ESSENTIAL GHALIB

by Anisur Rahman

For poetry lovers, Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib (1797-1869) needs no introduction. His poetry remains both emblematic and enigmatic, and his name is indelibly associated with the ghazal. However, apart from some well-known verses, the larger public is unacquainted with his body of work. In The Essential Ghalib, veteran scholar, author translator Anisur Rahman presents an exemplary selection of Mirza Ghalib's Urdu couplets, translated in English along with critical commentaries. Using colloquial and contemporary language, the translations provide an accessible and pleasurable route to understanding Ghalib's poetry, while the commentary explores the multiple meanings of the Urdu original.

A veritable selection of the most remarkable verses by Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib, The Essential Ghalib is a worthy addition to every ghazal aficionado's bookshelf.

Genres: Poetry

448 pages, Hardcover

Published December 20, 2024

Reviews

[Rahul Vishnoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Translating the Grief of Ghalib-
Review of 'The Essential Ghalib' by Anisur Rahman

Quote Alert
"𝐍𝐚𝐪𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐢 𝐤𝐢𝐬 𝐤𝐢𝐢 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐊𝐇𝐢𝐢-𝐢 𝐭𝐚𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐢𝐫 𝐤𝐚𝐚 𝐤𝐚𝐚𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐢 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐫-𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐯𝐢𝐢𝐫 𝐤𝐚𝐚
Translation-
𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐦 𝐈; 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬— 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐝—𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐬"

Ghalib has been to India what Rumi is to Persia. His sher, the couplets he wrote, have given way to much interpretation, translation and simplification in contemporary poetry and even in Hindi movie songs. His emotions, dripping from his writing, are relevant even today, hundreds of years after when even the soil that clung to his feet has gone into the shredder of the universe.

The Essential Ghliab is a selection of 200 shers, or couplets taken from the entire collection of Ghalib's ghazals. For each selected sher, the book offerd thetext in Nastaliq script, in Devanagari and in Roman transliteration.

Each sher and its accompanying material are designed to be displayed neatly on two facing pages in print, so that the reader can view the whole capsule at a glance—a perfect material aid to the process of focusing attention on one verse at a time, contemplating its many layers of signification and absorbing its imaginative impact.

There is a detailed commentary at the end that interprets the verse, explains its ambiguities and complexities of the meaning it carries, and then places it in multiple contexts: linguistic, textual, philosophical or cultural.

Have a look-
"Jazba-i be-iKHtiyaar-e shauq dekhaa chaahiye siina-i shamshiir se baahar hai dam shamshiir kaa.
This uncontrollable passion, this ardour, is worth a watch indeed The sparkle of a scimitar shows beyond its breath, beyond its breed."

A deeply philosophical read.

[Prerna Shambhavee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Essential Ghalib" by Anisur Rahman is a thoughtful collection of Mirza Ghalib's poetry that brings his timeless words to life for a new generation of readers. As a master of the ghazal, Ghalib's verses are like old friends – familiar, yet always revealing something new. Rahman’s translations make these couplets accessible, capturing the essence of Ghalib’s thoughts in a way that feels both fresh and true to the original.

What stands out in this book is Rahman’s ability to break down Ghalib’s complex ideas into simple, everyday language. He doesn’t just translate words; he conveys the emotions and reflections behind them. Each couplet is followed by insightful commentary that explores the deeper meanings, making it easier for readers to connect with Ghalib’s work on a personal level.

One of the joys of this book is how it invites readers to see the world through Ghalib’s eyes. His poetry touches on universal themes – love, loss, longing, and the passage of time. Whether he’s writing about the beauty of nature, the pain of separation, or the fleeting nature of life, Ghalib’s words resonate deeply. Rahman’s thoughtful translations ensure that these themes shine through, even across languages.

The format of the book is also worth mentioning. Each Urdu couplet is paired with an English translation, allowing readers to appreciate the original language alongside the translated version. This thoughtful presentation adds to the richness of the experience, making it both educational and enjoyable.

For anyone new to Ghalib, "The Essential Ghalib" is a perfect starting point. Rahman’s work not only introduces readers to one of Urdu literature’s greatest poets but also encourages them to explore further. For those already familiar with Ghalib’s poetry, the book offers a fresh perspective, reminding us why his work continues to matter so much.

All-in-all, "The Essential Ghalib" is a beautifully curated collection that brings Ghalib’s poetry to life in a way that feels both personal and profound. It’s a book that will stay with you, offering new insights with each reading, and reminding you of the power of poetry to touch the heart and mind.