650th Death Anniversary of Ameer Khusrau (1253- 1325)
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Personality Series |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | October 24, 1975 |
| Denomination | 50 p |
| Quantity | 3,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Bistre | Brown |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 653 Stamp Number IN 700 Yvert et Tellier IN 456 Stanley Gibbons IN 785 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Authors | Famous people | Literary People (Poets and Writers) | Literature | Men | Music | Musical Instruments |
Ameer Khusrau, also known as Abul Hasan Yameenuddin Khusrau, was born in Patiali, in the district of Etah, Uttar Pradesh, in 1253 A.D., and passed away in Delhi in 1325 A.D. His father, Ameer Saifuddin Mahmood, migrated to India from the city of Kush, presently Shehr-e-Sabz, in Central Asia. He married the daughter of an Indian nobleman, ‘Imad-ul-Mulk’, and Ameer Khusrau was born from this union. Proud of his lineage as a “Turk-e-Hindustani,” Ameer Khusrau was reputed to have knowledge of various languages including Turkish, Arabic, Persian, and the vernaculars of northern India, such as Khadi Boli, Urdu, and Hindi.
Ameer Khusrau began his poetic endeavors at the tender age of nine and displayed a natural talent for poetry. He also had a deep appreciation for music, having mastered both Central Asian and Indian music. Ameer Khusrau inherited not only a prestigious position in society and the royal court from his father but also a tradition of reverence for Sufis and men of piety. He became a devoted follower of Hazrath Nizamuddin of Delhi, sharing a period of turmoil and intolerance with him.
Both Ameer Khusrau and Hazrath Nizamuddin advocated humanism that transcended the conflicts of their time. While Hazrath Nizamuddin imparted philosophical profundity to his teachings, Ameer Khusrau expressed his devotion through the grace of devotional poetry and music. Their spiritual teachings and mysticism influenced generations, fostering spiritual unity among people of different faiths.
Ameer Khusrau played a significant role in bridging cultures and enriching music across Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia, Pakistan, and India. He introduced innovations such as qawwali, qaul, tarana, and the sitar, leaving an indelible mark on Indian music. His Persian ghazals are still sung in various regions, while his verses in Hindavi-Hindustani have become part of India’s cultural heritage.
His writings, spanning prose and poetry in Persian and Hindavi, provide valuable insights into the historical and social milieu of his time. Ameer Khusrau’s works serve as authentic historical sources, detailing significant events and social life during the Sultanate period. Despite the passage of time, only 22 of his works remain extant, preserving his legacy for future generations.