---
title: "Qawwali: Sufi Devotional Music Explained | Model Diplomat"
description: "Qawwali is the ecstatic devotional music of South Asian Sufism, attributed to Amir Khusrau. Key for UPSC GS1 art-and-culture, distinct from ghazal and kafi."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/qawwali"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Qawwali is a devotional musical form of South Asian Sufism in which a lead singer and chorus perform mystical poetry to induce spiritual ecstasy among listeners.
- Who is credited with originating qawwali?
- How does qawwali differ from a ghazal?
- Why is qawwali significant for UPSC GS1 art and culture?
- Where is qawwali performed today?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Qawwali is a devotional musical form of South Asian Sufism in which a lead singer and chorus perform mystical poetry to induce spiritual ecstasy among listeners.

Go beyond the definition

## Research Qawwali like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Qawwali

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Qawwali](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Qawwali%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In 1985 Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan performed qawwali at the WOMAD festival in England, introducing the Chishti devotional form to a global audience and later collaborating with Peter Gabriel's Real World label.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take Qawwali beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.