Masterpieces of Urdu Ghazal: From the 17th to the 20th Century

by K.C. Kanda

The book introduces the reader to the form and flavour of Urdu ghazal which, undoubtedly, is the most popular and prized poetic genre in Urdu. It contains translations of 108 ghazals selected from the works of nine major poets: Wali, Dard, Mir, Ghalib, Momin, Iqbal, Hasrat, Firaq and Faiz. The translations are faithful to the sense and spirit of the original and are couched in a lucid, poetical language. For the convenience of the non-Urdu knowing reader, the author has provided in the book, in addition to the text in Urdu Romanised versions of the ghazals. Among other features of the book should be mentioned the introductory essay on the ghazal, which is comprehensive and fully illustrated, and brief biographical notes on the poets, along with their authentic portraits.

Genres: Poetry

334 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1991

About the author

Kishan Chand Kanda has had a long and distinguished tenure as a Reader in English at Delhi University. He holds a doctorate in English from Delhi University, Master’s degrees in English from Punjab University and Nottingham University, and a first class first M. A. degree in Urdu from Delhi University. He has published 10 books of Urdu poetry translations and is the recipient of the Urdu Academy Award for excellence in translation.

Reviews

[Himanshi Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took urdu as my vocational subject in the last semester of college and I feel grateful to have studied one of the most prized and beautiful languages. This book introduces the readers to the flavour and form of ghazal poetry which is an ancient form of ode tracing its origin in pre- Islamic and Persian society.

Some lesser known poets like Mir Dard Mir, Mohammed Ibrahim Zauq, Amir Meenai and their passionate verses are the highlight of the anthology. The author has provided both English and Urdu Romanised versions of the peoms as well as a short biography of the poets.

A delightful read for those interested in urdu tradition and language.

“Even before we find our feet,
Death clamours for our breath

Unusual calm pervades our life
It augurs, perhaps, a wild tempest”

~Altaf Hussain Hali

[Mansi Patel]

The translations are not good. at all. I loved discovering new poems since this is my first tim reading Urdu poetry but being a but familiar with the language, I found the translations extremely trash. Some of the times they’re wrong as well.

Doesn’t do the original work justice imo.

[Imaduddin Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some great poetry here from lesser-known poets such as Mir Dard Mir, Momin Khan Momin and Raghupati Sahai Firaq.

Provides transliterations alongside the Urdu script, as well as faithful translations.

[Meena Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshed my memory and loved every moment of it.

[Sunil Raina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice One

[Chinmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read book for Urdu poetry (shayari and ghazal) fans. An all time classic.

[Saqib]

.

[Parmeet Kohli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning ghazals from the likes of Iqbal, Hasrat, Momin, Mir, Ghalib and others. Absolute joy of a book. The translations are quite good too.

[Panhwer IK]

want to read