Amir Khusro – Brief Life history

From Balban to Muhammad Tughlaq, Amir Khusro saw the reign of ten to eleven sultans/kings. He through his poetry and music enriched the culture of Indian subcontinent. He was very intelligent and learned man.

Brief Life History of Amir Khusro

Family and Birth of Amir Khusro:

Amir Khusro belonged to the tribe of Turks. His father Amir Saif-ud-Din Mehmood came to India from Balkh after Changez Khan attacked the home city. His father was married to the daughter of Nawab Imad ul Mulk. Amir Khusro was born at town Patiali in district Eeta. Year of his birth is 1253 A.D. His father died, when he was eight years old. His grandfather arranged for his education. At the age of twenty, he learnt Arabic, Persian and other fields of learning prevalent at that time. He was attracted towards poetry and music. The son of Ghias-ud-din Balban (Prince Muhammad) acknowledged him a lot. Amir Khusro remained in captivity for two years when the wars waged between Prince Muhammad and the Mughals. After emancipation Amir Khusro held high ranks in the courts of kings.

Amir Khusro’s writings:

Amir Khusro was a great poet of Persian. He has wriiten many books on poetry in Persian language. Even Iranians consider his poetry to be of high standard. Amir Khusro is considered as the first poet of Urdu language. He was also a great writer of Urdu.

Amir Khusro and Music:

Like other forms of learning, he excelled in Music as well. He invented many tones and “Raags” by mixing Irani and Indian music. He totally changed the face of music in northern India which is still being followed. He is the founder of Qawwali (a form of singing allowed in Islam). According to some historians, Sitar is also invented by him. His famous melodies and Raags are given below.

• Qol
• Shahana
• Sahela
• Baseet
• Tarana
• Nigar
• Khayal

These are still prevalent in the world.

Love of Amir Khusro with Hazrat Nizam-ud-Din Auliya

Amir Khusro was very respectful towards his spiritual master Hazrat Nizam-ud-Din Auliya. Hazrat Nizam-ud-Din Auliya also had affection with him. So, alongwith apparent arts, Amir Khusro also covered the distance of spiritual art. He had perfection in many fields of life.

Death of Amir Khusro:

Hazrat Nizam-ud-Din Auliya died in 1325 A.D (725 Hijri). Amir Khusro had such an attachment and respect towards his master that he could not bear this lose. Amir Khusro died few months after the death of his spiritual master. He is buried near the Shrine of Hazrat Nizam-ud-Din Auliya.