‘Verse’atile Bards of Awadh | Lucknow News
Often dubbed as a city of poets and writers, Lucknow has been a cradle for numerous renowned writers and poets over the past 250 years since it became the capital of Awadh for the first time in 1775.From Insha Allah Khan, the author of the first grammar of the Urdu language, ‘Darya-e-Latafat,’ to Mir Taqi Mir, known as ‘Khuda-e-Sukhan’ (God of poetry), and Maulana Hasrat Mohani, the Urdu poet and freedom fighter who coined the legendary slogan ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ (Long live the revolution), the city has been a fertile ground for literary excellence. Insha Allah Khan (1752-1817)Insha Allah Khan served as a distinguished Urdu poet in the royal courts of Lucknow and Delhi during the late 1700s and early 1800s. A versatile scholar proficient in multiple languages, he authored the pioneering Urdu grammar text, ‘Darya-e-Latafat.’ Born in Murshidabad, Khan produced significant literary works in Lucknow, where he remained until his death in 1817. His legacy rests on two major contributions: ‘Rani Ketki Ki Kahani’, an early Hindi prose narrative composed without Arabic or Persian vocabulary, and ‘Darya-e-Latafat’ (1807), a Persian treatise examining Urdu grammar, rhetoric, and the distinctive dialects of Delhi and Lucknow. This groundbreaking text established grammatical conventions that remain relevant today. DD National, India’s public broadcasting network Doordarshan, adapted ‘Rani Ketki Ki Kahani’ into a television programme. Mir Taqi Mir (1723-1810)Mir Taqi Mir is celebrated as one of the finest poets who explored profound themes of romance, bereavement, and human nature. His renowned couplets include ‘Dikhaai diye yun ki bekhud kiya, Hamein aap se bhi juda kar chale’.His poetry is noted for its emotional depth and poetic finesse. Born in Agra in 1723, Mir spent much of his life in Lucknow until his death on Sept 21, 1810. Recognised as a foundational figure in Urdu literature, he earned the title ‘Khuda-e-Sukhan’. His contributions, particularly in ‘ghazals’, have solidified his status as an exemplary practitioner of this poetic form. Munshi Nawal Kishore (1836-1895) Munshi Nawal Kishore, often referred to as the Caxton of India, established the Munshi Nawal Kishore Press on Nov 23, 1858, at the age of 22. He began publishing the weekly newspaper ‘Avadh Akhbar,’ also known as ‘Oudh Akhbar’, in 1859. His publishing enterprise became Asia’s oldest printing and publishing establishment, releasing over 5,000 publications in various languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Hindi, English, Marathi, Punjabi, Pashto, Persian, Sanskrit, and Urdu, between 1858 and 1885. His legacy continued through his sons, who founded the Ram Kumar Press and Tej Kumar Press as successors to the original Nawal Kishore Press.Ghalib acknowledged the influence of Nawal Kishore Press by stating, “Divan of whosoever Nawal Kishore published, his name and fame reached the sky.” Ameer Hasan Noorani, in his 1982 publication ‘Munshi Nawal Kishore Haalaat aur Khidmaat’, noted that “as soon as one mentions the words ‘Nawal Kishore Press’, the pleasing and awe-inspiring thought of thousands of books fills one’s heart.” Urdu scholar Aziz Ahmed observed, “Had it not been for Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Munshi Nawal Kishore after the 1857 War of Independence, the general awakening of India to a different environ and the preservation of our cultural heritage would not have been possible. If Nawal Kishore had not rediscovered our invaluable cultural treasure through printing and publishing, it would have been lost forever after the calamity of 1857.” Abdul Halim Sharar (1860-1926)Abdul Halim Sharar, a distinguished Urdu litterateur, made significant contributions as a short-story writer and novelist. He earned widespread