Origins Dastangoi emerged during the Samanid Empire (819-999 CE), a period of cultural and literary flourishing in Persia.

 

Origins Dastangoi emerged during the Samanid Empire (819-999 CE), a period of cultural and literary flourishing in Persia.

Influence of Persian Literature

Persian literature, particularly the Shahnameh (The Epic of Kings) by Ferdowsi, had a significant impact on the development of Dastangoi.

Dastangos in Persian Courts

Dastangos were highly respected in Persian courts, where they would recite stories, poems, and epics to entertain royalty and nobility.

Sufi Influence

Sufi mysticism and philosophy also influenced Dastangoi in Persia, with many stories incorporating Sufi themes and symbolism.

Spread to India

Dastangoi spread to India through the migration of Persian scholars, poets, and storytellers during the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 CE) and the Mughal Empire (1526-1857 CE).

Legacy

The Persian tradition of Dastangoi continues to influence storytelling and literature in Iran and other parts of the Middle East, while its Indian variant has evolved into a unique and distinct form of storytelling.