Ghalib - Makers of Indian Literature

Book Details

• Publisher: Sahitya Akademi
• Language: English
• Pages: 80
• Edition: 2009
• Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 14 cm (8.5 x 5.5 inch)
• Weight: 130 gm
• Cover: Paperback
• ISBN: 9788172017088

About the Book

This insightful work presents a thoughtful study of Mirza Ghalib, widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in Urdu literature. His poetry, known for its depth, complexity, and emotional intensity, has left a lasting impact not only on Urdu readers but also on literary traditions across the world.

Ghalib followed the classical conventions of Urdu and Persian poetry, yet transformed them through his unique imagination and personal experiences. In his early phase, his powerful expression often moved beyond traditional idioms. He then shifted to writing extensively in Persian before returning to Urdu, where his later works achieved immense popularity. It is in this final phase that Ghalib’s poetry reached its most refined form, expressing profound philosophical ideas and inner emotions with unmatched elegance.

Written by M. Mujeeb, this book not only explores Ghalib’s poetry but also paints a vivid picture of the cultural and historical backdrop of his time. As a historian and translator, Mujeeb provides valuable insights into the literary traditions Ghalib inherited and reshaped.

The book also highlights the challenges of translating Ghalib’s intricate poetry into English—a task that requires both linguistic skill and deep literary sensitivity. Through careful interpretation and scholarly effort, this work makes Ghalib’s thought and poetic brilliance accessible to non-Urdu readers in India and around the world.