Skip to main content

MEER TAQI MEER: Khuda-e-Sukhan or the 'God of Poetry

Muhammad Taqi: The Poet of Existential Unraveling



In A Glimpse into the Humble Beginnings (1722/23-1810)

The tale of Muhammad Taqi unfolds in the labyrinth of Akbarabad (modern-day Agra), a poet born into a life of modest means, destined for a journey that would transcend the boundaries of time and space. This blog invites you to traverse the annals of a poet's life, navigating through the highs and lows that shaped the existential brilliance of Muhammad Taqi.

Early Years and Spiritual Guidance

In the backdrop of Akbarabad, Muhammad Taqi emerged into the world, his father, a pious soul of high spiritualist schooling, envisioning a path of devotion and religion for him. The young poet found mentorship in Syed Aman Ullah, but the fates dealt a swift hand, leaving him to navigate the complexities of life at the tender age of eleven.

Struggles and Survival in Delhi

Alone in the world, Muhammad Taqi sought livelihood in the bustling streets of Delhi. Fate led him to Khawaja Mohammad Basit, a kind soul, who introduced him to Nawab Shams-ud-daulah. Favor found its way to him, but the nawab's untimely demise during Nadir Shah's attack plunged Meer into the depths of uncertainty once more.

Roaming Between Cities and Witnessing History

Meandering between Delhi, Agra, and its surroundings, Muhammad Taqi witnessed the harrowing attacks of Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali, marking the ominous decline of the once-mighty Mughal Empire. The poet's life mirrored the desolation of the times, as Delhi stood abandoned, echoing the departure of those with a taste for refinement.

A Brief Respite in Lucknow

Called to Lucknow by Nawab Asif-ud-daulah, Muhammad Taqi found a fleeting sense of relief. Yet, the extreme sensitivity of his nature denied him prolonged peace. Refusing the nawab's favors, he retreated into his shell of loneliness, embracing the inevitable misery that seemed woven into the fabric of his existence.


Angst and Existential Brilliance in Poetry

Often regarded as a poet of angst, Muhammad Taqi's greatness lay in his ability to unravel existential dilemmas. Through six divans of Urdu and Persian ghazals, along with works like mathnawi, musaddas, qasida, hajw, and wasokht, he expressed himself with sincerity and frankness. His poetry became a mirror reflecting the profound intricacies of life.

Literary Legacy: More Than a Poet

Muhammad Taqi's literary legacy extends beyond poetry. His Nukatusshuara, a tazkira of Urdu poets, Zikr-e Meer, an autobiography, and Faiz-e Meer, a description of Sufi saints, secured him a place of prominence in Urdu literature. He emerged not only as a poet but also as a biographer and a critic, enriching the literary landscape with his multifaceted contributions.
As we delve into the life and works of Muhammad Taqi, we embark on a journey through the corridors of time, exploring the depths of a poet's soul who lived without an address in life and in death, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of Urdu literature.

Visit our Website for More Amazing Content:
Or Visit our YouTube Channel: Historical Trivia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Meerthi, Ismail : Khan Sahib

Ismail Meerthi: (1844–1917) Maulvi Ismail Meerthi born on 12 November 1844 in Meerut, was an Urdu poet, Schoolteacher, and Educationist. He was home-schooled by his father Sheikh Piir Bakhsh., later he received his higher education in the Persian language from Mirza Rahim Baig, who replied Ghalib's Qati-e-Burhan by writing Sati-e-Burhan. At first Ismail was not interested in poetry but his contemporaries, especially Qalaq's companionship, attracted him to poetry. Initially, he wrote some ghazals which were published under pseudonyms. After that he turned to Nazms. Later, he had a long and strong acquaintance with Munshi Zakaullah and Muhammad Hussain Azad. And thus, his poems became popular in Urdu. Due to his ability and literary services, the government of the time gave him the title of " Khan Sahib ". Ismail Meerthi had a important place among those who introduced Urdu literature to modern Nazm-composition. The books written before the failed war of  Independenc...
Post a Comment
Read more

HOOD, THOMAS: British Romantic Poet

HOOD, THOMAS: (1799-1845) Thomas Hood English poet and writer was the son of a publisher and bookseller whose death in 1811 led to his education being curtailed. Thomas Hood worked as an engraver. In 1821 he got a job in London Magazine as an editorial assistant, the owners of which were old friends of his father's. He thus found himself at the heart of the literary scene. His first volume, written in collaboration with his friend Joshua Reynolds was ' Odes ' and ' Addresses to Great People ' published in 1825. From that book, he gained fame as a satirical poet. Two more collections of magazines and articles followed it entitled ' Whims ' and ' Oddities ' in 1826 and 1827. He edited and published his work in a number of periodicals including ' The Gem ', ' Comic Annuals ', ' New Monthly Magazine, and finally Hood's Own '. Despite the fact that Hood was favorite family reading for years, he was always short of money. He ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ahmed, Deputy Nazir: The first Urdu Novelist or Shams-ul-Ulema

Nazir Ahmad Dehlvi: (1836-1910) Nazir Ahmad Dehlvi also known as Deputy Nazir Ahmad is a pioneer in many fields: he is the first Urdu novelist and also the first visionary who created a respectable storehouse of literature for women. He is also the person who visualized a manifesto for feminism, apart from translating the Indian Penal Code into Urdu called ' Taazeerat-e-Hind ' for the first time. This book was too well received both by the British administration and judiciary. Nazir Ahmad was born on December 06, 1936, in Bijnaur district of Uttar Pradesh, India. He received his early education from his father, 'Maulvi Saadat Ali', who was a teacher himself. After this, he joined Delhi’s Aurangabadi Madrasa where he was taught by Maulvi Abdul Khaliq. During his stay in Delhi, he used to live in a mosque located in Punjabi Katra. During those days, students had to collect their daily meals from different families in the locality. Nazir Ahmad also followed this exercise a...
Post a Comment
Read more