In medieval Indian history, who is traditionally credited with the famous saying Hunuz Dilli dur ast, meaning Delhi is still far away, to indicate that a ruler had not yet secured power?

Introduction / Context:
This question involves a famous saying from medieval Indian history. The Persian phrase Hunuz Dilli dur ast can be translated as Delhi is still far away and is often quoted to suggest that someone is far from achieving their goal, especially in politics. Examinations in Indian history and general knowledge frequently ask who is associated with this remark, so correctly linking the phrase to the right historical personality is important.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question mentions the phrase Hunuz Dilli dur ast, translated as Delhi is still far away.
- It asks who among the listed historical figures is known for this saying.
- The options include Sufi saints and intellectuals from medieval India.
- We assume the context is the rivalry and tension between rulers of the Tughlaq dynasty and Sufi saints of Delhi.

Concept / Approach:
The phrase is traditionally associated with the Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya of the Chishti order. According to historical tradition, this remark was made in response to the news that Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq was returning to Delhi after a campaign and that he was displeased with Nizamuddin Auliya. The saint is said to have remarked that Delhi is still far away, hinting that the ruler might not reach the capital safely. Shortly after, the Sultan died in an accident at Tughlakabad. The approach is to recall the association of famous quotations with specific Sufi saints and poets.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the phrase is in Persian and is linked to medieval Delhi politics and Sufi tradition. Step 2: Recall that Nizamuddin Auliya was a renowned Chishti Sufi saint based in Delhi during the time of the Tughlaq rulers. Step 3: Remember the popular tradition that when informed about Ghiyasuddin Tughlaqs return, Nizamuddin Auliya is believed to have said Hunuz Dilli dur ast. Step 4: Note that Amir Khusrau was a famous poet and disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, not the one credited with this particular phrase. Step 5: Eliminate other names that do not match the traditional story and select Nizamuddin Auliya.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard histories of the Delhi Sultanate and many popular accounts of Sufi saints recount the story of Nizamuddin Auliya and the phrase Delhi is still far away. While some details of the story may vary, the association of this remark with Nizamuddin Auliya remains consistent. Amir Khusrau is well known for his poetry and music but is not credited with this particular warning. Other scholars like Yahya Sirhindi or Ziauddin Barani are chroniclers, not the source of this famous line, which further confirms that Nizamuddin Auliya is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Amir Khusrau: A great poet and disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, but not the one who is traditionally credited with this statement.
Yahya Sirhindi: A medieval scholar, but he is not associated with the famous phrase about Delhi being far away.
Muinuddin Chishti: A revered Sufi saint of Ajmer who lived earlier than the Tughlaq period, not linked with this specific remark.
Ziauddin Barani: A chronicler and historian of the Delhi Sultanate, known for his writings, not for this saying.

Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to associate any famous medieval intellectual with the quote without checking the specific context. Students sometimes choose Amir Khusrau because of his fame as a poet and his closeness to Nizamuddin Auliya. Another error is to confuse different Sufi saints of North India. Remembering the story of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, the supposed curse and the accident at Tughlakabad helps tie the phrase clearly to Nizamuddin Auliya and avoid confusion.

Final Answer:
The phrase Hunuz Dilli dur ast, meaning Delhi is still far away, is traditionally attributed to Nizamuddin Auliya.