In this essay, Aju Mukhopadhyay shares a comprehensive critique of Sufi poet and author Syed Liaqath Peeran’s literary work covering some 12 books by him along with a short discussion on the nature of Sufi poetry and its influence on the Indian Bhakti movement.
Introduction
Syed Liaqath Peeran hails from an illustrious family of scholars in Mysore serving the erstwhile Princely state of Mysore as Ministers. The family carries one of the highest Sufi traditions with their names being descendent of Abdul Qadir Jilani the greatest Saint of Baghdad. They are usually known as Qadri Sufis. His Poet great-grandfather received the ‘Siraj-ul Ulma’ (Sun among Scholars) title and his grandfather received the title of ‘Moin-ul-vizarath’ (Pillar of Ministry) from the late Maharaja of Mysore. His father too was decorated with a title, ‘Sajjada-Nishin’ of Darga of Saint Hz-Qader awaliya, Srirangapatna.
After successfully studying and obtaining a Law Degree and a Diploma in Social Science, Peeran practised Law as a consultant and worked as a professor for some years before being selected as a member (Judicial) of the Customs, Excise & Gold (Control) Appellate Tribunal of India and worked as such until he retired voluntarily.