2018-12-27 Thu

Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib, one of the most quotable poets was born on December 27, 1797. He was a great Urdu poet occupying a place of pride in world literature.

Ghalib belonged to a lineage of Aibak Turks of Samarkand and his wife, Umrao Begum, was the niece of Nawab of Loharu and Jhirka. Ghalib was intensely proud of his antecedents, his learning and his position as the Poet Laureate at the Mughal court.

Hailed as one of the finest Urdu poets, his poems capture the pathos of love and continue to remain relevant.

Ishq par zor nahi hai ye vo aatish ghalib
ki lagae na lage aur bujhae na bane

ishq ne ghalib nikamma kar diya
varna ham bhi aadmi the kaam ke

In 1850, Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II bestowed upon Mirza Ghalib the title of "Dabir-ul-Mulk". The Emperor also added to it the additional title of "Najm-ud-daula". He was also appointed by the Emperor as the royal historian of Mughal Court.

His Shayaris addressed almost all situations of life.

Qaid Hayat-o-Band-e-Gam, Asal mai dono ek hai
Maut se pehle aadmi gam se nijat paae kyu?

Ghalib is no more but his gazal remain in the heart of millions of people still today. He was honoured on the India Post commemorative stamps of 1952 and 1969 of 4.5 Anna and 20 Paise respectively. The stamp issued in 1969 of 20 Paise is a commemorative stamp issued in memory of Ghalib on the centenary of his death.

Image Source: Mintage World

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