With reference to Sufism in Indian history, consider the following statements:

1. Shaikh Ahmad Sarhandi was a contemporary of Ibrahim Lodi
2. Shaikh Nasiruddin Chirag‑i‑Dehlavi was a disciple of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya
3. Aurangzeb was contemporary of Shaikh Salim Chisti
4. The Qadiri order of Sufis was first introduced in India by Shaikh Niamtullah and Makhdum Muhammad Jilani

Which of these statements are correct?

1. 1 and 2
2. 1 and 3
3. 2 and 3
4. 2 and 4

Explanation

Option (d) is correct

• Statement 1 is incorrect because Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi belonged to the Mughal period and was a contemporary of Jahangir, not Ibrahim Lodi. Statement 2 is correct as Nasiruddin Chiragh-i-Delhi was a disciple and successor of Nizamuddin Auliya. Statement 3 is incorrect because Salim Chishti lived during the reign of Akbar and was not a contemporary of Aurangzeb. Statement 4 is correct because the Qadiri Order was introduced into India by Shaikh Niamatullah and Makhdum Muhammad Jilani. It became particularly influential in Punjab and Sindh. Like the Naqshbandis, they generally stressed adherence to the orthodox Shari’ah.

Answer: (d) 2 and 4