Amir Khosrow

Amir Khusrow surrounded by young men. Miniature from a manuscript of Majlis Al-Usshak by Husayn Bayqarah.

Hakīm Abul-Hasan Yamīn al-Dīn Khusrow Balkhi Dehlavi (1253-1325) (Persian: حکیم ابوالحسن یمین الدین خسرو بلخی دهلوی) or Amir Khosrow is a Persian poet. Amir Khusrow lived in Delhi. His poems are in Persian and Hindi.

Allaudin Khilji (1296 A.D - 1316 A.D) had a court minister named Hazrat Amir Khusro who was said to be highly gifted in music with an exceptionally innovative mind. His contribution to Hindustani classical music was said to be unmatched. It is also said that he created the Sitar (probably inspired by the Veena and other string instruments of Persia). The modification of the Pakhawaj into the Tabla is also credited to him.

It has also been said that Amir Khusro introduced many styles of singing including Khayal, Tarana, Ghazal and Qawali. He is credited for some most popular Ragas like Yaman, Poorya and Poorvi.