For word meanings and explanatory discussion in English click on the tabs marked “Roman” or “Notes”.
Recitation
مرثیہ ۔ جو نہ جوہر دکھا سکوں ۔گوپی ناتھ امنؔ
منتخب بند
۱
حامل تجلّیوں کا نہیں ہے مرا کلام
کیا میرا علم و فن ہے بھلا اور کیا کلام
کچھ شان اور رکھتا تھا اسلاف کا کلام
تاریخ میں مقام بلند اُن کا لاکلام
اسلاف کا وہ حُسنِ بیاں کیسے پا سکوں
دعویٰ ہی کیوں کروں جو نہ جوہر دکھا سکوں
۲
اگلے جو اہلِ فن تھے کمال اُن کا لا زوال
میں اُن کی ہمسری کروں میری یہ کیا مجال
وہ چست چست بندشیں لفظوں کا وہ کمال
اک بند اُن کے پایہ کا لکھنا بھی ہے محال
میدانِ نظم کوئی نہ وہ چھوڑ کر گئے
مضمون وہ لکھے کہ قلم توڑ کر گئے
۳
اُن کا بجا تھا ناز کہ ہیں صاحبِ قلم
مضمون تازہ کرتے ہیں ہر نظم میں رقم
جوہر فصاحت اور بلاغت کے تھے بہم
زورِ بیاں جو اُن میں تھا، لائے یہ کس میں دم
زورِ قلم سے اپنے وہ منظر دکھا گئے
ہندوستاں کے پھول عرب میں کھلا گئے
۴
اِس زور و شور سے کیا تلوار کا بیاں
پڑھتے ہی پڑھتے لب سے نکل جائے الاماں
ایک ایک وار میں ہوئے بے سر کئی جواں
ایسی چمک دکھائی وہ بجلی میں بھی کہاں
پہنچی کبھی زمیں پہ کبھی آسماں میں تھی
بُرّش کی اُس کی داد قدسیاں میں تھی
میر انیسؔ کا بند
قلمِ فکر سے کھینچوں جو کسی بزم کا رنگ
شمع تصویر پہ گرنے لگیں آ آ کے پتنگ
صاف حیرت زدہ مانی ہو تو بہزاد ہو دنگ
خوں برستا نظر آۓ جو دکھاؤں صفِ جنگ
رزم ایسی ہو کہ دل سب کے پھڑک جا ئیں ابھی
بجلیاں تیغوں کی آنکھوں میں چمک جائیں ابھی
۵
اِس لطف سے بیاں کئے اوصافِ اسپِ تیز
جس کے مقابلے میں صبا کو بھی ہو گریز
سطح زمیں سے تا بہ فلک اُس کی جست خیر
اُس کا خرامِ ناز صبا جیسے مشک بیز
یکساں رسائی اُس کی بلند اور پست میں
وہم و خیال سے بھی فزوں اپنی جست میں
میر انیس کا بند
آہو کی آنکھ، شیر کی چتون، غضب کی چال
وہ یال تھی کہ حور نے بکھرا دیۓ تھے بال
گردن کے خم کو دیکھ کے ہو سر نگوں ہلال
پوچھے کوئی سوار سے شائستگی کا حال
اُڑ کر زمیں تلک کہیں گردِ قدم گئی
جب بس کہا چمکتی ہوی برق تھم گئی
۶
گرمی کا ایسا ذکر کہ پڑھ کر لگ آئے پیاس
شِدّت وہ دھوپ کی کہ پڑھ کر ہوں گُم حواس
ہو جل کے باسیوں کو بھی جل جانے کا ہراس
جھونکے وہ لُو کے جن سے جہنّم بھی ہو اُداس
کیا ذہن کی رسائی ہے اور کیسی فکر ہے
یعنی نظر کی آبلہ پائی کا ذکر ہے
۷
اکثر غلط ہیں قافیے اپنی ہے یہ بساط
محدود ہے بہت ہی تخیل کی کائنات
ہے ذہن تنگ ہیچ ہے حدّ تصورات
ناں چند ایک بند میں کہہ دی دل کی بات
پہلو مگر یہ ایک ہے میرے کلام کا
ہے تذکرہ حسین علیہ السلا م کا
۸
جو لوگ حق شناس ہیں جو لوگ حق نگر
موضوع کو بناتے ہیں وہ مرکزِ نظر
نقاد کی نگاہ ہے طرزِ کلام پر
ہر حسن ہے سخن میں سخن ہو جو با اثر
بد شکل ظرف میں بھی جو آبِ حیات ہو
اُس کی کریں نہ قدر تو یہ کیسی بات ہو
۹
بے مائیگی کا اپنا مگر آ گیا خیال
اہلِ سلف کے خوب نمایاں ہوئے کمال
میں اُن کی ہمسری کروں میری یہ کیا مجال
لکھتا ہوں لیکن اِس لئے شاہِ زمن کا حال
تبلیغ ہو زمانے میں اک نیک بات کی
پیدا ہو اپنے واسطے صورت نجات کی
۱۰
اے شاہِ دیں مجھے بھی عطا کر اک ایسا دل
