Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Nizamuddin Auliya
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on the spiritual affiliation of Amir Khusrow, one of India's most celebrated medieval poets and musicians. Khusrow's life and works are closely connected to the Chishti Sufi order in Delhi, and he is particularly known for his devotion to a specific Sufi saint. Knowing this disciple–master relationship is a common requirement in questions on medieval cultural history and Sufism.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question asks for the Sufi saint under whom Amir Khusrow became a disciple.
- Options include Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Nizamuddin Auliya, Asadulla Beg and Sheikh Salim Chishti.
- It is assumed that you remember Khusrow's association with the Chishti order in Delhi.
Concept / Approach:
Amir Khusrow was a devoted disciple of the great Chishti Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya of Delhi. Khusrow often wrote in praise of his spiritual master and is remembered as one of Nizamuddin Auliya's closest and most beloved murids (disciples). Mirza Ghiyas Beg and Asadulla Beg are unrelated figures, and Sheikh Salim Chishti is a different Sufi saint associated with Fatehpur Sikri, not the central figure in Khusrow's spiritual life. Thus, among the options, Nizamuddin Auliya is the correct choice.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Amir Khusrow lived during the Delhi Sultanate period and was associated with the Chishti Sufi order.
Step 2: Recognize that Nizamuddin Auliya was the most prominent Chishti saint in Delhi at that time and served as Khusrow's spiritual guide.
Step 3: Understand that Mirza Ghiyas Beg and Asadulla Beg do not have a well-known disciple relationship with Khusrow.
Step 4: Note that Sheikh Salim Chishti was a later Chishti saint connected with Akbar and Fatehpur Sikri, not Khusrow's mentor. Therefore, Nizamuddin Auliya is the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by recalling popular anecdotes and verses where Khusrow expresses deep devotion to Nizamuddin Auliya, including the famous saying that he could not be separated from his master even in death. Historical records and hagiographies consistently identify Khusrow as Nizamuddin Auliya's disciple, leaving little doubt about this spiritual relationship.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, is better known as the father of Nur Jahan, a Mughal empress, and has no direct role as Khusrow's Sufi guide. Option C, Asadulla Beg, is not widely recognized in standard accounts of Khusrow's life. Option D, Sheikh Salim Chishti, though a revered Sufi of the Chishti order, belongs to the time of Akbar and is not recorded as Khusrow's master. Hence, these options are historically unfounded in this context.
Common Pitfalls:
A frequent confusion is between different Chishti saints, especially when they share similar titles like “Chishti”. Students may also mix up Mughal-period personalities with earlier Delhi Sultanate figures. To avoid this, it is useful to link Amir Khusrow specifically with Nizamuddin Auliya in memory, and Sheikh Salim Chishti with Akbar and the founding of Fatehpur Sikri.
Final Answer:
Amir Khusrow was the devoted disciple of the great Chishti Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.
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