The Chistis in the Subcontinent
The Chistis, who came to India in the twelfth century, were the most significant group because they adapted to the local customs and surroundings.
Life in the Chishti Khanqah
- Social life was centred around khanqahs.
- The Delhi Hospice of Shaikh Nizamuddin was made out of a large hall and various apartments.
- Among the inmates were the Shaikh’s disciples and attendants as well as family members.
- A boundary wall encircled the compound, and a veranda encircled the courtyard.
- Open kitchen (langar) operated by futuh (charity).
- People came looking for discipleship from all walks of life.
- Poets Amir Hasan Sijzi and Amir Khusrau, as well as the royal historian Ziyauddin Barani, were among the guests.
- Assimilation of local customs was attempted through practices including yogic exercises, shaving the heads of initiates, kneeling before the Shaikh, and providing water to guests.
Chisti Devotionalism: Ziyarat and Qawwali
- Ziyarat is the pilgrimage to the tombs of Sufi saints. During this practice, one might ask for the spiritual grace (Barakat) of the Sufi.
- The most well-regarded one is that of Khwaja Muinuddin, also referred to as “Gharib Nawaz.”
- Its popularity stemmed from the Shaikh’s discipline and piety, the eminence of his spiritual successors, and the royal guests’ sponsorship.
- The first Sultan to visit the shrine was Muhammad bin Tughlaq, although Sultan Ghiyasuddin Khalji was the one who provided funding for its first construction.
- Akbar made fourteen visits to the shrine and bestowed copious gifts on it.
- Ziyarat also included the use of dance and music, particularly mystical chants delivered by qawwals, or specially trained musicians, to induce heavenly bliss.
- The Sufis invoke God’s Presence through sama (audition) or recite the Divine Names, zikr, in remembrance of him.
Languages and Communication
- People belonging to the Chishti silsila in Delhi spoke the local language, Hindavi.
- The Guru Granth Sahib has verses written by Sufis like Baba Farid in the regional tongue.
- Poetry by Sufis was written in and around Bijapur, Karnataka. These were brief poems written by Chishti Sufis in the Urdu dialect of Dakhani.
- This region’s sufis were influenced by the Kannada vachanas’ bhakti tradition.
Sufis and the State
- The political elites gave uninvited gifts and grants to the Sufis.
- The Sultans donated tax-free land (inam) and established benevolent trusts (auqaf).
- Donations such as food, clothing, housing, and other necessities were met with the help of these contributions.
- Because of the belief that the auliya may act as an intermediary between themselves and God, rulers frequently desired that their graves be located close to sufi shrines.
- Conflicts did, however, occasionally arise between the Sufis and the Sultans.
- Both required specific actions, including prostration and foot kissing, to be carried out to establish their dominance.
- Sufi Shaiks were frequently referred to by titles; for instance, Nizamuddin Auliya’s followers called him sultan-ul-mashaikh.
Poems of Prayer Early Traditions of Bhakti| Class 12 History Notes
This is a thorough guide for Class 12 History Notes, specifically for Chapter 6: “Poems of Prayer: Early Traditions of Bhakti.” We will explore the various religious beliefs and practices, discuss the Poems of Prayer Early Traditions of Bhakti, and much more!