An Anthology of Modern Urdu Poetry

by M.A.R. Habib (Translator)

Currently spoken by almost 250 million people in Pakistan and India and the second most widely spoken language in Briain, Urdu has one of the richest literatures of all south Asian languages. The modern Urdu poets presented in this book offer a fascinating range of forms and styles that grew out of that tradition, as well as a complex commentary on the experience -- personal, religious, cultural, political -- of the issues and dilemmas of the twentieth century. In his introduction, M. A. R. Habib outlines the history of Urdu literature, identifies the major poets associated with the classical tradition, discusses some Western influences, and describes the formal genres of the poetry (the qasida, the masnavi, and the marisiya forms of the longer poems; the qit'a, the rubai, and the ghazal forms of the shorter poems). Together, the commentary and the poems in this volume provide an informed introduction to major modern trends in Urdu poetry.

Genres: Poetry

237 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

see Rafey Habib

Reviews

[Dirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took up this book because I’d read that the wonderful novel A Map for Lost Lovers (see above, or below, or whatever) derived its fascinating style in part from Urdu poetry. This book offers us a glimpse into a world of poetry partly unfamiliar to us, although many of the poets are influenced by European models, particularly French surrealists, which appeal to their tradition. The metaphor is lush and the thought often seems to progress through metaphor. This poetry arose in a culture where many issues, especially political issues, had to be glanced at only very obliquely. For instance it is interesting that the plight of women, so movingly portrayed in A Map for Lost Lovers, is freely discussed in a romantic way, and often appears to be a symbol of political oppression in general. In terms of prosody the book is a little mediocre, but that may be the translation.

[A V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Urdu poetry much later than I should have. A language born from intense love and devotion to everything beautiful, it's no surprise how beautiful Urdu sounds. If you're someone who can't speak the language fluently or read the original script, this book will work wonderfully for you. There's transliteration in Hindi and translation in English, and the creator has made a genuine effort to reach non Urdu speakers. I personally got through winter because of this beauty of a book.

[Nikolai Bayro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful collection, wonderful editorial work by Habib, his introduction/foreword was the perfect primer to contextualize the selection included in the book.

A light read, masterfully balancing politics, religion, love and yearning through varying lenses, showcasing the complex identity politics that surround the Urdu people.

Thanks Kainat for the recommendation

[Manal Ahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Urdu shairee at its finest

[Cavak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Educational and beautiful. My kind of combination. I hope to learn more about Urdu poetry as time goes on, yet this is a wonderful and insightful introduction for me.

[Mehwish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful compilation of urdu poetry by famous poets.