Ghamgeen Dehlavi
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Ghamgeen Dehlavi
In search of truth
Reviewed by Akhtar Payami
Ghamgeen Dehlavi is an unfamiliar name for the literary elite of Pakistan. This contemporary of Mirza Ghalib could not gain prominence mainly because he lived far away from the main centres of literary activity. Now three books, published originally in India, have appeared to acquaint the lovers of Urdu poetry with the contributions of this forgotten poet. Containing an authentic account of the life and achievements of Ghamgeen Dehlavi, these books have been reprinted and published by Nasim Hazratji.
Sufism had a dominant impact on the writers and poets of the subcontinent several centuries ago. Since the days of Meer Taqi Meer and Meer Dard, many a poet inclined towards Sufism to quench the thirst of people in search of truth and the ultimate reality. Mirza Ghalib, despite his much-pronounced fascination for the good things in life, could not resist the urge for walking into the territory of Sufistic ideas and their implications either. He recognises his basic instinct of following the path of spiritual satisfaction when he says:
Now, perhaps for the first time, the descendants of Ghamgeen Dehlavi have unearthed the details of the life and contributions of this poet.
Ghamgeen was a poet, a Sufi and above all a man who dedicated his life to the reformation of mankind. His accumulated 799 ghazals and 1,800 quatrains reflect his devotion to the cause of Sufism. It is a fact that Sufi poets of both Persian and Urdu introduced a new element in literature. Urdu poets inspired by Saadi, Hafiz and Jaami also gave a new meaning to the symbolism used in contemporary verses and foremost among them was Ghamgeen himself.
Even Ghalib admired the spirit of Ghamgeen’s poetry. It appears that he had closely studied the verses of Ghamgeen, which must have left an impact on Ghalib and, in turn, helped him determine the direction of his poetry. Ghamgeen was a disciple of Saadat Ali Khan Rangeen whom he consulted on issues of poetic excellence.
It is strange that a man who should have occupied a distinguished place in the assembly of poets remained an unknown figure for a long time. But it is known now that Ghamgeen had himself advised his relatives, friends and admirers to desist from compiling the collection and printing his verses. That was the approach of most literary figures of the past. They did not hanker after publicity and preferred to remain in oblivion.
The three books written about Ghamgeen’s life and literary achievements shed light on the significance of his poetic abilities. The compilers have taken pains to present a comparative view of his poems along with the verses of Ghalib. Scholars and researchers of Urdu should make an intensive study of his verses and try to fathom the secrets of the poets who were so very reluctant to publicise their verses.
Mutaala Hazrat Ghamgeen Dehlavi
By Mohammad Yunus Khalidi
Anjuman Taraqqi-i-Urdu Hind Aligarh
150pp
Makhzanul Asrar
By Syed Shah Raza Mohammad Hazratji Gowalyari
Ghamgeen Academy, Faqir Manzil, Gowalyar
216pp
Seeratus Saleheen
By Syed Faqir Ghani Mohammad Shah Hasani Al-Husaini Gowalyar 120pp
Nasim Hazratji, E 1/4, Maymar View Apartments,
Block 17, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Karachi
Tel:92 21 4983290
Price not listed
