Chaap Tilak - the recent rendition (2008)

Chaap Tilak is probably one of the all time popular kalams of Hazrat Amir Khusrau. Everyone loves the tune and is familiar with it. Every South Asian singer who has ever taken any interest in Sufiana kalam has sung it.

I have replaced the video here to include different photos and running titles of some of the words with English translations. Hopefully these will add to the overall experience of the recital. This particular rendition contains so many appropriately inserted verses of poetry of other artists.

Qawwali, similar to other forms of folk singing, has an appeal because there is a rawness in the way it is sung. At times the rawness is in the voice of the singer and or is in the andaaz in which it is sung. If it were too refined it would cease to be folk music and turn into classical music. So while this rendition contains some of the rawness in voice and recital, it more than compensates for it in the actual content and intelligence with which Farid Ayaz & Abu Muhammad have put it together. No one recital of a specific poetry is exactly similar to the other due to the constant improvisation, so sit back and enjoy this one.


Chaap Tilak - Qawwali - Kalam Hazrat Amir Khusrau from Tasawwuf on Vimeo.

The Poetry and Translation that are all part of this rendition

Meri Aankhon Se Mere Dil Mein Uttar Kar Daikho - anyone know the poet?
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Mir Taqi Mir

'Mir' in Neem Baaz Aankhon Mien
Saari Masti Sharaab ki Si Hai.

Eng Trans:

'Mir' in Those Half Open Eyes
The Intoxication is Just Like Sharaab.
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Hazrat Amir Khusrau

Chhap tilak sab cheeni ray mosay naina milaikay
Chhap tilak sab cheeni ray mosay naina milaikay
Prem bhatee ka madhva pilaikay
Matvali kar leeni ray mosay naina milaikay
Gori gori bayyan, hari hari churiyan
Bayyan pakar dhar leeni ray mosay naina milaikay
Bal bal jaaon mein toray rang rajwa
Apni see kar leeni ray mosay naina milaikay
Khusrau Nijaam kay bal bal jayyiye
Mohay Suhaagan keeni ray mosay naina milaikay
Chhap tilak sab cheeni ray mosay naina milaikay

Eng Trans:

You've taken away my looks, my identity, by just a glance.
By making me drink the wine of love-potion,
You've intoxicated me by just a glance;
My fair, delicate wrists with green bangles in them,
Have been held tightly by you with just a glance.
I give my life to you, Oh my cloth-dyer,
You've dyed me in yourself, by just a glance.
I give my whole life to you Oh, Nijam,
You've made me your bride, by just a glance.
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Hazrat Sultan Bahu

Alif Allah Chambe Dee Bootee
Murshid Man Wich Laee Hoo

Nafee Asbaat Da Panee Milia
Har Rage Har Jaee Hoo

Eng Trans: (JR Puri)

My Master has Planted in My Heart
The Jasmine of Allah's Name

Both My Denial that the Creation is Real
And My Embracing of God, the only Reality
Have Nourished The Seedling Down to its Core

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Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (604-672A.H) had touched the story of 'Ruh' 'Spirit' or 'Soul' by stating the pangs of departing 'Ruh' or 'Spirit' from its real source.

Bishno az nay Chun Heekayat Meekunad
Az Juda’i ha Shikayat Meekunad

Eng trans:

Listen to the flute, how it relates the story
Complaining about the Separation (from the real source)
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Baba Bulleh Shah

Ilmon Bas Kar Oo Yaar
Tainu Ikkoi Alaf Darkar

Eng Trans:

Forget the pride in your knowlege, O friend.
One ‘Alif’ is all you need (for unity with the Devine)
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Kabir Das

Sun Kabira, Bansuri Kahe Niraalee Baat
Nagar Dhandora Peet-ti, Hai Chhoota Pee Ka Saath

Eng Trans:(Farah Aziz)

Listen Kabir, to the flute's unique lament
announcing everywhere that it is parted from the beloved
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Nami Daanam Chi Manzil

Nami Danam Chi Manzil from Tasawwuf on Vimeo.

This is probably the most complete rendition (30 minutes) of

"Nami Daman Chi Manzil
Bood Shab Jaye Ke Man Boodam"

I love the really slow start (alaap) and the steady build up to intense climax. It is truly an unhurried recital where the singers have enjoyed every moment and cherished the words and the music.

Amir Khusrau poetry recited by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
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Nami daanam chi manzil
bood shab jaye ki man boodam;

Baharsu raqs-e bismil
bood shab jaye ki man boodam.

Pari paikar nigaar-e-sarw-a-qadde lala rukhsare;
Sarapa aafat-e dil
bood shab jaye ki man boodam.

Khuda khud meer-e majlis
bood andar laamakan Khusrau;

Muhammad sham-e-mehfil
bood shab jaye ki man boodam.


I wonder what was the place
where I was last night,

All around me were half-slaughtered victims of love,
tossing about in agony.

There was a nymph-like beloved with cypress-like form
and tulip-like face,
Ruthlessly playing havoc with the hearts of the lovers.

God himself was the master of ceremonies in that heavenly court,
oh Khusrau, where (the face of) the Prophet too was shedding light like a candle.

(trans. S.A.H.Abidi)
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One of the best renditions that I have heard to date.

What a wonderful recital with so many new verses, not part of the original kalam, that are beautiful and that you may not have heard earlier.

Nami Daanam Chi Manzil
Bood Shab Jaye Ke Man Boodam

Teri Justuju Mein Khabar Nahin
Mein Kahan Kahan se Guzar Gaya

Yeh Apna Apna Hai Hosla
Yeh to Apni Apni Urdaan hai
Koin Urd keh Reh Gaya Bam Tak
Koin Kehkashan se Guzar Gaya

Nami Daanam Chi Manzil
Nami Daanam Chi Manzil

Woh Maqaam Dair-o-haram Baney
Waheen Sab ki Gardan Kham Hui
Waheen sar ka Sajda Hui Jabeen
Tu Jahan Jahan se Guzar Gaya

Nami Daanam Chi Manzil
Nami Daanam Chi Manzil