This book offers a representative selection of humorous and satirical Urdu poetry, drawn from the works of seventeen major poets, including the classics like Mohammed Rafi Sauda and Akbar Allahabadi, besides the famous practitioners of this art in the 20th century. The poems are chosen on the basis of their artistic and thematic quality. These are then translated, verse by verse, into English, and transliterated in the Roman script for the benefit of the non-Urdu-knowing reader. This is probably the first book of its kind in Urdu-English translated literature.
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.
Good collection of poetry, specially if you are a beginner and want to dive into Urdu Poetry. The Roman script definitely helps. I found few couplets were incorrect, so before quoting any, please make sure to check its accuracy--specially meter--via a better source.
A primer to the world of Urdu poetry. The couplets have been classified by theme. The translations retain the flavour and the rhythm of the original couplets.
One of the better translations with some context, not the best out there; does portray some of the feelings associated with the original urdu. Good for beginners