Mirza Ghalib - Guzergah-e-khayal Urdu Forum
Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib is the most remarkable and greatest poet of Urdu and Persian ever born in the history of Indian sub-continent. His pen-name is Ghalib which means dominant. And he is still dominant. Ghalib is synonymous with genius when it comes to poetry.
Dr Iqbal wrote about him 'nutaq ku soo naaz hain teray lab-e-ejaz per'. I have started this thread to share the poetry of this greatest poet. I fortunately found on internet some ghazlas of Mirza with very good English translation. I thought I should put them here. It might give some idea of Ghalib's poetry to non-native speakers of Urdu.
Ishq Mujhko Nahin, Vehshat Hi Sahi
Meri Vehshat Teri Shohrat Hi Sahi
Katta Keeje Na Taalluk Hamse
Kuch Nahin Hai To Adavat Hi Sahi
Mere Hone Mein Hai Kya Rusvayee
Ae Veh Majlis Nahin Khalwat Hi Sahi
Hum Bhi Dushman To Nahin Hain Apne
Ghair Ko Tujhse Mohabbat Hi Sahi
Apni Hasti He Se Ho Jo Kuch Ho
Aagahi Gar Nahin Ghaflat Hi Sahi
Umr Harchand Ki Hai Barke-Kharam
Dil Ke Khoon Ki Fursat Hi Sahi
Hum Koyee Tarqe-Vafa Karte Hain
Na Sahi Ishq Museebat Hi Sahi
Kutch To De Ae Falke-Na-Insaaf
Aaho Fariyad Ki Rukhsat Hi Sahi
Hum Bhi Tasleem Ki Khoo Dalenge
Benayazi Teri Aadat Hi Sahi
Yaar Se Chedh Chali Jaye 'Asad'
Gar Nahin Vasl To Hasrat Hi Sahi
English Translation
(You say) It is not love, it is madness
My madness may be the cause of your fame
Sever not my relationship with you
If nothing then be my enemy
What is the meaning of notoriety in meeting me
If not in public court meet me alone
I am not my own enemy
So what if the stranger is in love with you
Whatever you are, it is due to your own being
If this not known then it is ignorance
Life though fleets like a lightening flash
Yet it is abundant Time to be in love
I do not want debate on the sustenance of love
Be it not love but another dilemma
Give something O biased One
At least the sanction to cry and plea
I will perpetuate the rituals
Even if cruelty be your habit
Teasing and cajoling the beloved cannot leave 'Asad'
Even if there is no union and only the desire remains
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About Guzergah-e-khayal Group
We have created a group 'guzergah-e-khayal' to bring people of understanding together for the purpose to promote Urdu language and Urdu literature. Here is the link:
http://guzergah-e-khayal.groups.live.com/
The Obvious Purpose of this group is to serve Urdu and main aims are to:
- share writings of established poets and literary icons as well as the aspiring writers
- exchange views, hold intellectual discussions and share knowledge
- promote Urdu and Urdu literature reading
- provide a 'lush environment' for creativity and develop interest in literature
- set-up a library to make books available for the interested readers in Qatar
I would like to invite everyone who is concerned about the future of Urdu.
Let's revive Urdu!