recognition for pioneering Islamic historical novels in Urdu literature, creating exceptional literary works that enriched the language. His professional journey began at the Awadh newspaper in Lucknow, followed by positions at various newspapers, magazines, and journals. He later published his own chronicles, with ‘Dil-Gudaz’ achieving remarkable success and appreciation across diverse readerships. He also composed poetry under the pen name ‘Sharar’. His book ‘Guzashta Lucknow’ is still considered one of the best narratives describing the genesis of the city and its culture. Ameer Minai (1829-1900)Ameer Minai, an esteemed Urdu poet of his times, gained widespread recognition for composing the ‘ghazal’ ‘Sarakti jaye hai rukh se naqab aahista aahista’, which was later sung by Jagjit Singh. His ‘ghazals’ have been performed by renowned vocalists including Ghulam Ali, Farida Khanum, and Jagjit Singh. He also wrote under the pen name ‘Ameer’. Minai’s most significant contribution was ‘Ameer-ul-Lughaat’, an extensive Urdu-to-Urdu dictionary planned as an eight-volume collection. However, only two volumes were completed and released in 1891 and 1892. Despite his proficiency in various poetic forms, his ‘ghazals’ brought him the greatest acclaim. His notable works include ‘Mirat-ul-Ghalib’ (1868), ‘Gauhar-e-Intekhab’ (1896), and ‘Sanam-khana-e-Ishq’ (1896). Hasrat Mohani (1878-1951)‘Inquilab Zindabad’ (long live the revolution) is perhaps the most used slogan, both during the pre-Independence era, and afterwards. Popularized by Bhagat Singh, one of the most revered revolutionaries, the slogan was coined by Hasrat Mohani, a freedom fighter and a legendary poet from Lucknow. Born as Syed Fazlul Hasan in Mohan in Unnao, a neighbouring district in Lucknow, Mohani established himself as a notable personality in Lucknow. His reputation stemmed from his poetic works, social activism, and significant role in India’s freedom struggle. His diverse contributions included establishing the influential publication Urdu-i-Mualla and serving in key positions within the Indian National Congress. He actively participated in the Swadeshi movement and introduced the pioneering resolution for complete independence. His leadership extended across various organisations, presiding over sessions of the Indian National Congress, Muslim League, Jamiat-ul Ulama-i-Hind, and the Communist Party of India, which he helped establish. Hasrat was a poet par excellence. He knew the art of writing ‘ghazals’ in very simple language which could be understood by everybody. His ‘ghazals’ like ‘Chupke Chupke Raat Din’ still figures in the playlist of every household.Winds of ChangeAt a time when the Progressive Writers’ Movement was sweeping India, Asrarul Haq Majaz (1911-1955), was giving vent to the angst of the youth in Lucknow with ‘Inquilab’, and ‘Aahang-e-Nau.Known as the ‘Keats of Urdu poetry’, Majaz was one of the few poets who romanticised revolution.His pen spews fire when he says, ‘Dekh shamsheer hai ye, saaz hai ye, jaam hai ye; Tu jo shamsheer utha le to bada kaam hai ye’.His nazm ‘Aawara’ (Aye gam-e-dil kya karoon, aye wahshat-e-dil kya karoon) is considered one of his best poetic works.Safi Lakhnawi (1862-1950) started writing at 13 and his simple yet unique style and writings on socio-political issues made him the people’s poet.Closer to our times, poets like Wali Asi (1939-2002) (Phailta jaata hai nafrat ka dhuan ishq karo), Krishna Bihari ‘Noor’ (1926- 2003) (Zindagi se badi sazaa hi nahi; Aur kya jurm hai pata hi nahi), and Sardar Khushbir Singh ‘Shaad’ (born 1954) (‘Hum ahl-e sheher ki khwahish ki miljul kar rahein lekin, Ameer-e-sheher ki dilchaspiyan kuchh aur kehti hain’) emerged as the torchbearers of Lucknow’s literary tradition.Poet, lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar and his brother