Which of the following Sufi orders in medieval India was strictly orthodox, rejected the practice of listening to musical assemblies (sama), and was championed by figures such as Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Naqshbandi Sufi order, introduced to India by Khwaja Baqi Billah and popularized by Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi, emphasized strict adherence to Islamic law (Sharia) and opposed practices like musical gatherings (sama) favored by the Chishtis. The Suhrawardis accepted state patronage and wealth, whereas the Chishtis maintained distance from political authorities. The Naqshbandis exerted significant ideological influence on later Mughal administrative policies.