This is the 12th article in a special series by Ally Adnan that brings to life memorable incidents from the rich and fascinating life of Hazrat Amir Khusrau, whose timeless legacy continues to inspire the world
A woman named Chammo ran a den in Delhi during the rule of the Khilji dynasty. Alcohol, drugs, and intoxicants were sold at her establishment, which, although notorious, attracted a large number of people and was always full. Chammo was sharp-witted, daring and bold. She was aware of her colorful reputation and took great pride in successfully running a business that met the needs of so many.
Amir Khusrau often passed by Chammo’s shop on his way to court. She always greeted him with cheeky respect, calling out with playful remarks and teasing him for not patronizing her business. He would sometimes stop at the shop to share a few flirtatious moments with Chammo over a hookah and exchange light-hearted banter.
One day, Chammo teased Khusrau, “You have written more than seven thousand songs but never a single verse about poor Chammo! Am I not worthy of your poetry?” She told him he ought to write a poem about her, saying it would ensure that her name was preserved for posterity. Khusrau agreed and, right there and then, composed a charming poem celebrating her den’s spirit and mocking the ostensibly respectable establishments that neither welcomed nor cared for their clients the way Chammo did.
Others open their shops for just a few hours
Chammo’s shop stays open around the clock
No outsider dares to enter her shop
But all the townsfolk come and go freely
She pours her drinks with immaculate care
Making sure there are no dregs left behind
Others boast that a needle can stand in their drinks
But Chammo’s are so thick, they could hold a spear
Chammo’s shop, though a place of vice, was also one of love, warmth, and acceptance. She ran it with pride and dedication, kept it open to all and treated her patrons with kindness and respect. In a few charming verses, Khusrau captured her persona and the essence of her den, giving her exactly what she had asked for, a place in poetry and a story to be remembered.
The writer lives in Dallas, Texas and writes about culture, history, and the arts. He tweets @allyadnanjanjua and can be reached at [email protected]