Celebrating 227 Years of Mirza Ghalib: The Poet Who Transcends Time

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 28 December 2024 Mirza Ghalib Was A Legendary 19th-Century Urdu And Persian Poet Who Captured The Essence Of Love, Loss, And Existential Struggles Amidst India's Turbulent Transition. His Timeless Poetry Continues To Inspire And Resonate Globally, Celebrating Human Emotions And Universal Truths. Main Points: 1. Ghalib's Mughal ancestry, personal losses, and work as court poet to Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. 2. His works are reflective of love, loss, existential struggles, and the societal upheavals of 19th-century India. 3. His Ghazals, immortalised by legendary singers, bridge generations and global audiences. 4. A blend of Sufism and existentialism, Ghalib's poetry explores universal truths with wit and melancholy. 5. Ghalib's legacy lives on through events, digital media, and memorials such as Ghalib's Haveli and Jamia Millia Islamia's statue. ----- Introduction Mirza Asadullah Beg Khan, popularly known as Mirza Ghalib, is an immortal figure in the annals of Urdu and Persian literature. Born on 27 December 1797, in Agra, Ghalib's life and work encapsulated the cultural and philosophical essence of a transforming India. His poetry, steeped in wit, profundity, and melancholy, still resonates in the hearts of people across the globe. The Life and Legacy of Ghalib Ghalib was born into a family of Mughal descent, with ancestral roots in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. His paternal grandfather, Mirza Qoqan Baig, served under Ahmad Shah Durrani, while his father, Mirza Abdullah Baig, worked for several prominent Indian rulers. Tragically, his father passed away in 1803 when Ghalib was only four. He was then raised by his uncle, Mirza Nasrullah Baig Khan, who also died shortly thereafter. At the age of thirteen, Ghalib married Umrao Begum, the daughter of Nawab Ilahi Bakhsh. Moving to Delhi, he faced profound personal tragedies, including the death of all seven of his children in infancy. In a poignant letter, Ghalib described his marriage as a "second imprisonment," the first being life itself—a recurring theme in his poetry, which often explored existential struggles. Despite these hardships, Ghalib’s literary brilliance shone through. His mastery of Persian and Urdu, combined with his sharp intellect, earned him a place as a court poet to Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. In 1850, the Emperor conferred upon him the titles Dabir-ul-Mulk and Najm-ud-Daula, recognising his contributions to poetry and history. As the Emperor’s royal historian and poet-tutor, Ghalib became an integral part of Delhi’s cultural and political landscape. Poetry in a Time of Transition Ghalib’s works were shaped by an era of great upheaval. As the Mughal Empire waned and the British East India Company tightened its grip, his poetry captured the turmoil and existential angst of the times. His verses often delved into themes of love, loss, mortality, and the human condition. In one of his celebrated couplets, he writes: "Is Sādgī Pe Kaun Na Mar Jā.E Ai Ḳhudā Laḍte Haiñ Aur Haath Meñ Talvār Bhī Nahīñ" ("Who wouldn't die for such innocence, O God, They fight, yet they hold no sword in their hands.") This blend of simplicity and depth epitomises Ghalib’s poetic style, which remains the cornerstone of Urdu literature. While his Diwan-e-Ghalib is smaller in volume than his Persian works, it cemented his status as one of the greatest poets of his time. Ghalib in Modern Memory Ghalib’s work transcends generations, resonating with audiences worldwide, including the Indian diaspora. His Ghazals have been immortalised by legendary singers like Jagjit Singh, Mehdi Hassan, Abida Parveen, and Lata Mangeshkar, bringing his words to life for those unfamiliar with Urdu. On 27 December 2017, Google commemorated Ghalib’s 220th birth anniversary with a special doodle, underscoring his global appeal. Meanwhile, his haveli in Ballimaran, Chandni Chowk, now a museum, provides an intimate glimpse into his life, displaying manuscripts, artefacts, and illustrations that celebrate his literary genius. A statue of Ghalib, unveiled at Jamia Millia Islamia University, further honours his legacy. Located at Gate Number Seven of the campus, it stands as a testament to his enduring cultural significance. Remembering Ghalib in 2024 This year, the week-long 'Remembering Ghalib' series, held from 15–19 December 2024, in Delhi, marked his 227th birth anniversary. Highlights included a candlelight procession from Chandni Chowk to Ghalib’s Haveli, a mushaira featuring renowned poets, and a dance ballet inspired by his Ghazals. At the event’s conclusion, historian and diplomat Pavan K. Varma reflected on Ghalib’s timeless relevance: “Ghalib’s poetry transcends time and language. His words speak to the soul, urging us to reflect on love, loss, and the impermanence of life.” The Philosophy of Ghalib Ghalib’s poetry transcends personal struggles, delving into universal truths. His verses explore metaphysical musings, human desires, and the bittersweet realities of life. He often grappled with the transience of existence, the futility of human efforts, and the paradox of divine justice. His work seamlessly blended Sufism with existential thought, inviting readers to ponder life’s mysteries. His letters, written in an intimate and conversational tone, revolutionised Urdu prose. Today, they are celebrated for their wit, philosophical depth, and insights into the socio-political milieu of his time. A Personal Connection with His Work One of Ghalib’s greatest gifts was his ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level. His ghazals capture emotions that are both intensely individual and universally relatable. Consider this couplet: "Hazārōñ Ḳhvāhishēñ Aisi Ki Har Ḳhvāhish Pe Dam Niklē Bahut Niklē Mire Armaan Lekin Phir Bhī Kam Niklē" ("Thousands of desires, each worth dying for, Many of them I have realised, yet they are too few.") This verse encapsulates the eternal human condition—the ceaseless yearning and inevitable dissatisfaction that defines existence. The Timelessness of Ghalib Ghalib’s ability to articulate the intricacies of human emotion ensures his relevance across cultures and generations. Visiting his Mazar in Basti Hazrat Nizamuddin is a deeply moving experience. As poet Feroz Bakht Ahmed remarked: “To stand at Ghalib’s resting place is to feel the weight of his words and the lightness of his spirit. It is a pilgrimage of the soul.” Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond Borders As we celebrate Ghalib’s 227th birth anniversary, his poetry reminds us of the timeless power of words to bridge past and present, the personal and universal. Ghalib predicted his enduring fame when he wrote: "Aate Hain Ghaib Se Ye Mazameen Khayaal Mein Ghalib Sareer-E-Khaama Nawa-E-Sarosh Hai." ("These thoughts come to me from the unseen, Ghalib, the scratching of my pen is the sound of angels.") Today, his couplets continue to inspire, offering solace and introspection to millions. Ghalib’s words stand as a testament to the eternal nature of art, reminding us of our shared humanity and the enduring power of poetic expression. ---- Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/celebrating-mirza-ghalib-poet-transcends-time/d/134166 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