This is the 18th 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
One summer, Sultan Jalaluddin Khilji received a basket of exceptionally fine mangoes, transported with great care from Daulatabad. Courtiers described the fruit in glowing terms.
The Sultan held Amir Khusrau in high esteem, valuing his poetry, wit, and companionship. He gave one of the mangoes, considered an imperial delicacy, to his beloved court poet. The gift was a symbol of personal regard, affection, and admiration. Khusrau expressed his gratitude by spontaneously composing a Persian couplet appreciating the gift.
You are the king in whose exalted court
A mango, a mere leaf, gains majesty when gifted by your hand
The Sultan was delighted by Khusrau’s verse, which elegantly captured the power of true sovereignty to elevate even the humblest of gifts. He was, however, perturbed to learn later that Khusrau had not eaten the mango but had quietly taken its seed and planted it in the courtyard of Nizamuddin Auliya’s khanqah. When the Sultan asked about his action, Khusrau replied, “Had I eaten the mango, its sweetness would have been mine alone. Left untouched and planted at my master’s threshold, its essence will belong to many. The seed will grow into a tree that will provide shade to the weary, sustenance to the hungry and blossoms for those who seek beauty.”
Khusrau’s act transformed a royal favour into a lasting gift for the community and embodied the very generosity and devotion he so often celebrated in verse.
The writer is based in Dallas, Texas and writes about culture, history and the arts. He tweets @allyadnanjanjua and can be reached at [email protected]