Amir Khusro was born in U.P in India in 1253 where his family had settled after leaving Balkh in Afghanistan He was a mathematician, a poet, a Sufi, a musician and a composer. He originated Khayal, Tarana and other forms of Indian classical music. He also originated Qawwali. It is said that he introduced Sitar. It is similar to a Persian instrument, the Setar(3 strings). It is also said that he introduced the tabla. Others say that his name sake Khusrao Khan did. The tabla is an adaptation from Mridangam and Pakhawaj.
Amir Khusro died at the age of 72 in 1325 . The same year Sultan Mohammed Tughlaq became the ruler of Delhi and Khwaja Nizamuddin Aulia of the Chisti Order died.
Music and dance is an integral part of Hindu worship and devotion. Khusro introduced Khyal,Tarana and other forms as a secular element of Indian classical music that does not require invoking Radha, Rama and other Avatars.Khaliq).
Here is a sample of Khusro's poetry. Khaliq (May 2008).
Oh Khusrou, the river of love
Runs in strange directions.
One who jumps into it drowns,
And one who drowns, gets across.
Runs in strange directions.
One who jumps into it drowns,
And one who drowns, gets across.
Please note that the harmonium, an integral part of North Indian music was introduced by missionaries in the early nineteen hundreds. They brought the stand up version and probably used it for hymn singing in church services. The violin, an integral part of South Indian music, is also an import.
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