غم دیکھ کر جو اوروں کے ہو جائے مضمحل
دردِ رفاہ عام رہے دل میں مستقل
مولا بہت ہوں اپنے گناہوں پہ منفعل
انسانیت کے جذبے کو دل میں اُبھار دے
مدّاح اہلِ بیت ہوں بگڑی سنوار دے
मर्सिया-जो न जौहर दिखा सकूं-गोपी नाथ अमन
मुंतख़ब बन्द
१
हामिल तजल्लियौं का नहीं है मेरा कलाम
क्या मेरा इल्म ओ फ़न है भला और क्या कलाम
कुछ शान और रखता था अस्लाफ़ का कलाम
तारीख़ में कलाम बलंद उन का ला-कलाम
अस्लाफ़ का वो हुस्न-ए बयां कैसे पा सकूं
दा’वा हि क्यूं करूं जो न जौहर दिखा सकूं
२
अग्ले जो अहल-ए फ़न थे कमाल उन का ला-ज़वाल
मैं उन कि हमसरी करूं मेरी ये क्या मजाल
वो चुस्त चुस्त बंदिशें लफ़्ज़ौं का वो कमाल
एक बन्द उन के पा’ए का लिखना भी है महाल
मैदान-ए नज़्म कोई न वो छोढ कर गये
मज़्मून वो लिखे के क़लम तोढ कर गये
३
उन का बजा था नाज़ के हैं साहब-ए क़लम
मज़्मून ताज़ा करते हैं हर हर नज़्म में रक़म
जौहर फ़साहत और बलाग़त के थे बहम
ज़ोर-ए बयां जो उन में था लाए ये किस में दम
ज़ोर-ए क़लम से अपने वो मंज़र दिखा गये
हिन्दोस्तां के फूल अरब में खिला गये
४
इस ज़ोर ओ शोर से किया तल्वार का बयां
पढते हि पढते लब से निकल जाये अल-अमां
एक एक वार में हुए बे-सर कई जवां
ऐसी चमक दिखाई वो बिजली में भी कहां
पहुंची कभी ज़मीं पे कभी आस्मां में थी
बुर्रिश कि उस की दाद ख़ुदसियां में थी
मीर अनीस का बन्द
क़लम-ए फ़िक्र से खीचूं जो किसी बज़्म का रंग
शम’अ-ए तस्वीर पे गिरने लगें आ आ के पतंग
साफ़ हैरत ज़दा मा’नी हो तो बहज़ाद हो दंग
ख़ूं बरसता नज़र आए जो दिखाऊं सफ़-ए जंग
रज़म ऐसी हो के दिल सब के फडक जाएँ अभी
बिजलियां तेग़ों की आँखौं में चमक जाएं अभी
५
इस लुत्फ़ से बयां किये औसाफ़-ए अस्प-ए तेज़
जिस के मुक़ाबले में सबा को भी हो गुरेज़
सतह-ए ज़मीं से ता-ब-फ़लक उस की जुस्त ख़ेज़
उस का ख़िराम-ए नाज़ सबा जैसे मुश्क-बेज़
यक्सां रसाई उस की बलंद और पस्त में
वहम ओ ख़याल से भी फ़ुज़ूं अपनी जुस्त में
मीर अनीस का बन्द
आहू की आंख, शेर की चितवन, ग़ज़ब की चाल
वो याल थी के हूर ने बिखरा दिए थे बाल
गर्दन के ख़म को देख के हो सर निगूं हिलाल
पूछे कोइ सवार से शाएस्तगी का हाल
उढ कर ज़मीं तलक कहीं गर्द-ए क़दम गई
जब बस कहा, चमकती हुई बर्क़ थम गई
६
गर्मी का ऐसा ज़िक्र के पढ़ कर लग आये प्यास
शिद्दत वो धूप की के पढ़ कर हों गुम हवास
हो जल के बासियों को भी जल जाने का हिरास
झोंके वो लू के जिन से जहन्नुम भी हो उदास
क्या ज़हन की रसाई है और कैसी फ़िक्र है
या’नी नज़र कि आब्ला-पाई का ज़िक्र है
७
अक्सर ग़लत हैं क़ाफ़िये अपनी है ये बिसात
महदूद है बहुत हि तख़य्युल कि काएनात
है ज़हन तंग हेच है हद्द-ए तसव्वुरात
नां चंद एक बंद में कह दी दिल की बात
पहलू मगर ये एक है मेरे कलाम का
है तज़्केरा हुसैन अलै-हि-सलाम का
८
जो लोग हक़-शिनास हैं, जो लोग हक़-निगर
मौज़’ऊ को बनाते है वो मरकज़-ए नज़र
नक़्क़ाद कि निगाह है तर्ज़-ए कलाम पर
हर हुस्न है सुख़न में, सुख़न हो जो बा-असर
बद-शक्ल ज़र्फ़ में भि जो आब-ए हयात हो
उस की करें न क़द्र तो ये कैसी बात हो
९
बे-मायगी का अपनी मगर आ गया ख़याल
