Mirza Hadi Ruswa: Remembering A Versatile Genius

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 21 October 2024 Hai Kaun Jo Ism-e-Umrao Jaan Se Na-Ashna Hai Shayad Woh Tahzeeb-e-Avadh Se Door Hai Koson Anon (Who's not familiar with the name of Umrao Jaan/ The person is probably miles away from the culture of Avadh). Mirza Muhammad Hadi Ruswa passed away on October 21. ------ Yes, anyone with even a smattering of Urdu as well as the velvet and purple culture of Avadh and Lucknow must have heard the name of the celebrated courtesan Umrao Jaan Ada. But the man who immortalised this real character is not known to many. Mirza Hadi Ruswa wrote the eponymous novel. It's believed to be the first full-fledged novel in Urdu which hit the stands in 1899 (not 1905 as Wikipedia erroneously states). The novelist, Mirza Hadi Ruswa, met the versatile courtesan and penned the novel. By the way, Mirza Hadi Ruswa's death anniversary falls on October 21. English poet and critic Dr Matthew Arnold aptly observed that the creations of some writers and poets become so popular that their names as well as other qualities and dimensions get somewhat overshadowed. This undesirable fate befell Mirza Had Ruswa. Very few are aware that he was a polyglot who could speak Greek, Persian and English with an ease of a native speaker. Graduated from the Roorkee Engineering College, India's first Engineering college, Ruswa taught Persian and Chemistry at Lucknow Christian College School! Such was his versatility. He dabbled in astrology and in his own words, "Shauq-E-Ilm-E-Nujoom Charraya Hai/ Ghaib Se Ye Ilhaam Aaya Hai/ Baat Karta Hoon Chaand-Sitaron Ki/ Apne Andar Ek Naya Pahloo Paaya Hai" (I've developed interest in astrology/ This realization has come from the unseen/ I discuss stars and planets/ I've found a new dimension in my personality). Deeply interested in philosophy, music and theology, he wrote, "Mausiqi Ho, Falsafa Ho Ya Phir Ho Tasawwuf/ Dil Ko Jahan Bhi Lagaya, Toot Ke Lagaya" (Whether it was music, philosophy or theology-spirituality/ Whatever I did, did with seriousness). He had a philosophical streak in him. This couplet vindicates his philosophical bent of mind: Khol Toh Aankh Zara, Dekh Tamasha Kya Hai/ Vaham Hai Ya Ki Haqeeqat Hai, Ye Duniya Kya Hai (Open your eyes and see this charade/ Is it an illusion or a reality, what's this?). And think over the subtle sarcasm in this couplet of Ruswa, "Jis Ko Barson Hansi Na Aayee Ho/ Uss Ko Naaseh Ki Baat Pe Aaye " (One who hasn't laughed for years/ Will laugh at the inanities of the preacher). One of his best couplets is: Barbaad Kar Ke Mujh Ko Na Hon Munfail Huzoor/ Main Aap Mo'tarif Hoon Ki Mera Qusoor Tha (Don't feel embarrassed after destroying me/ I admit; it was my fault). He wrote several elegies (Marsiya) and worked on a shorthand manual. He was truly a multi-faceted personality. Zeb Shikarpuri's Urdu couplet articulates Ruswa's multi-dimensional personality: Pahloo Shakhsiyat Ke Khulte Chale Gaye/ Phir Bhi Rah Gaye Baaqi Kai Pahloo Abhi Bhi (Many facets of the personality surfaced slowly / Yet, a lot many are still to be explored). So very true. ------ A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/mirza-hadi-ruswa-versatile-genius/d/133494 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism