Life in the Chishti Khanqah
The khanqah served as the focal point of social life, exemplified by Shaikh Nizamuddin’s hospice in fourteenth-century Delhi, situated near the Yamuna River in Ghiyaspur. This complex consisted of several chambers and a large hall (jama’at khana), where residents and visitors prayed and lived. Inhabitants included the Shaikh’s family, attendants, and disciples. The Shaikh himself resided in a small rooftop chamber where he received visitors in the mornings and evenings. Surrounding the courtyard was a veranda, with a boundary wall enclosing the premises. During times of potential threat, such as the fear of Mongol invasion, neighboring people sought refuge in the khanqah.
The concept of a Wali (plural auliya), or friend of God, was central to Sufism, representing individuals claiming proximity to Allah and the ability to perform miracles through His grace (barakat).
Various activities took place within the hospice, including the operation of an open kitchen (langar) funded by unasked-for charity (futuh). People from diverse backgrounds, including soldiers, singers, merchants, poets, and travelers, visited throughout the day seeking discipleship, healing amulets, and the Shaikh’s intercession. Notable visitors included poets like Amir Hasan Sijzi and Amir Khusrau, as well as the court historian Ziyauddin Barani, who documented their experiences with the Shaikh.
Practices observed in the khanqah, such as bowing before the Shaikh, offering water to visitors, initiating disciples with head shavings, and engaging in yogic exercises, reflected efforts to incorporate local traditions.
Shaikh Nizamuddin appointed several spiritual successors and tasked them with establishing hospices across the subcontinent. Consequently, the teachings, practices, and influence of the Chishtis, along with the Shaikh’s renown, proliferated rapidly. This expansion attracted pilgrims not only to his shrine but also to the shrines of his spiritual predecessors.
Major Teachers of Chishti Silsila
| Sufi Teachers | Year of Death | Location of Dargah |
|---|---|---|
| Shaikh Muinuddin Sijzi | 1235 | Ajmer (Rajasthan) |
| Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki | 1235 | Delhi |
| Shaikh Fariduddin Ganj-i Shakar | 1265 | Ajodhan (Pakistan) |
| Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya | 1325 | Delhi |
| Shaikh Nasiruddin Chiragh-i Dehli | 1356 | Delhi |
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