Urdu Poetry: a Historical Perspective

The beginnings of Urdu poetry can be traced as far back as the 13th century, when some poets of in the north of India started experimenting with the style. But the classic form of Urdu poetry that we modern humans have come to know did not really take on a final shape until the 17th century, when Urdu became the official language of the court in the Indian subcontinent.

Urdu poetry gained immense popularity in the 18th century when Urdu replaced Persian as the major language of the region. Urdu poetry has its linguistic roots etched in Persian, Turkish, and Arabic, and this colourful mix of cultural and linguistic conventions was one of the reasons why it came to be loved by so many people in the Indian subcontinent.

In the 18th century, there was a scarcity of newspaper, media, and public information, so Urdu poetry became a way for people to communicate with each other about the social and political woes of the time. One of the most common forms of this communication was called a Mushaira, which was a social event where poets gathered to read their works to the audience. The Urdu poetry that was read at these Mushairas adhered to very strict rules of rhythm that were often determined before the event took place. They were sometime also competitive, much like the competitions that were held in the ancient Greek and Roman empires.

At every Mushaira, there was a main, or presiding poet who was usually the most appreciated and honourable poet at the gathering. In the Mushairas of the 18th century, a candle would be passed from the lowest ranking Urdu poet at the gathering to the presiding poet as a sign of respect. Urdu poetry became a highly esteemed art and members of royalty often sought the company of famous poets.

At so it is that the 18th century produced some of the most fascinating works of Urdu poetry. However, many of the most valuable poems of the time were lost because a poets works were only published after he achieved fame. With a striking similarity to the world of painted art, many of the most cherished works of a revered Urdu poet were only published several years after his death. The poems of Nazir, perhaps the greatest Urdu poet that ever lived, were only published 80 years after he died.

The study of Urdu poetrys history is an amazing journey that is full of intrigue for the interested reader. But perhaps the most amazing thing about Urdu poetry is the way it continues to thrive as an art and a form of expression today. In line with the advent of internet, several online Urdu poetry communities have established themselves in cyberspace. Some of these include a Shayari portal of famous poets, an Urdu Poet forum and community, and a website that allows you to download Mushaira audio and video. Todays fans of Urdu poetry come from many different parts of the world, and the art has received international recognition from some of the most respected literary figures of modern times.

The Author writes articles on urdu poetry. More articles written by the author related to nazam, mushaira and new urdu poets which can be found at http://www.hallagulla.com

Related Articles:

New Writing Service Promises Cure For Bad-Web Content Syndrome
GetWebContent.com announces new copywriting service offering low-cost, custom-crafted, search-engine friendly text. Highly qualified writers have come together to produce this quick and easy way to order content and copywriting services for websites.

Poetry "Reborn" Emerges In Thriller Mystery Novel
Since Mohamed Ali–then Cassius Clay–announced that he had written "The world's shortest poem," I have known that I would be a poet. "ME? WHEE!" His triumphant proclamation evoking shivers within my troubled teenaged identity, for I reasoned in rhyme.

Learn How To Write Poetry!
A poet isn't born; you must work at crafting your art. If you have the desire to write, you can learn how to write poetry or simply improve your writing.

Outskirts Press Announces Wind in the Pages, the Latest Highly-Anticipated Poetry Book from Pahoa, HI Author Brett Brady
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published wind in the pages: haiku by brett brady, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 5.5 x 8.5 Paperback in the Poetry category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $25.95. wind in the pages is also available in its 5.5 x 8.5 Hardback w/ Jacket edition for $37.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/brettbrady was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.

Universal Tutors Llc Invites Students From Grades 4 - 12 To Demonstrate Their Writing Skills By Entering Its Rewarding Essay And Poem Writing Contest
Universal Tutors LLC, a unique tutoring company based in Everett, Washington, that serves students in two nations, is pleased to announce its essay and poem writing contest. Students in grades 4 through 12 who live in the United States and Canada are invited to enter and show off their writing skills.

Ava Tyler's Book of Inspirational Poetry, God's Paradise, Is Released by Christian Publisher, Holy Fire Publishing
Tyler's book, God's Paradise, shares an inspirational message of love and kindness through poetry. The book contains spiritual and uplifting poems from the author's perspective as well as poems about incidents in someone else's life.

How to Find a Freelance Writer to Write Articles For You
Don?t want to write articles yourself but still want to capitalize on article marketing Then using a freelance writer is for you

Writing Contest Makes Every Entrant a Winner with a 750-word Critique
The Writing Show First-Chapter-of-a-Novel Contest offers all entrants a professional 750-word critique.

Shreveport Native Releases Poetry Collection
All My Best is a collection of poetry by a most unlikely poet. Jerry Lowery is an ex-construction worker, an ex-marine and an ex-prison guard.

How to Write Bad Poetry
"All bad poetry springs from genuine feeling."--Oscar WildePeople write poetry for a plethora of reasons, but this article has a sharpened arrowhead aimed directly at the fingertips of amateur poets who wish to be published yet refuse to learn the attributes of a well-crafted poem.

Why Manners Maketh the Freelance Writer
Lately I've been noticing an odd trend amongst the freelance writers who contact us every week: rudeness.First there was the writer who accepted a job found on our boards and forwarded the completed assignment to the employer with the words, "Project attached.

Poetry in Turbulence
To many non-specialists of literature, poetry is deeply unsatisfying. There are several reasons for this, but two in particular come to mind.

Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man, a New Poetry Book From Poet Harry Gilleland
Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man is the third published collection of poetry written by poet Harry E. Gilleland, Jr. This new collection of 81 storoems and poems offers hours of stimulating reading. Featured are both rhyming poems and storoems (a story-poem format pioneered by Gilleland) and free-verse poems. This book will entertain while provoking thought on a wide variety of subjects.

Poetry in Motion: Woody Allen's Spanish Film 'Midnight in Barcelona' Begins Filming in the Catalan Capital, Spain
Excitement is buzzing in Barcelona as Woody Allen begins filming for his next feature film in the beachside district, Barceloneta. As crowds gather hoping for a glimpse of cast members Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, local business are hopeful the A-list exposure will generate more interest in one of Europe's hottest summer holiday locations.

Why Every Freelance Writer Needs A Website
What do you mean, you don't have a website yet? Websites these days aren't just for businesses and people who want to share their obsession with Buffy the Vampire Slayer with the world. These days, websites are one of the most important tools for writers.