Question 341 markSection D

Mention the offering by the local ruler to Sufi saint.

Political outline map of India with two historical sites marked A and B
Bhakti-Sufi Traditions: Changes in Religious Beliefs and Devotional Texts (c. 8th to 18th Century)
Declining a Royal Gift — Sufi Hospice

Official answer

The local ruler offered the deed of ownership to material property.


The offering:


  • The deed of ownership to two gardens and much land.
  • Along with the provisions and tools needed for their maintenance.
  • The ruler also declared he was relinquishing all his rights over both the gardens and the land.
Answer keywords:two gardenslanddeed of ownershipprovisionstoolslocal rulerSufigift

Marking scheme

  1. 1.1 mark: deed of ownership to two gardens and much land (with provisions/tools for maintenance).
  2. 2.Full credit for mentioning gardens and land; bonus detail for the provisions and relinquished rights.

Hint

Look for exactly what the ruler sent — gardens, land, and the means to maintain them.

Quick oral answer

The local ruler offered Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya the ownership deed to two gardens and a large tract of land, together with the provisions and tools needed to maintain them.

Common mistakes

  1. 1.Writing that the ruler offered money — money features only in Shaikh Fariduddin's story, not the local ruler's offering here.
  2. 2.Omitting the key detail that it was a deed of ownership (property), not cash.
  3. 3.Confusing the local ruler with Sultan Ghiyasuddin (Ulugh Khan) mentioned later in the passage.

Analysis and explanation

This passage, recorded by Amir Hasan Sijzi in 1313, describes proceedings at the hospice (khanqah) of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya, a leading Chishti Sufi.


Concept:

  • Rulers frequently sought the blessings and legitimacy that association with revered Sufis conferred, often through generous land grants.

Exam pointer:

  • This is a direct recall question — quote the offering precisely: two gardens, much land, and the provisions and tools for maintenance.

Wider significance:

  • The episode reveals the Chishti ideal of shunning material wealth and maintaining a careful distance from worldly power.

Interesting facts

Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya (d. 1325) was one of the most influential Chishti saints; his dargah in Delhi remains a major pilgrimage centre.

The Chishti order was founded in India at Ajmer by Shaikh Muinuddin Chishti in the late 12th century.

Question details

Q34 of 41 questions

Board
CBSE
Class
Class 12
Subject
History
Year
2026
Section
Section D
Marks
1
Chapter
Bhakti-Sufi Traditions: Changes in Religious Beliefs and Devotional Texts (c. 8th to 18th Century)
Topic
Declining a Royal Gift — Sufi Hospice
Bloom's level
remember
Syllabus topic
Theme 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions — The Chishti Silsila and Sufi Attitudes to Wealth
Author
CBSE
Reviewed by
Padhantu Academic Team

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Frequently asked questions

Who recorded this incident at the Sufi hospice?

It was recorded by Amir Hasan Sijzi in 1313, a disciple who compiled the conversations (malfuzat) of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya.

Did the Sufi saint accept the land offered by the ruler?

No. Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya declined the gift of gardens and land, questioning what he had to do with fields and property.