chishti Sama.
III. He was a disciple of Shaikh Muinuddin Sijzi.
IV. He laid the foundation of qawwali tradition.

• A. \( \text{II, III and IV are correct.} \)
• B. \( \text{I, II and IV are correct.} \)
• C. \( \text{I, III and IV are correct.} \)
• D. \( \text{I, II and III are correct.} \)

Hint:

Amir Khusrau + Nizamuddin Auliya = Inseparable bond. If you know they were contemporary and lived in Delhi, you can easily spot statement III as false.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:

• Amir Khusrau (1253–1325) was a legendary Sufi musician, poet, and scholar from the Delhi Sultanate period.
• He is often called 'Tuti-e-Hind' (Parrot of India) and is credited with blending Persian and Indian musical traditions.
• He was a devoted follower of the Chishti order.

Step 1: Verify statements I and IV regarding music and poetry
Khusrau was indeed a polymath who wrote extensively in Persian and Hindavi.
He is traditionally credited with the invention of the Sitar and the Tabla, and he formulated the modern 'Qawwali' format by combining Persian melody with Indian rhythms.

Step 2: Verify statement II regarding the 'qaul'
In the context of 'Sama' (Sufi musical gathering), Khusrau introduced the 'qaul'.
This is a hymn sang at the beginning and end of a qawwali session, typically starting with "Man Kunto Maula."

Step 3: Examine the lineage in statement III
Statement III is incorrect. Amir Khusrau was the most beloved disciple of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya of Delhi.
Shaikh Muinuddin Sijzi (Moinuddin Chishti) lived much earlier and was based in Ajmer.