अहल-ए सलफ़ के ख़ूब नुमायां हुए कमाल
मैं उन की हमसरी करुं मेरी ये क्या मजाल
लिखता हुं लैकिन इस लिये शाह-ए ज़मन का हाल
तब्लीग़ हो ज़माने में एक नेक बात की
पैदा हो अपने वास्ते सूरत नजात की
१०
अए शाह-ए दीं मुझे भी अता कर एक ऐसा दिल
ग़म देख कर जो औरौं के हो जाये मुज़्महिल
दर्द-ए रफ़ाह-ए आ’म रहे दिल में मुस्तक़िल
मौला बहुत हुं अपने गुनाहौं पे मुन’अफ़िल
इन्सानियत के जज़्बे को दिल में उभार दे
मद्दाह-ए अहल-ए बैत हुं बिग्ढी संवार दे
Click here for background and on any passage for word meanings and explanatory discussion. gopi nath aman (1898-1983), lakhnau. Freedom fighter. Stout gandhian. Strong advocate and practitioner of communal harmony. He worked with josh malihabadi and balmukund arsh malsiani as associate editor of the govt of India periodical, ‘aaj kal’. Editor of several magazines in lakhnau and kanpur. Awarded padma bhushan in 1977. He composed many cross religious compositions including marsia and salaam, many of which are lost. He simultaneously composed hymns/odes to hindu religious figures.
1
haamil1 tajalliyoN2 ka nahiN hai mera kalaam3
kya mera ilm-o-fun4 hai bhala aur kya kalaam
kuchh shaan5 aur rakhta tha aslaaf6 ka kalaam
tariiKh7 meN kalaam baland8 un ka la-kalaam9
aslaaf6 ka vo husn-e-bayaaN10 kaise paa11 sakuN
daa’va12 hi kyuN karuN jo na jauhar13 dikha sakuN 1.pregnant, filled with 2.brilliance 3.verse 4.knowledge and skill 5.glory 6.forebears, elders 7.history 8.high, respected 9.without question 10.skillful versification 11.achieve 12.claim 13.shine, ability
My verse does not emanate rays of brilliance. How can my skill and knowledge in versification count for anything. The glory of the verse of our elders was something else. How can I achieve the skill of versification of the elders. Why should I lay claim to it, if I cannot summon that ability.
2
agle1 jo ahl-e-fun2 the kalaam3 un ka laa-zavaal4
maiN un ki hamsari5 karuN meri ye kya majaal6
vo chust chust7 bandisheN8, lafzoN9 ka vo kamaal10
ek band11 un ke paa’e12 ka likhna bhi hai mahaal13
maidaan-e-nazm14 koii na vo chhoR kar gaye
mazmuun15 vo likhe keh qalam16 toR kar gaye 1.past 2.talented people 3.verse 4.without downfall, enduring 5.equality 6.courage, foolhardiness 7.sharp 8.composition, phrase 9.words 10.skill, effect 11.stanza 12.standard 13.difficult 14.field of poetry 15.theme 16.pen
The sayings of the talented greats of the past will endure forever. How dare I claim equality with them. Their sharp phrases, the effect of their words. Composing even on verse of that standard is difficult. They did not leave vacant any spot in the field of poetry. They composed themes with such skill that none can imitate.
