INDIAN HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The khanqah is typically a large structure with a central hall and smaller rooms on either side. Traditionally, the kahnqah was state-sponsored housing for Sufis. Their primary function is to provide them with a space to practice social lives of asceticism.

Detailed explanation-2: -Khanqahs were houses of rest for travelers especially kept by a religious order. Sufi masters usually held their assemblies here. Devotees of all descriptions including members of the royalty and nobility, and ordinary people flocked to these Khanqahs.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Khanqah was the centre of socio-cultural activities of the Sufis. The Sufi saints, known as Pir or Shaikh, lived in their Khanqah.

Detailed explanation-4: -Khanqah: A Sufi lodge often used as a rest house for travellers and a place where people come to discuss spiritual matters, get the blessings of saint, and hear Sufi music. Idgah: It is a place where an open prayer of Muslims takes place.

Detailed explanation-5: -(1) The origin of the word khanqah is a moot point. Some scholars consider it to be a word of Turkish origin; others believe it to be Persian, being a compound of khwdn and gah. Shaikh Nasir al-Din Chiragh considered it to be a compound of khdnah (house) and qah (prayer) (see his conversations, Khair al-Majalis).