Chishti Devotionalism: Ziyarat and Qawwali
People visit the tombs of sufi saints, known as dargahs, to seek their spiritual blessings. One of the most revered dargahs is that of Khwaja Muinuddin, also called âGharib Nawazâ (comforter of the poor). Pilgrims have been visiting this shrine for over seven centuries, regardless of their backgrounds.
The dargah of Khwaja Muinuddin became famous in the fourteenth century due to the piety of its Shaikh and the patronage it received from rulers. Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq was the first Sultan to visit, but the construction of the tomb began later, in the fifteenth century. By the sixteenth century, it became a popular pilgrimage site, and even Emperor Akbar visited it multiple times.
Jahanara, the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan, also went on a pilgrimage to the dargah in 1643. She described her experience of praying, not sleeping on a leopard skin, and showing reverence to the tomb.
During these pilgrimages, music and dance are often used to evoke spiritual ecstasy. Sufis remember God through recitations and mystical music performances. This practice of seeking blessings and connecting with the divine through music and dance has been an important part of the Chishti tradition.
Chapter 6 The Chishtis in the Subcontinent| Class 12 History Notes
The Chishtis were a prominent Sufi group who migrated to India. They played a significant role in shaping Islamic spirituality in the Indian subcontinent. In this article, you will get detailed notes on The Chishtis in the Subcontinent from Chapter 6 of your Class 12 History textbook.
Chapter 6 The Chishtis in the Subcontinent| Class 12 History Notes