3
un ka baja1 tha naaz2 keh haiN saahib-e-qalam3
mazmuun4 taaze5 karte haiN har har nazam6 meN raqam7
jauhar8 fasaahat9 aur balaaGhat10 ke the baham11
zor-e-bayaaN12 jo un meN tha laaye ye kis meN dam13
zor-e-qalam14 se apne vo manzar15 dikha gaye
hindostaaN ke phool arab meN khila16 gaye 1.justified 2.pride 3.masters of the pen 4.themes 5.fresh 6.poem 7.write, compose 8.skill 9.eloquence, refined 10.depth of meaning, maturity 11.together, simultaneously 12.power of speech 13.courage 14.power of the pen 15.scene 16.blossomed
Their pride in mastery of the pen was entirely justifiable. They created fresh themes with every poem. They simultaneously displayed skills of polished speech and depth of meaning. Who has the courage to re-create their power of speech. They create such scenes with the power of their pen that they caused the flowers of hindostan bloom in the barren desert of arabia. This has particular reference to mir anis, marsia writer par excellence, who seemless planted physical as well cultural scenes from awadh on the battlefield of karbala.
4
is zor-o-shor1 se kiya talvaar ka bayaaN2
paRhte hi paRhte lab3 se nikal aaye al-amaaN4
aek aek vaar5 meN hue be-sar6 kaii javaaN7
aisi chamak dikhaaii vo bijli meN bhi kahaaN
pahuNchi kabhi zamiiN pe kabhi aasmaaN meN thi
burrish8 ki us ke daad9, qudsiyaaN10 meN thi 1.enthusiasm and passion 2.description 3.lips, mouth, tongue 4.mercy, god help me 5.blow 6.headless 7.brave 8.sharpness, shine 9.praise 10.angels
They described the sword with such passion that even as one read it the words, god help me escaped their lips. Many brave lost their heads with each strike of the sword. Clashing swords showed such flashes that even lightning could not compare. At times it struck the ground and at others across the skies. Even angels praised its brilliance.
(4a) mir anis ka band
qalam-e-fikr1 se kheeNchooN jo kisi bazm2 ka raNg3
sham’a-e-tasveer4 peh girne lageN aa aa ke pataNg5
saaf hairat-zada6 ma’ani ho to bahzaad7 ho daNg8
KhooN barasta nazar aae jo dikhaauN saf-e-jaNg9
razm10 aisi ho keh dil sub ke phaRak jaaeN abhi
bijliaaN teGhauN11 ki aaNkhauN meN chamak jaaeN abhi 1.pen of imagination/creativity 2.assembly 3.colour/condition 4.lamp in the picture 5.moths 6.surprise creating 7.renowned artist in the court of saffavid iran 8.amazed 9.war formation 10.war, conflict 11.swords
If I sketch a picture with my creative pen, moths should come swarming to the the candle on the page and even bahzaad and ma’ani (legendary painters of ancient Persia) are amazed. If I sketch the formation of war, my listeners should see blood flowing. The description of war should be such that hearts shudder and swords flash like lightning before their eyes.
5
is lutf1 se bayaaN2 kiye ausaaf3-e asp4-e tez5
jis ke muqaabele6 meN saba7 ko bhi ho gurez8
satah9 zamiiN se taa-ba-falak10 us ki just-Khez11
us ka Khiraam12-e naaz13 saba7 jaise mushk-bez14
yaksaaN15 rasaaii16 us ki baland17 aur past18 meN
vahm19 o Khayaal20 se bhi fuzooN21 apni just22 meN 1.finesse 2.describe 3.abilities, qualities 4.horse, steed 5.fast 6.comparison 7.wind 8.run away 9.surface 10.up to the sky 11.rising leap 12.gait, saunter 13.pride 14.musk-spreading 15.same 16.reach 17.high 18.low 19.illusion 20.imagination 21.beyond 22.leap
They (the elders) described the speed of the steed with such finesse that even the wind hesitated to be compared with it. Its leap reached from the earth to the sky. Its proud gait looked like it was spready musk all around. It (the steed) could reach valleys and hills with equal ease. Its leap higher than anyone could imagine.
