R.A.S./R.T.S. Prelims 2016

Sufi Lineages in India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who among the following does NOT belong to the Chishti order?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Sufism in India was organized into diverse 'Silsilas' (orders). The Chishti order was the most popular, while others like the Qadiri were more secular or orthodox.

Explanation Shaikh Abdul Jilani (also known as Ghaus-al-Azam) was the founder of the Qadiri order in Baghdad. In contrast, Moinuddin (C) founded the Chishti order in India, and Kaki (A) and Auliya (D) were his prominent successors in the same lineage.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option B is the correct answer to 'NOT belong'. Abdul Jilani's order arrived in India much later than the Chishtis.
Logic 2: The Qadiri order, unlike the Chishtis, often adhered more closely to the tenets of the Quran and Sunnah and was followed by Mughal royalty like Dara Shikoh.

Active Recall

Question

Which Mughal prince was a famous follower of the Qadiri order?

Answer

Dara Shikoh, who authored 'Majma-ul-Bahrain' (The Confluence of the Two Seas), was a major patron of the Qadiri silsila.

Core Insight

While the Chishtis focused on reaching the masses through music (Sama), the Qadiri order was known for its piety and scholarly influence on the elite.