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For nearly three centuries, the Urdu ghazal has been beloved of connoisseur and layman alike. Its hypnotic rhythmic qualities, its exquisite interweaving of human and divine love, its joy in the good things of life as well as its mystic austerity, and, finally, its irresistible wit, have made it a popular form of poetry. This translation attempts to capture the best qualities of the ghazal in a contemporary voice.
Many of the enduring names of the ghazal are to be found here—from the early mystic Siraj Aurangabadi through the great Ghalib to modern poets like Faiz and Sahir Ludhianvi.
Urdu and Devnagari renderings of the poems ensure that the originals are also accessible to many readers, retaining the essence of ghazals.
About the Author
Shama Futehally studied English at the universities of Bombay and Leeds. She is the author of a translation of Meeras bhajans, In the Dark of the Heart: Songs of Meera, and written two novels—Tara Lane and Reaching Bombay Central. Shama passed away in December 2004, before the publication of this volume.
Praise
"Having worked on translating my favourites, I can vouch that the translator has to spend many sleepless nights caused by pain in the fundament. She did a heroic job."
—Khushwant Singh in The Tribune