(5a) mir anis ka band
aahu1 ki aaNkh, sher ki chitvan2, Ghazab ki chaal
vo yaal3 thi ke hoor ne bikhraa diye the baal
gardan ke Kham4 ko dekh ke ho sar-niguN5 hilaal6
poochhe koii savaar se shaa’estagi7 ka haal
uR kar zamiN talak kahiN gard-e-qadam ga’ee
jab bas kaha, chamakti hui barq8 tham ga’ee 1.deer, doe 2.appearance, looks 3.mane 4.curve, arch 5.bowed head 6.new moon 7.refinement, culture 8.lightning
Eyes, beautiful like a deer. Looks, fearsome like a tiger and his gait, wrathful. His mane beautiful as if a hoor had spread out her hair. The new moon, proud of the beauty of his own curves bowed his head at the arch of his neck. And his refined gait – only a rider could appreciate. The dust around his feet settled and flashing lightning ceased as soon as he was asked to stop.
6
garmi ka aisa zikr1 keh paRh kar lag aaye pyaas
shiddat2 vo dhoop ki keh paRh kar hoN gum3 havaas4
ho jal5 ke baasiyoN6 ko bhi jal7 jaane ka hiraas8
jhoNke vo luu9 ke jin se jahannum10 bhi ho udaas
kya zahn11 ki rasaaii12 hai aur kaisi fikr13 hai
yaa’ni nazar14 ki aabla-paaii15 ka zikr1 hai 1.description 2.intensity 3.lose 4.senses 5.water 6.residents 7.burning 8.fear 9.desert wind 10.hell 11.mind 12.reach 13.thought 14.sight 15.sore feet
Reading their (the elders’) description of heat made one thirsty. The intensity of the sun made one lose their senses. Even the fish of the river were fearful of being burnt. The gusts of hot desert winds would put hell to shame. Such was the reach of their minds, such their imagination, so much so that sight itself wandering in search would get sore feet.
7
aksar1 Ghalat haiN qaafiye2 apni hai ye bisaat3
mahdood4 hai bahut hi taKhayyul5 ki kaa’enaat6
hai zahn7 taNg8 hech9 hai hadd-e-tasavvuraat10
naaN-chand11 ek band12 meN kah di dil ki baat
pahlu13 magar ye ek hai mere kalaam14 ka
hai tazkera15 husain alai-his-salaam16 ka 1.often 2.rhyming phrase 3.limit 4.constrained 5.imagination 6.universe 7.mind 8.narrow 9.nothing, no value 10.expanse of imagination 11.never the less 12.stanza 13.facet, side 14.verse 15.narration 16.peace be upon him
Rhyming phrases often mis-matched, such are the limits of my capabilities. The expanse of my imagination narrowly constrained. A narrow mind with no value to the expanse of its imagery. Never the less in this one stanza I speak what is in my heart because the most valuable facet of my verse is the narration of the story of husain, may peace be on him.
8
jo log haq-shinaas1 haiN, jo log haq-nigar2
mau’zoo3 ko banaate haiN vo markaz4-e nazar5
naqqaad6 ki nigaah7 hai tarz8-e kalaam9 par
har husn10 hai suKhan11 meN, suKhan ho jo baa-asar12
bad-shakl13 zarf14 meN bhi jo aab-e-hayaat15 ho
us ki kareN na qadr16 to ye kaisi baat ho 1.familiar with truth 2.guardians of truth 3.theme 4.focus 5.sight 6.critic 7.attention 8.style 9.verse 10.ability 11.words, verse 12.effective 13.ugly 14.container 15.nectar of life 16.value, respect
Those who know the truth, those who guard it make the theme the focus of their sight. The attention of the critic is on the style of verse. Poetry has every ability/beauty if it has an effect. If the nectar of life is carried in an ugly container, not valuing it is a strange thing.
9
be-maayagi1 ka apni magar aa gaya Khayaal2
ahl-e-salaf3 ke Khoob numaayaaN4 hue kamaal5
maiN un ki hamsari6 karuN meri ye kya majaal7
likhta huN laikin is liye shaah-e-zaman8 ka haal9
tabliiGh10 ho zamaane11 meN ek nek baat ki
paida ho apne vaaste12 suurat13 najaat14 ki 1.no value 2.thought, memory 3.elders 4.emerge, visible 5.skills 6.equality 7.courage, foolhardiness 8.king of all times, usually used for husain 9.narrative, story 10.preaching 11.times, world 12.for the sake of 13.way 14.deliverance
But then I remembered my own low station. The skills of the elders emerged before my mind. Never the less I write the story of husain that this may be a way to preach virtue to the world and open up a way of deliverance for me.