Salman Akhtar, sons of illustrious poet and lyricist Jaan Nisar Akhtar, also have a deep connection with Lucknow.Poet Munawwar Rana (born 1952) gave a new dimension to poetry by focusing on affection for mother (‘Meri khwahish hai ki main phir se farishta ho jaoon; Maa se is tarah lipat jaoon ki bachcha ho jaoon’.Anwar Nadeem (1937-2017) was also an acclaimed poet, satirist, critic, journalist and actor from the city.Historian, writer, poet and a storyteller par excellence, Yogesh Praveen (1938-2021) was a walking encyclopaedia on Lucknow. He wrote over two dozen books capturing the history, culture and beauty of Awadh. His poetic works include ‘Shabnam’, ‘Peele Gulab’, ‘Anjuman’, and ‘Indradhanush’. He is also known for his contribution in the making of cinematic masterpieces like ‘Shatranj Ke Khiladi’, ‘Junoon’ and ‘Umrao Jaan’.Hindi litterateurs & People’s ConnectThe social and political churning of the 20th century produced writers who could connect with the aspirations of the youth.While Yashpal, Amrit Lal Nagar and Bhagwati Charan Varma showed mirror to the society through their works, Shivani gave a new dimension to feminist movement.Revolutionary writer Yashpal (1903-1976) was a close associate of freedom fighters Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev. He was banned from entering Punjab in 1938 after which he decided to shift to Lucknow. He wrote ‘Pinjre ki Udaan’ (1939) and started a magazine, ‘Viplav’.Amrit Lal Nagar (1916-1990) was born in Agra but brought up in Lucknow. He started off as a journalist and later switched to writing screenplays. He was known for simplicity of language and satire. His famous works include ‘Mahakaal’, ‘Boond Aur Samudra’, ‘Amrit Aur Vish’ and ‘Shatranj Ke Mohre’.Best known for his novel ‘Chitralekha’ (1934), Bhagvati Charan Varma (1903-1981) emerged as the people’s writer with his critiques on social ills. Two films were made on ‘Chitralekha’ (1941 and 1964).“Amrit Lal Nagar’s ‘Chakallas’ and ‘Nawabi Masnad’ are one of the greatest works in humour and satire. Similarly, Bhagwati Charan Varma’s satirical works, especially ‘Do Baanke’, are captivating,” says Lucknow-based satirist Anoop Mani Tripathi.Gaura Pant ‘Shivani’ (1923-2003) was born in Rajkot (Gujarat) and moved to Lucknow after her marriage with Sukhdev Pant. Her works were mainly women-centric and highlighted their plight in patriarchal society. Her works ‘Chaudah Phere’ and ‘Rativilap’ portray the plight of women, especially widows, in a patriarchal and regressive society.Satirist Shrilal Shukla (1925-2011) is best known for his classic ‘Raag Darbari’ which got India’s highest honour from the Sahitya Akademi in 1969 and was made into a television series.His satirical and humorous take on the evils of urban and rural life and degeneration of moral values gave readers enough food for thought.Kalika Prasad Saxena, popularly known as KP Saxena (1932-2013), was a writer, poet and satirist par excellence. His works, dipped in humour and satire, aptly captured the essence of Lucknow. In 50 years, he wrote over 17,000 literary pieces.He wrote dialogues for popular movies like ‘Lagaan’ (2001), ‘Swades’ (2004), ‘Hulchul’ (2004) and ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ (2008).Theatre doyen Urmil Thapliyal (1943-2021) was not only a famous playwright and performer but also an author, poet, and satirist. He is credited with reviving ‘nautanki’ on the stage. He worked as a newsreader in the All India Radio and later founded a theatre group ‘Darpan’.Subhash Chandra (1933-2016), who chose Mudrarakshas as his nom de plume, was known for his unique and non-traditional style of writing. A novelist, playwright, journalist, and activist, he wrote intensely on issues related to women, minorities and Dalits. He was associated with AIR and also edited Hindi magazine ‘Anuvaarta’.
