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Amir Khusrau, a renowned poet, singer, and musician, is celebrated for his Sufi Kalams and contributions to Hindi Khariboli. A grand Sufi music festival, Jahaan-e-Khusrau, organised annually, honours his legacy
Amir Khusrau’s influence remains immeasurable, and his cultural legacy continues to inspire generations. (News18 Hindi)
Sufi songs and music have always transcended religious boundaries, with people from various faiths embracing them equally. Few are unfamiliar with the name of Amir Khusrau, a legendary figure whose legacy has endured across centuries. The influence of Sufi saints like Khusrau has only grown over time.
Amir Khusrau, poet, singer, musician, and lyricist, is particularly remembered for his Sufi Kalams. He composed numerous Qawwalis that are still performed today, and the art of expressing devotion through these soulful songs continues to thrive.
To celebrate the enduring legacy of Amir Khusrau, the grand Sufi music festival Jahaan-e-Khusrau will be held on February 28 at Sundar Nursery, a 16th-century heritage park complex adjacent to the Humayun’s Tomb, in Delhi.
This year marks the silver jubilee of the festival, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Known for his advocacy of India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, this will be the first time PM Modi attends this event.
Jahaan-e-Khusrau is an international festival that honours Sufi music, poetry, and dance, bringing together artists from around the globe. The festival is organized by the Rumi Foundation.
‘Chhap Tilak Sab Chheeni Re’
One of Amir Khusrau’s most famous Qawwalis is Chhap Tilak Sab Chheeni Re, written in Braj. In this Qawwali, Khusrau expresses that through his devotion to god and his guru, Nizamuddin Auliya, he has shed his worldly identity and status, no longer belonging to any caste, religion, or position. This song reflects Khusrau’s deep spiritual connection with his guru and his desire to dedicate his life in devotion at Auliya’s door.
Father Of ‘Khari Boli’
Amir Khusrau is also known as the ‘father of Hindi Khari Boli’. As the first Muslim poet to incorporate Hindi words into his poetry freely, Khusrau played a pivotal role in shaping the Hindi language. He was affectionately called ‘Hind ka Tota’ (The Parrot of India) for his fluency in multiple languages, including Hindi, Hindawi, and Persian.
Khusrau composed poems like Jab Yaar Dekha Nayan Bhar, Dil Ki Gayi Chinta Utar in Khari Boli, and wrote many clever riddles and Mukriyas in Hindi, such as Anar Kyon Na Chakha, Wazir Kyon Na Rakhya. He also contributed to the Persian-Hindi lexicon with his Khalikbari dictionary.
It is believed that Khusrau wrote the first Hindi poem in Khari Boli, which marked a significant development in the evolution of the language. His contributions also helped shape Hindi, which is a blend of Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, and various regional languages like Awadhi and Braj.
Born In Patiyali In 13th Century
Amir Khusrau was born Abul Hasan Yamunuddin Amir Khusrau on December 27, 1253 in the village of Patiyali in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district. His family had a long history of service to the royal court, and Khusrau lived during the reign of seven sultans. Locals believe that Khusrau was born in a fort or mansion that once belonged to King Drupada, as documented in historical texts.
In Khusrau’s birthplace, Patiyali, there are institutions named after him, including a school, library, and park. However, a controversy over politics prevented the installation of his statue, which was initially planned by the locals. The Khusrau Mahotsav in Patiyali, which began nearly two decades ago, was later discontinued.
Khusrau passed away in 1325, and his tomb is located next to the tomb of his spiritual guru in the Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi. Despite certain setbacks, Amir Khusrau’s influence remains immeasurable, and his cultural legacy continues to inspire generations.