10
aye shaah-e-diiN1 mujhe bhi ataa2 kar ek aisa dil
Gham3 dekh kar jo auroN ke ho jaaye muzmahil4
dard5-e rifaah6-e aa’m7 rahe dil meN mustaqil8
maula9 bahut huN apne gunaahoN10 pe munfa’il11
insaaniyat12 ke jazbe13 ko dil meN ubhaar14 de
maddaah15-e ahl-e-bait16 huN bigRi saNvaar de 1.lord of faith, husain 2.grant 3.sorrow 4.weak, sorrowful 5.love 6.well-being 7.everyone 8.permanent, always 9.lord 10.sins 11.regretful 12.humanism 13.feelings 14.raise 15.one who praises 16.people of the house (of mohammed)
O husain, bestow upon me also the heart which becomes sad upon seeing the sorrow of others, which always yearns for common well-being. O lord, I am ashamed of my sins, raise the feeling of humanism in my heart. After all, I am a lover of the family of mohammed, help me overcome my difficulties.
gopi nath aman (1898-1983), lakhnau. Freedom fighter. Stout gandhian. Strong advocate and practitioner of communal harmony. He worked with josh malihabadi and balmukund arsh malsiani as associate editor of the govt of India periodical, ‘aaj kal’. Editor of several magazines in lakhnau and kanpur. Awarded padma bhushan in 1977. He composed many cross religious compositions including marsia and salaam, many of which are lost. He simultaneously composed hymns/odes to hindu religious figures.
1
haamil1 tajalliyoN2 ka nahiN hai mera kalaam3
kya mera ilm-o-fun4 hai bhala aur kya kalaam
kuchh shaan5 aur rakhta tha aslaaf6 ka kalaam
tariiKh7 meN kalaam baland8 un ka la-kalaam9
aslaaf6 ka vo husn-e-bayaaN10 kaise paa11 sakuN
daa’va12 hi kyuN karuN jo na jauhar13 dikha sakuN
1.pregnant, filled with 2.brilliance 3.verse 4.knowledge and skill 5.glory 6.forebears, elders 7.history 8.high, respected 9.without question 10.skillful versification 11.achieve 12.claim 13.shine, ability
My verse does not emanate rays of brilliance. How can my skill and knowledge in versification count for anything. The glory of the verse of our elders was something else. How can I achieve the skill of versification of the elders. Why should I lay claim to it, if I cannot summon that ability.
2
agle1 jo ahl-e-fun2 the kalaam3 un ka laa-zavaal4
maiN un ki hamsari5 karuN meri ye kya majaal6
vo chust chust7 bandisheN8, lafzoN9 ka vo kamaal10
ek band11 un ke paa’e12 ka likhna bhi hai mahaal13
maidaan-e-nazm14 koii na vo chhoR kar gaye
mazmuun15 vo likhe keh qalam16 toR kar gaye
1.past 2.talented people 3.verse 4.without downfall, enduring 5.equality 6.courage, foolhardiness 7.sharp 8.composition, phrase 9.words 10.skill, effect 11.stanza 12.standard 13.difficult 14.field of poetry 15.theme 16.pen
The sayings of the talented greats of the past will endure forever. How dare I claim equality with them. Their sharp phrases, the effect of their words. Composing even on verse of that standard is difficult. They did not leave vacant any spot in the field of poetry. They composed themes with such skill that none can imitate.
3
un ka baja1 tha naaz2 keh haiN saahib-e-qalam3
mazmuun4 taaze5 karte haiN har har nazam6 meN raqam7
jauhar8 fasaahat9 aur balaaGhat10 ke the baham11
zor-e-bayaaN12 jo un meN tha laaye ye kis meN dam13
zor-e-qalam14 se apne vo manzar15 dikha gaye
hindostaaN ke phool arab meN khila16 gaye
1.justified 2.pride 3.masters of the pen 4.themes 5.fresh 6.poem 7.write, compose 8.skill 9.eloquence, refined 10.depth of meaning, maturity 11.together, simultaneously 12.power of speech 13.courage 14.power of the pen 15.scene 16.blossomed
Their pride in mastery of the pen was entirely justifiable. They created fresh themes with every poem. They simultaneously displayed skills of polished speech and depth of meaning. Who has the courage to re-create their power of speech. They create such scenes with the power of their pen that they caused the flowers of hindostan bloom in the barren desert of arabia. This has particular reference to mir anis, marsia writer par excellence, who seemless planted physical as well cultural scenes from awadh on the battlefield of karbala.
