For a person with no knack for languages, Urdu took me by surprise. I got introduced to the world of Urdu through songs and ghazals. It is a wonderland that I had just started to explore. The beautiful sounding words and the soothing cadence cast a magical spell on me, urging me to learn the language. The frequent usage of Urdu words in Hindi songs only added fuel to this growing fire.
Yeh kaisa ishq hai urdu zabaan ka
Mazza ghulta hai lafzon ka zaban par
Ki jaise paan mein mehenga qimam ghulta hai
- Gulzar Learning a language is considered a good exercise for the brain. In the past, I have had a few opportunities to learn 2-3 languages, but I didn’t pursue them with an undying will. In the case of Urdu, I can firmly say that there was a will, and all I needed was a way.
Finding the right source
I strenuously began my search on the web for the right source to learn the language and get going. I didn’t find what I was looking for but fortunately got my hands on an even better solution, “Love Sonnets of Ghalib” by Dr Sarfaraz K. Niazi. The book comprises more than a thousand verses of Mirza Ghalib with their English translation and meaning. The author also includes a glossary of Urdu words used in the book and talks a little about the history of Urdu and the life and works of Mirza Ghalib. Overall, a good initiation point to get started with Urdu.
Greatness of Ghalib
Urdu is a mixture of languages and dialects. It gained popularity when it became a medium for poets to convey their thoughts. The 18th Century India is reputed to be a period of renaissance for art and culture, with Mirza Ghalib being one of the flag bearers of Urdu poetry in that era.
Koi din gar zindagani aur hai
Apne ji mein humne thaani aur hai
- Mirza Ghalib
English Translation
For a few more days, if we are to live,
In my heart, I have made some other resolutions besides
Meaning
If I am allowed a few more days to live, I have plans that I would like to accomplish. Ghalib shows his wish to live and the desire to execute his plans. He doesn’t reveal his resolutions, but he lets us know that he has a firm conviction for living. Reading the verses of Ghalib sends you on a penchant mode to go on and on. From facing existential crises to becoming a forlorn lover, his sonnets cover it all. Each verse written with a rhythmic flow of words grabs your attention and compounds your happiness. Ghalib’s couplet is what you need to put your smile back in its place. For me, reading this book has become a weekly ritual ever since I bought it. This may not be the ideal way to learn the language, but I also believe that one should always go for whatever works best for you.
Ghalib is hands-down one of the greatest poets of the Urdu language. What Shakespeare has been to English, Ghalib has been to Urdu. The greatness comes from his inexplicable control over his writing and thoughts. From wordplay to laying out his thoughts transparently, his writings have showcased it all. Some of Ghalib’s verses are so deep that it becomes a challenge to decipher them. Understanding his verse can sometimes be like peeling an onion- you peel layer by layer to find a different facet of the words. A book like "Love Sonnets of Mirza Ghalib" comes in handy in such situations.
I had always wanted to read Ghalib to understand why he is the greatest of all time. This book lets you know that and much more. When you want to get to know a person, all you want is to know their thoughts. And Ghalib’s thoughts come out well through his verses- letting us have a sneak peek into his personality. Thanks to this book, I have struck gold. I can fulfill my desire to enrich my Urdu mental lexicon and simultaneously understand the works of Mirza Ghalib. And maybe the next time you meet me, I'll serve you with a Ghalib special for the occasion!
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