From the options given below, identify the option which was NOT responsible for the popularity of the Chisti Sufis in India:-

They were closely related to the ruling dynasties.

The correct answer is Option (3) → They were closely related to the ruling dynasties.

Option 1- The Chisti Sufis successfully adapted to the local environment. (CORRECT)
Option 2- They adopted several features of Indian devotional traditions. (CORRECT)
Option 3- They were closely related to the ruling dynasties. (INCORRECT)
Option 4- They deputed their spiritual successors to set up hospices in various parts of the subcontinent. (CORRECT)

Of the groups of sufis who migrated to India in the late twelfth century, the Chishtis were the most influential. This was because they adapted successfully to the local environment and adopted several features of Indian devotional traditions.

By the eleventh century Sufism evolved into a well developed movement with a body of literature on Quranic studies and sufi practices. Institutionally, the sufis began to organise communities around the hospice or khanqah (Persian) controlled by a teaching master known as shaikh (in Arabic), pir or murshid (in Persian). He enrolled disciples (murids) and appointed a successor (khalifa). He established rules for spiritual conduct and interaction between inmates as well as between laypersons and the master.

Shaikh Nizamuddin appointed several spiritual successors and deputed them to set up hospices in various parts of the subcontinent. As a result the teachings, practices and organisation of the Chishtis as well as the fame of the Shaikh spread rapidly. This in turn drew pilgrims to his shrine, and also to the shrines of his spiritual ancestors.