what is qawwali?

" Qawwali and the Art of Devotional Singing " . Qawwali is a musical form associated with the Chishti Sufi Order's sama', or spiritual concert. In its religious context, it is used to induce a trance-like state in order to make members of the order more aware of their relationship with God. Amir Khusraw (1244-1325), known as the "Nightingale of India" for his contributions to South Asian music and literature, is usually credited with the art. His prolific output is attributed to his intense spiritual love for his master, the great Chishti master Nizam ad-Din Awliya. Qawwali is structurally linked to Khusraw, who not only created the style, but also the elements that allowed it to exist. It is usually performed in a call-and-response style with a lead singer and chorus. These singers are accompanied by musicians who play percussion instruments such as the dholak or tabla, as well as a sitar, a long-necked stringed instrument. Khusraw is credited with the invention of the tabla and the sitar.