Reviewed by ASIF ANWAR
ALIG
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Asif Anwar Alig |
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Prejudices have relentlessly shrunk Urdu in its
country of birth. But it has advanced worldwide in many forms especially by translations
to give strong message. Anjum’s translation is archetypal effort for the English
readers to learn Urdu poetry’s richness. This book briefs Urdu’s role from its inception
to shaping Indian societies and cultures since 17th century to colonial
British period and or its challenges while encouraging nationalistic
revolutions and spreading message of Islam.
This book introduces multiple forms of Urdu poetry through
highlighting pivotal role to nourish cultures—socio-religious and revolutionary
movements to Sufism. Contributions of prominent poets in subcontinent are
credible introductions which turn this book a summarized encyclopedia.
Anees Ayesha writes in foreword—“a poet’s vision
depends on views expressed with simplicity, indifference, critical tone or related
formats applied. It must project life’s agonies and happiness instead of mere showcasing
emotions or temperaments or by correlating society’s happenings.” By giving brief
introduction of Urdu poetry from inception to growth, this book introduces poets
& their compositions besides contexts of poetic compositions. Urdu poetry
achieved zenith of success through projecting composite Indian culture, writes Zafar
Anjum in book’s introduction.
Urdu poetry had golden period once Abul Hasan Yamin
ud-Din Khusro (1253-1325) or Amir Khusro’s mesmerizing poems arrived. Amir Khusro’s closeness
with eminent Sufi Saint of Chisti order Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia (1238-1325)
influenced to project Sufi culture in poetry of epoch making folk-song compositions
expressed in complete simplicity. Inseparable relationship of Urdu and country’s
political scene since 17th century showcased a homogenous culture and
so did it inspire creative and intellectual capabilities that made Urdu another
linguistic movement.
The book narrates emergence of Urdu poetry in the southern
part of India through Wali Dakkani (1667-1707). He composed amazing poems to take
Urdu to zenith of success through focus on the moral issues in ghazals instead of earlier limitations
to confine conversations with women. His projection of ethical conducts, wisdom
or mysticism brought manifold transformations like Siraj did. Same trend was reflected
in Delhi later on once it became hub of Urdu poetry.
Mirza Mohammad Rafi Sauda (1713-1781) was born in
Delhi. His forefathers were from Kabul. It was a period when Delhi emerged into
center of peace, knowledge, wisdom and culture without facing jingoism. Linguistic
progression was rampant in its civilized society. Khwaja Mir Dard (1721-1785) left
irrefutable impact like Mir Taqi Mir (1723-1810) in Delhi in 1740. Mir and Dard
enunciated anxiety, depression and social pessimism with poetry. Mir migrated
from Akbarabad (now Agra) and witnessed mighty Mughal Empire’s disintegration. His
poetry had positive frame of gloom and despondency feelings. Consciousness of
life in Mir’s compositions with masterful hold over the medium to express
thoughts makes him ‘King of Urdu Ghazals.’
Umadti aati hain aaj yun aankhein
Jaise dariya kahin ubalte hain
Today
tears flood the eyes
As
if rivers are boiling over
Maut ek mandgi ka waqfa hai
Yaani aage challen-ge dam lekar
Death is an interval of languidness
That is, after resting a little, we will move
forward
Zafar Anjum |
In espousing Lucknow School, this book gives
detailed information on notable poets and poetry whose focus was mainly on themes
of beauty and love. Pomposity and artificiality was part and parcel of Lucknow’s
lifestyle. Such elements were vivid in poetry. Lucknow’s Urdu poetry had physiognomic
elements, costume & ornament projections besides showcasing feminine
attitudes. It was the key reason that poetry described lips, teeth, hair, waist
or arms as primary themes.
Shaikh Ghulam Humdani Mus-hafi (1750-1824) was born
in Amroha. He reached Delhi in 1776 but settled in Lucknow thereafter to compose
finest poems. Likewise, Insha-Allah Khan ‘Insha’ (1756-1817) from Murshidabad had
humble beginning in Delhi but its devastation forced him to migrate to Lucknow.
Khwaja Haider Ali ‘Aatish’ (1778-1848) from Faizabad settled in Lucknow and
made it his permanent home. Sheikh Imam Bakhsh ‘Nasikh’ (1771-1838) from Faizabad
settled in Lucknow instead. Lucknow School of Poetry was incomplete without Mir
Babbar Ali ‘Anees’ (1802-1874) who composed excellent marsias in Urdu. They
were themed at humility and human behavior. He considered even least
significant human traits or talents crucial.
Kabhi bura nahin jaana kisi ko apne siwa
Har ek zarre ko hum aftaab samjhe hain
I
never thought ill of anyone but of myself
Every
speck of dust I took for the sun
Other
notable figure in Lucknow School whose marsia still remains unmatched is
Mirza Salaamat Ali ‘Dabir’ (1803–1875). Born in Delhi, Dabir shifted into Lucknow
in his childhood.
Urdu’s
genius Nawab Mirza Khan Daagh (Daagh Dehlvi) was born in Delhi in 1831. He shifted
to Rampur while his city of birth devastated post 1857 mutiny. Nawab of Rampur
welcomed him but he had to leave that place due to Nawab’s premature death. He
travelled Ajmer, Agra and Mathura for settlement but all went in vain. Finally
he approached Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan and stayed there until
death in 1905. His compositions reflect social perils.
Panipat
born Altaf Hussain Hali (1837–1914) gave Urdu poetry new direction with nationalistic
themes. His compositions redefined ghazal and nazm traditions by ending
complexities. Such moral and natural poetic themes brought new renaissance. Mohammad
Hussain Azad (1830–1910); Allamah Shibli Nomani (1857–1914); Akbar Allahabadi (1846-1921)
and et al gave newer direction to Urdu poetry with its distinctness so did Iqbal
bring more glory.

This book concisely defines the contributions of all
such towering legends of Urdu poetry since its evolution to growth for centuries.
Exemplary contribution of Urdu in the social, cultural and literary uplift of
Indian subcontinent has been meticulously espoused in this collection.
This book review first appeared in Radiance Viewsweekly February 22, 2015 issue.
3 comments:
MashaAllah!... great work
MashaAllah! great work
MashaAllah!...great work
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