Allaudin Khilji (1296 A.D - 1316 A.D) had a court minister named Hazrat Amir Khusro who was said to be highly gifted in music with an exceptionally innovative mind. His contribution to Hindustani classical music was said to be unmatched. It is also said that he created the Sitar (probably inspired by the Veena and other string instruments of Persia). The modification of the Pakhawaj into the Tabla is also credited to him.