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Immediate_nerddpedia_entry Encyclopedia Entry 1778955007

** The Qawwali tradition is a mystical and devotional form of Sufi music and poetry that originated in the Indian subcontinent and has since spread to various parts of the world, blending elements of Islamic mysticism, Hinduism, and Persian literature. ## Overview The Qawwali tradition is a rich and complex phenomenon that has captivated the hearts and minds of people for centuries. At its core, Qawwali is a form of devotional music and poetry that seeks to express the deepest longings and aspirations of the human soul. It is a mystical and spiritual tradition that draws upon the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent, blending elements of Islamic mysticism, Hinduism, and Persian literature. Qawwali is characterized by its use of ecstatic and emotive language, which is meant to evoke a sense of spiritual ecstasy and union with the divine. The Qawwali tradition is deeply rooted in the Sufi mystical tradition, which emphasizes the importance of love and devotion as the means of achieving spiritual growth and self-realization. Qawwali music and poetry are often used as a means of expressing the poet's or singer's own spiritual experiences and emotions, as well as to convey the teachings and principles of Sufism. The Qawwali tradition has been influenced by various cultural and literary traditions, including the Persian ghazal, the Urdu ghazal, and the Indian bhajan. ## History/Background The Qawwali tradition has its roots in the 13th century, when Sufi mystics and poets began to compose devotional music and poetry in the Indian subcontinent. The Qawwali tradition developed in the courts of the Mughal Empire, where Sufi mystics and poets were patronized by the rulers and nobles. The Qawwali tradition flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was influenced by the Persian ghazal and the Urdu ghazal. The Qawwali tradition was also influenced by the Indian bhajan tradition, which emphasized the importance of devotional music and poetry in achieving spiritual growth and self-realization. ## Key Information The Qawwali tradition is characterized by its use of ecstatic and emotive language, which is meant to evoke a sense of spiritual ecstasy and union with the divine. Qawwali music and poetry often express themes of love, devotion, and spiritual longing, and are meant to convey the poet's or singer's own spiritual experiences and emotions. The Qawwali tradition has been influenced by various cultural and literary traditions, including the Persian ghazal, the Urdu ghazal, and the Indian bhajan. Some of the key figures associated with the Qawwali tradition include: * Amir Khusrau (1253-1325), a Sufi mystic and poet who is considered the founder of the Qawwali tradition. * Bulleh Shah (1680-1758), a Sufi mystic and poet who is known for his devotional poetry and music. * Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (1948-1997), a Pakistani Qawwali singer who is considered one of the greatest Qawwali singers of all time. ## Significance The Qawwali tradition has had a profound impact on the cultural and spiritual landscape of the Indian subcontinent and beyond. It has influenced various literary and musical traditions, including the Persian ghazal, the Urdu ghazal, and the Indian bhajan. The Qawwali tradition has also played an important role in the spread of Sufism and Islamic mysticism in the Indian subcontinent. INFOBOX: - Name: Qawwali tradition - Type: Sufi mystical and devotional music and poetry - Date: 13th century - Location: Indian subcontinent - Known For: Expressing the deepest longings and aspirations of the human soul through ecstatic and emotive language. TAGS: Sufism, Islamic mysticism, Persian literature, Urdu literature, Indian bhajan, devotional music, ecstatic poetry, spiritual longing, love and devotion.