Fariduddin Tavela Buksh: The Chishti Sufi Who Shaped Bihar's Spiritual Heritage

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 9 September 2024 Fariduddin Tavela Buksh, A Prominent Chishti Sufi, Established A Significant Spiritual Legacy In Bihar, Rooted In Central Asian And Indian Sufi Traditions Main Points: 1. Fariduddin Tavela Buksh’s lineage traces back to Bukhara, with notable ancestors including Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. 2. Ibrahim Chishti, Tavela Buksh’s father, was sent to Bengal by Nizamuddin Auliya to spread Sufism. 3. Tavela Buksh founded a Khanqah in Chandpura, Bihar, during Sultan Bahlol Lodi’s reign. 4. Tavela Buksh’s spiritual lineage includes prominent figures like Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya and Hazrat Noor Qutb-e-Alam Pandvi. 5. Tavela Buksh’s descendants continued his Sufi teachings, with significant influence in Bihar’s spiritual landscape. ----- Close view of Shrine at Chandpura, Bihar Sharif (Nalanda district), Biharimage2.jpegshrine ---- In the serene village of Chandpura, (Bihar Sharif), situated eighty kilometers southwest of Patna, the shrine of Fariduddin Tavela Buksh stands as a beacon of Sufi mysticism and spiritual continuity. This article explores the deep and intricate lineage of Tavela Buksh, a distinguished figure in the Chishti Nizami order, and sheds light on his profound impact on Sufism in Bihar. Ancestral Roots and Historical Context Fariduddin Tavela Buksh, also known as Fariduddin Chishti, comes from a notable family whose spiritual and scholarly traditions are deeply rooted in Islamic history. His ancestral origins can be traced back to Bukhara, a prestigious city in Central Asia renowned for its rich cultural and intellectual heritage. However, the 13th century saw Bukhara falling into turmoil due to Mongol invasions, prompting many scholars and nobles to seek refuge in more stable regions. The patriarch of this esteemed lineage, Hazrat Ali Bukhari Badayuni, was a significant scholar and spiritual leader. His descendants included Hazrat Ahmad Bukhari Badayuni and Hazrat Jamaluddin Badayuni. Ahmad Bukhari was the father of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, one of the most revered saints of the Chishti order. Following the deaths of his father and elder brother, Nizamuddin Auliya became the guardian of his young nephew, Hazrat Ibrahim Chishti. Spiritual Journey and Migration In his formative years, Hazrat Ibrahim Chishti was deeply influenced by his guardian, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, who recognized his potential to further the spread of Sufism. Nizamuddin Auliya directed Ibrahim to Bengal in 1329 CE to propagate the teachings of the Chishti order. This mission was carried out with the help of Hazrat Akhi Siraj, a distinguished disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, who accompanied Ibrahim to Bengal. Ibrahim Chishti’s arrival in Bengal marked the beginning of an enduring spiritual influence. He married into the prominent Sufi family of Hazrat Ala-ul-Haq Pandvi, enhancing his standing within the Sufi community. Ala-ul-Haq Pandvi was a notable figure in Bengal and a revered Sufi of the time. Ibrahim's marriage to Pandvi’s sister-in-law and later to Pandvi’s daughter established a vital link between his family and the broader Sufi network. Hazrat Noor Qutb-e-Alam Pandvi, the son of Ala-ul-Haq Pandvi, became Ibrahim’s spiritual guide. Establishment in Bihar Fariduddin Tavela Buksh, the son of Hazrat Ibrahim Chishti, played a crucial role in the dissemination of Sufi teachings in Bihar. Tavela Buksh’s spiritual journey led him to Chandpura in Bihar, where he established his Khanqah (Sufi retreat) during the rule of Sultan Bahlol Lodi (1451-1489 AD). His arrival in Chandpura heralded the beginning of a significant Sufi presence in the region. Tavela Buksh’s Khanqah became a center for spiritual learning and practice, drawing devotees from various parts of India. His teachings and the establishment of the Khanqah laid a strong foundation for the Chishti Nizami order in Bihar. Tavela Buksh passed away in 1491 AD (897 Hijri), but his legacy continued through his descendants. Spiritual and Family Lineage Family Lineage: Hazrat Ali Bukhari Badayuni: The patriarch and a distinguished scholar. Hazrat Ahmad Bukhari Badayuni: Father of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Hazrat Jamaluddin Badayuni: Elder brother of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya: Guardian and mentor of Hazrat Ibrahim Chishti. - Hazrat Ibrahim Chishti: Nephew of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, who played a pivotal role in spreading Sufism in Bengal. - Hazrat Fariduddin Tavela Buksh: Son of Ibrahim Chishti, established the Chishti Nizami order in Bihar. - Hazrat Moinuddin Sani Chishti: Son of Tavela Buksh, continued the family’s spiritual work. - Hazrat Naseeruddin Sani Chishti: Grandson of Tavela Buksh, continued the Sufi tradition in Bihar. Spiritual Lineage: - Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya: The revered saint who guided Ibrahim Chishti. - Hazrat Akhi Siraj: A prominent disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya who assisted Ibrahim Chishti in Bengal. - Hazrat Ala-ul-Haq Pandvi: A notable Sufi in Bengal, father-in-law of Ibrahim Chishti. - Hazrat Noor Qutb-e-Alam Pandvi: Son of Ala-ul-Haq Pandvi and spiritual mentor to Tavela Buksh. - Hazrat Fariduddin Tavela Buksh: Disciple of Noor Qutb-e-Alam Pandvi, established the Sufi order in Bihar. - Hazrat Moinuddin Sani Chishti and Hazrat Naseeruddin Sani Chishti: Successors who continued the spiritual legacy. Spiritual Anecdotes and Teachings An illustrative anecdote from Tavela Buksh’s life highlights his spiritual stature. In Bengal, he was known for his profound spiritual insight, exemplified by an incident involving travellers and their horses. When Tavela Buksh remarked indifferently about the fate of the horses, which subsequently died, the travelers realized his spiritual power. Following a reprimand from his father-in-law, he corrected his statement, which led to his title "Tavela Buksh," symbolizing his control over his emotions and his spiritual maturity. Conclusion The life and legacy of Fariduddin Tavela Buksh offer a captivating glimpse into the rich history of Sufism, tracing a path from Central Asia through various regions of the Indian subcontinent to establish a deep spiritual presence in Bihar. Tavela Buksh’s shrine in Chandpura remains a significant site of spiritual devotion and a testament to his enduring influence. His descendants have perpetuated his teachings, ensuring that the Chishti Nizami order continues to thrive and inspire future generations. ----- Syed Amjad Hussain is a Bihar-based Author and research scholar on Sufism. He is affiliated with the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal. 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