Urdu Ghazal: The Imbibition of Arabic & Persian Themes

Abstract

Literature is an appropriate mode for expression of thought andvision. Poetry is its most impressive and effective form of  communication. It is the most beautiful and sensitive source to expresses the feelings, mood and experiences of the poet. In the literary sense the Ghazal is meant for romance and to project glamour of the feminine. The Ghazal emerged from the "tashbib" of the Arabic qasidah. In the beginning of Islam in Iran, the Islamic Arabic civilization and literature, penetrated Persian poetry. In Persian literature the Ghazal was introduced by a poet "Roodki" in the period of Samani. Roodki was also commended by a renowned poet "Unsri" in the era of Mehmood Ghaznvi. However this was the earlier period of qasidah. The Persian literature had a remarkable influence on Urdu Ghazal. Urdu Ghazal owes its thought, mood of expression, formation, theme, canvas, from Persian literature i.e the Ghazal. That is why the great poet like Mirza Ghalib felt proud of his Persian poetry and preferred it to his Urdu poetry.

Keywords

• ghazal
• persian literature
• imprints
• ghalib