Social Role of the Sufis: Concept and Practice of Langar in Medieval India

Abstract

Irrespective of caste, color, creed, age gender, and social status, Langar represents the principle of equality among all the people of every religion. Langar became very dominant phenomena in sub continent which was also later adopted by the Sikh gurus. The Khanqahs and Gurdwaras provided a home-like place for the marginalized community. In different periods the rulers patronized it through lands or stipends and tried to institutionalize it. The aim of this study is to provide detailed information about the free kitchen (Langar) and how it creates interfaith harmony because all the food is free and is offered to everyone who visits any khanqah or the gurdwara regardless of their faith. Different faiths have different food laws for example; Muslims are able to eat halal meat and cannot eat pork, gurdwara serves only vegetarian food in order to make it inclusive of all faiths. This study aims to trace the influence and patronization of these religious places and free kitchen (Langar) by various rulers as well. This study will explore to understand the four Sufi silslas (orders) especially the Chishti Sufi silsila and the concept of Peer/Sufi/Murshad and mureed/disciple. Various rulers patronized and allocated lands and fixed stipends for various religious institutions to achieve particular purposes.