Mirza Ghalib: A poet like no other

Hain aur bhi duniya mein sukhan-var bahut achchhe

kehte hain ki 'Ghalib' ka hai andaz-e-bayan aur

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Mirza Ghalib stands as a bridge between two eras — the classical and modern — blending the rich traditions of Persian mysticism with the changing landscape of Indian Renaissance. Born Mirza Asadullah Beg Khan, he is one of the most celebrated and influential poets in Urdu and Persian literature. True to his pen-name, meaning “victor,” Ghalib’s influence in the realm of poetry remains unmatched.

Ghalib was born in Agra into a Mughal family that had migrated to Samarkand (modern-day Uzbekistan). Orphaned at the age of five, he was raised by his uncle, Mirza Nasrullah Baig Khan. At 13 , he married Umrao Begum and moved to Delhi with his younger brother, Mirza Yousuf, who suffered from schizophrenia, and died during the tumult of 1857. Unfortunately, all of Ghalib's seven children died in infancy. The recurring theme in his poetry reflects life as a constant struggle that only ends with death, as captured in one of his couplets — Quaid-e-hayaat band o gham, asal mein dono ek hain, Maut se pehle aadmi, gham se bisaat khaye kyun!

Ghalib's life was marked by personal hardships, from the tragic loss of his father to the untimely deaths of his children. Raised in a family with noble lineage, Ghalib experienced the early luxuries of aristocracy, but poverty soon followed as he struggled financially throughout his life.

In 1850, Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar awarded Ghalib the titles of Dabir-ul-Mulk (secretary of state) and Najm-ud-daula (star of the state), marking his official integration into Delhi's nobility. Ghalib was also granted the title Mirza Nosha, allowing him to add Mirza to his name.

Ghalib, who began composing poetry at the age of 10, wrote more in Persian than Urdu and regarded his Persian poetry and prose as more significant, even wishing to be evaluated based on his Persian works. But Ghalib's legacy is more intimately tied to his Urdu ghazals.

Ghalib’s works, infused with existential questions, reflection on life, death and love, reflect both his disillusionment and his intense passion for life’s beauty and complexities. His works are marked by their sensory engagement, particularly in his treatment of love, which is far from idealistic; instead, it is sensuous and deeply felt.

Despite his early struggles, Ghalib’s unique voice soon became synonymous with artistic brilliance, transcending the limitations of his era. His deep philosophical insights, sharp wit and playful nature permeated both his poetry and his personal correspondence. His letters, which he began writing in 1849, are as significant as his poetry. In these letters, Ghalib discarded the ornate formalities of earlier Urdu letter writing, favouring a more informal, witty and candid style. This shift mirrored his approach to poetry — elevating simplicity, authenticity and grace.

Hui muddat ki ‘Ghalib’ mar gaya par yaad aata hai, vo har ik baat par kehna ki yuun hota to kya hota — Ghalib’s exploration of life’s contradictions, his refusal to conform to conviction and his capacity to embrace both intellectual inquiry and joys of life make him a timeless figure, whose influence continues to resonate. His life and works remain a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of suffering and the beauty found in life’s contradictions.