4
is zor-o-shor1 se kiya talvaar ka bayaaN2
paRhte hi paRhte lab3 se nikal aaye al-amaaN4
aek aek vaar5 meN hue be-sar6 kaii javaaN7
aisi chamak dikhaaii vo bijli meN bhi kahaaN
pahuNchi kabhi zamiiN pe kabhi aasmaaN meN thi
burrish8 ki us ke daad9, qudsiyaaN10 meN thi
1.enthusiasm and passion 2.description 3.lips, mouth, tongue 4.mercy, god help me 5.blow 6.headless 7.brave 8.sharpness, shine 9.praise 10.angels
They described the sword with such passion that even as one read it the words, god help me escaped their lips. Many brave lost their heads with each strike of the sword. Clashing swords showed such flashes that even lightning could not compare. At times it struck the ground and at others across the skies. Even angels praised its brilliance.
(4a) mir anis ka band
qalam-e-fikr1 se kheeNchooN jo kisi bazm2 ka raNg3
sham’a-e-tasveer4 peh girne lageN aa aa ke pataNg5
saaf hairat-zada6 ma’ani ho to bahzaad7 ho daNg8
KhooN barasta nazar aae jo dikhaauN saf-e-jaNg9
razm10 aisi ho keh dil sub ke phaRak jaaeN abhi
bijliaaN teGhauN11 ki aaNkhauN meN chamak jaaeN abhi
1.pen of imagination/creativity 2.assembly 3.colour/condition 4.lamp in the picture 5.moths 6.surprise creating 7.renowned artist in the court of Saffavid Iran 8.amazed 9.war formation 10.war, conflict 11.swords
If I sketch a picture with my creative pen, moths should come swarming to the the candle on the page and even bahzaad and ma’ani (legendary painters of ancient Persia) are amazed. If I sketch the formation of war, my listeners should see blood flowing. The description of war should be such that hearts shudder and swords flash like lightning before their eyes.
5
is lutf1 se bayaaN2 kiye ausaaf3-e asp4-e tez5
jis ke muqaabele6 meN saba7 ko bhi ho gurez8
satah9 zamiiN se taa-ba-falak10 us ki just-Khez11
us ka Khiraam12-e naaz13 saba7 jaise mushk-bez14
yaksaaN15 rasaaii16 us ki baland17 aur past18 meN
vahm19 o Khayaal20 se bhi fuzooN21 apni just22 meN
1.finesse 2.describe 3.abilities, qualities 4.horse, steed 5.fast 6.comparison 7.wind 8.run away 9.surface 10.up to the sky 11.rising leap 12.gait, saunter 13.pride 14.musk-spreading 15.same 16.reach 17.high 18.low 19.illusion 20.imagination 21.beyond 22.leap
They (the elders) described the speed of the steed with such finesse that even the wind hesitated to be compared with it. Its leap reached from the earth to the sky. Its proud gait looked like it was spready musk all around. It (the steed) could reach valleys and hills with equal ease. Its leap higher than anyone could imagine.
(5a) mir anis ka band
aahu1 ki aaNkh, sher ki chitvan2, Ghazab ki chaal
vo yaal3 thi ke hoor ne bikhraa diye the baal
gardan ke Kham4 ko dekh ke ho sar-niguN5 hilaal6
poochhe koii savaar se shaa’estagi7 ka haal
uR kar zamiN talak kahiN gard-e-qadam ga’ee
jab bas kaha, chamakti hui barq8 tham ga’ee
1.deer, doe 2.appearance, looks 3.mane 4.curve, arch 5.bowed head 6.new moon 7.refinement, culture 8.lightning
Eyes, beautiful like a deer. Looks, fearsome like a tiger and his gait, wrathful. His mane beautiful as if a hoor had spread out her hair. The new moon, proud of the beauty of his own curves bowed his head at the arch of his neck. And his refined gait – only a rider could appreciate. The dust around his feet settled and flashing lightning ceased as soon as he was asked to stop.
