Question map
Consider the following statements about Sufism in India 1. Pilgrimage called ziyarat to tombs of Sufi saints is an important feature. 2. The most influential group of Sufis in India were the Chishtis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Explanation
Sufism in India is characterized by several distinct practices and influential orders. Statement 1 is correct as pilgrimage, known as ziyarat, to the tombs (dargahs) of Sufi saints is a central feature [1]. This practice is undertaken to seek the saint's spiritual grace (barakat), particularly during the 'urs' or death anniversary, which signifies the union of the saint's soul with God [1]. Statement 2 is also correct; among the various Sufi groups that migrated to India, the Chishtis were the most influential [4]. Their dominance arose from their successful adaptation to the local Indian environment and the adoption of features from Indian devotional traditions [4]. Major Chishti saints like Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti and Nizamuddin Auliya established a deep spiritual and social footprint, making the Chishti silsila the most revered and widespread order in the subcontinent [4].
Sources
- [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions > 7.2 Chishti devotionalism: ziyarat and qawwali > p. 155
- [4] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART II, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions > 6.1 Khanqahs and silsilas > p. 153
- [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 10: Advent of Arabs and Turks > Sufism > p. 150