Qawwali: The Call of Hearts in Love

Qawwali: The Call of Hearts in Love, conceptualised and edited by Manjari Chaturvedi, is the result of fourteen years of her passionate work in documenting this timeless form of Sufi music. You may have your favourite qawwali—you sway to its rhythm, lose yourself in its melody—but have you ever wondered what this music truly means? Where it originated? How it was carefully structured to make you feel ecstatic? Did you know that a Sufi saint once had to defend sama and qawwali in a royal court so the tradition could survive—allowing us to experience its power over seven centuries later? Or that the iconic Damadam Mast Qalandar carries layers of poetry, history, and devotion that go far beyond its familiar refrain? From its sacred roots in Sufi shrines to its vibrant presence in Hindi cinema, from the gramophone era to the idea of Sanatani Qawwali, this book explores the evolution of a form that bridges faiths and hearts alike. Insightful and engaging, Qawwali: The Call of Hearts in Love is both a celebration of divine music and a vital contribution to the literature on Sufism, art, and culture. A must-read for all lovers of music, spirituality, and India’s living heritage.