6
garmi ka aisa zikr1 keh paRh kar lag aaye pyaas
shiddat2 vo dhoop ki keh paRh kar hoN gum3 havaas4
ho jal5 ke baasiyoN6 ko bhi jal7 jaane ka hiraas8
jhoNke vo luu9 ke jin se jahannum10 bhi ho udaas
kya zahn11 ki rasaaii12 hai aur kaisi fikr13 hai
yaa’ni nazar14 ki aabla-paaii15 ka zikr1 hai
1.description 2.intensity 3.lose 4.senses 5.water 6.residents 7.burning 8.fear 9.desert wind 10.hell 11.mind 12.reach 13.thought 14.sight 15.sore feet
Reading their (the elders’) description of heat made one thirsty. The intensity of the sun made one lose their senses. Even the fish of the river were fearful of being burnt. The gusts of hot desert winds would put hell to shame. Such was the reach of their minds, such their imagination, so much so that sight itself wandering in search would get sore feet.
7
aksar1 Ghalat haiN qaafiye2 apni hai ye bisaat3
mahdood4 hai bahut hi taKhayyul5 ki kaa’enaat6
hai zahn7 taNg8 hech9 hai hadd-e-tasavvuraat10
naaN-chand11 ek band12 meN kah di dil ki baat
pahlu13 magar ye ek hai mere kalaam14 ka
hai tazkera15 husain alai-his-salaam16 ka
1.often 2.rhyming phrase 3.limit 4.constrained 5.imagination 6.universe 7.mind 8.narrow 9.nothing, no value 10.expanse of imagination 11.never the less 12.stanza 13.facet, side 14.verse 15.narration 16.peace be upon him
Rhyming phrases often mis-matched, such are the limits of my capabilities. The expanse of my imagination narrowly constrained. A narrow mind with no value to the expanse of its imagery. Never the less in this one stanza I speak what is in my heart because the most valuable facet of my verse is the narration of the story of husain, may peace be on him.
8
jo log haq-shinaas1 haiN, jo log haq-nigar2
mau’zoo3 ko banaate haiN vo markaz4-e nazar5
naqqaad6 ki nigaah7 hai tarz8-e kalaam9 par
har husn10 hai suKhan11 meN, suKhan ho jo baa-asar12
bad-shakl13 zarf14 meN bhi jo aab-e-hayaat15 ho
us ki kareN na qadr16 to ye kaisi baat ho
1.familiar with truth 2.guardians of truth 3.theme 4.focus 5.sight 6.critic 7.attention 8.style 9.verse 10.ability 11.words, verse 12.effective 13.ugly 14.container 15.nectar of life 16.value, respect
Those who know the truth, those who guard it make the theme the focus of their sight. The attention of the critic is on the style of verse. Poetry has every ability/beauty if it has an effect. If the nectar of life is carried in an ugly container, not valuing it is a strange thing.
9
be-maayagi1 ka apni magar aa gaya Khayaal2
ahl-e-salaf3 ke Khoob numaayaaN4 hue kamaal5
maiN un ki hamsari6 karuN meri ye kya majaal7
likhta huN laikin is liye shaah-e-zaman8 ka haal9
tabliiGh10 ho zamaane11 meN ek nek baat ki
paida ho apne vaaste12 suurat13 najaat14 ki
1.no value 2.thought, memory 3.elders 4.emerge, visible 5.skills 6.equality 7.courage, foolhardiness 8.king of all times, usually used for husain 9.narrative, story 10.preaching 11.times, world 12.for the sake of 13.way 14.deliverance
But then I remembered my own low station. The skills of the elders emerged before my mind. Never the less I write the story of husain that this may be a way to preach virtue to the world and open up a way of deliverance for me.
10
aye shaah-e-diiN1 mujhe bhi ataa2 kar ek aisa dil
Gham3 dekh kar jo auroN ke ho jaaye muzmahil4
dard5-e rifaah6-e aa’m7 rahe dil meN mustaqil8
maula9 bahut huN apne gunaahoN10 pe munfa’il11
insaaniyat12 ke jazbe13 ko dil meN ubhaar14 de
maddaah15-e ahl-e-bait16 huN bigRi saNvaar de
1.lord of faith, husain 2.grant 3.sorrow 4.weak, sorrowful 5.love 6.well-being 7.everyone 8.permanent, always 9.lord 10.sins 11.regretful 12.humanism 13.feelings 14.raise 15.one who praises 16.people of the house (of mohammed)
O husain, bestow upon me also the heart which becomes sad upon seeing the sorrow of others, which always yearns for common well-being. O lord, I am ashamed of my sins, raise the feeling of humanism in my heart. After all, I am a lover of the family of mohammed, help me overcome my difficulties.
