Question

Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Amir Khusrau and the Qaul Amir Khusrau (1253-1325), the great poet, musician, and disciple of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya, gave a unique form to the Chishti ‘sama’ by introducing the qaul (Arabic word meaning “saying”), a hymn sung at the opening or closing of qawwali. This was followed by Sufi poetry in Persian, Hindavi, or Urdu, and sometimes using words from all of these languages. Qawwals (those who sing these songs) at the shrine of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya always start their recital with the qaul. Today, qawwali is performed in shrines all over the subcontinent.

1. What unique form did Amir Khusrau introduce to the Chishti ‘sama’? (1)
2. How did the Chishti Sufi traditions shape Amir Khusrau’s understanding of spirituality? (1)
3. Analyse the significance of Sufism in the qawwali performances. (2)

Answer 1

1. Amir Khusrau introduced the qaul (meaning “saying” in Arabic), a devotional hymn sung at the beginning or end of a qawwali performance, which gave a distinct identity to the Chishti tradition of sama.
2. As a disciple of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya, Khusrau followed the Chishti emphasis on devotion, music, and simple language, using Hindavi, Persian, and Urdu to communicate Sufi ideas through spiritual compositions.
3. Qawwali, rooted in Sufi spiritual tradition, conveys divine love through music and poetry. It usually begins with the qaul, symbolising devotion, and blends different languages and cultural influences to promote spiritual unity and deepen emotional connection in Sufi practices.