Amir Khusrow Biography 
Ab'ul Hasan Yamin ud-Din Khusrow, popularly known as Amir Khusrow was a Sufi musician, great poet and scholar. He is always regarded as an iconic figure in the ancient cultural map of India. He was a spiritual disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya of Delhi. Two music instruments of Indian classical music - Sitar and the Tabla were invented by this great musician who lived in India in the 14th century. He used Persian and Hindavi languages to write his poems. He is regarded as the "father of Qawwali" and he was that great musician who introduced Ghazals to India.
So, it’s pretty evident that India and its music owe a lot to this great musician who gave India’s music a distinct shape. It’s also to be noted that all those traditions started by this musician in the 14th century are widely accepted and used at 21st century also. He used only 11 metrical schemes with 35 distinct divisions. His writings include Ghazals, Masnavi, Qata, Rubai, Do-Beti and Tarkibhand.
Amir Khusrow was born in Patiyali of UP. His father was a Turkic officer and a member of the Lachin tribe of Transoxania. At the invasion of Changez Khan, he migrated to his hometown. He married Bibi Daulat Naz and had four children. Amir was one among them born in 1252-53. Khusro started writing at the age of 8. He lost his father, Saif-ud-Din at a younger age. He was brought up by his grandfather. When his grandfather died at the age of 113, young Amir was only 20. He was sad with his grandfather’s departure and joined as a soldier in the Army of Malik Chajju. His mother was his great inspiration later.
His first divan of poetry, "Tuhfatus-Sighr" was compiled in the year 1271. One year later, he got his first job as court poet. Thus started the career of India’s one of the greatest legendary poets. Khusrow was a prolific classical poet associated with the royal courts of more than seven rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and he is equally loved by Indians and Pakistanis at present.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 23, 2014
