Ghalib_ghazals

GHALIB - INTRODUCTION

Mirza Asadullah Beg Khan -- known to posterity as Ghalib, a

`nom de plume' he adopted in the tradition of all clasical Urdu poets,
was born in the city of Agra, of parents with Turkish aristocratic
ancestry, probably on December 27th, 1797. As to the precise date,
Imtiyaz Ali Arshi has conjectured, on the basis of Ghalib's horoscope,
that the poet might have been born a month later, in January 1798.

Both his father and uncle died while he was still young, and
he spent a good part of his early boyhood with his mother's family.
This, of course, began a psychology of ambivalences for him. On the
one hand, he grew up relatively free of any oppressive dominance by
adult, male-dominant figures. This, it seems to me, accounts for at
least some of the independent spirit he showed from very early child-
hood. On the other hand, this placed him in the humiliating situation
of being socially and economically dependent on maternal grandparents,
giving him, one can surmise, a sense that whatever worldly goods he
received were a matter of charity and not legitimately his. His pre-
occupation in later life with finding secure, legitimate, and
comfortable means of livelihood can be perhaps at least partially
understood in terms of this early uncertainity.

The question of Ghalib's early education has often confused

Urdu scholars. Although any record of his formal education that might
exist is extremely scanty, it is also true that Ghalib's circle of
friends in Delhi included some of the most eminent minds of his time.
There is, finally, irrevocably, the evidence of his writings, in verse
as well as in prose, which are distinguished not only by creative
excellence but also by the great knowledge of philosophy, ethics,
theology, classical literature, grammar, and history that they reflect.
I think it is reasonable to believe that Mulla Abdussamad Harmuzd
-- the man who was supposedly Ghalib's tutor, whom Ghalib mentions at
times with great affection and respect, but whose very existence he
denies -- was, in fact, a real person and an actual tutor of Ghalib
when Ghalib was a young boy in Agra. Harmuzd was a Zoroastrian from
Iran, converted to Islam, and a devoted scholar of literature,
language, and religions. He lived in anonymity in Agra while tutoring
Ghalib, among others.

In or around 1810, two events of great importance occured in

Ghalib's life: he was married to a well-to-do, educated family of
nobles, and he left for Delhi. One must remember that Ghalib was only
thirteen at the time. It is impossible to say when Ghalib started
writing poetry. Perhaps it was as early as his seventh or eight years.
On the other hand, there is evidence that most of what we know as his
complete works were substantially completed by 1816, when he was 19
years old, and six years after he first came to Delhi. We are obviously
dealing with a man whose maturation was both early and rapid. We can
safely conjecture that the migration from Agra, which had once been a
capital but was now one of the many important but declining cities, to
Delhi, its grandeur kept intact by the existence of the moghul court,
was an important event in the life of this thirteen year old, newly
married poet who desparately needed material security, who was
beginning to take his career in letters seriously, and who was soon to
be recognized as a genius, if not by the court, at least some of his
most important comtemporaries. As for the marriage, in the predomin-
antly male-oriented society of Muslim India no one could expect Ghalib
to take that event terribly seriously, and he didn't. The period did,
however mark the beginnings of concern with material advancement that
was to obsess him for the rest of his life.
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In Delhi Ghalib lived a life of comfort, though he did not

find immediate or great success. He wrote first in a style at once
detached, obscure , and pedantic, but soon thereafter he adopted the
fastidious, personal, complexly moral idiom which we now know as his
mature style. It is astonishing that he should have gone from sheer
precocity to the extremes of verbal ingenuity and obscurity, to a
style which, next to Meer's, is the most important and comprehensive
styles of the ghazal in the Urdu language before he was even twenty.

The course of his life from 1821 onward is easier to trace.

His interest began to shift decisively away from Urdu poetry to Persian
during the 1820's, and he soon abandoned writing in Urdu almost
altogether, except whenever a new edition of his works was forthcoming
and he was inclined to make changes, deletions, or additions to his
already existing opus. This remained the pattern of his work until
1847, the year in which he gained direct access to the Moghul court.
I think it is safe to say that throughout these years Ghalib was mainly
occupied with the composition of the Persian verse, with the
preparation of occasional editions of his Urdu works which remained
essentially the same in content, and with various intricate and
exhausting proceedings undertaken with a view to improving his financial
situation, these last consisting mainly of petitions to patrons and
government, including the British. Although very different in style
and procedure, Ghalib's obsession with material means, and the
accompanying sense of personal insecurity which seems to threaten the
very basis of selfhood, reminds one of Bauldeaire. There is, through
the years, the same self-absorption, the same overpowering sense of
terror which comes from the necessities of one's own creativity and
intelligence, the same illusion -- never really believed viscerrally
-- that if one could be released from need one could perhaps become
a better artist. There is same flood of complaints, and finally the
same triumph of a self which is at once morbid, elegant, highly
creative, and almost doomed to realize the terms not only of its
desperation but also its distinction.

Ghalib was never really a part of the court except in its very
last years, and even then with ambivalence on both sides . There was
no love lost between Ghalib himself and Zauq, the king's tutor in the
writing of poetry; and if their mutual dislike was not often openly
expressed, it was a matter of prudence only. There is reason to believe
that Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Moghul king, and himself a poet of
considerable merit, did not much care for Ghalib's style of poetry or
life. There is also reason to believe that Ghalib not only regarded
his own necessary subservient conduct in relation to the king as
humiliating but he also considered the Moghul court as a redundant
institution. Nor was he well-known for admiring the king's verses.
However, after Zauq's death Ghalib did gain an appiontment as the
king's advisor on matters of versifiaction. He was also appointed,
by royal order, to write the official history of the Moghul dynasty, a
project which was to be titled "Partavistan" and to fill two volumes.
The one volume "Mehr-e-NeemRoz", which Ghalib completed is an
indifferent work, and the second volume was never completed, supposedly
because of the great disturbances caused by the Revolt of 1857 and the
consequent termination of the Moghul rule. Possibly Ghalib's own lack
of interest in the later Moghul kings had something to do with it.

The only favouarble result of his connection with the court

between 1847 and 1857 was that he resumed writing in Urdu with a
frequency not experienced since the early 1820's. Many of these new
poems are not panegyrics, or occasional verses to celebrate this or
that. He did, however, write many ghazals which are of the same
excellence and temper as his early great work. Infact, it is astonis-
hing that a man who had more or less given up writing in Urdu thirty
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years before should, in a totally different time and circumstance,
produce work that is, on the whole, neither worse nor better than his
earlier work. One wonders just how many great poems were permanently
lost to Urdu when Ghalib chose to turn to Persian instead.

In its material dimensions, Ghalib's life never really took

root and remained always curiously unfinished. In a society where
almost everybody seems to have a house of his own, Ghalib never had
one and always rented one or accepted the use of one from a patron.
He never had books of his own, usually reading borrowed ones. He had
no children; the ones he had, died in infancy, and he later adopted
the two children of Arif, his wife's nephew who died young in 1852.
Ghalib's one wish, perhaps as strong as the wish to be a great poet,
that he should have a regular, secure income, never materialized. His
brother Yusuf, went mad in 1826, and died, still mad, in that year of
all misfortunes, 1857. His relations with his wife were, at best,
tentative, obscure and indifferent. Given the social structure of
mid-nineteenth-century Muslim India, it is, of course, inconceivable
that *any* marriage could have even begun to satisfy the moral and
intellectual intensities that Ghalib required from his relationships;
given that social order, however, he could not conceive that his
marriage could serve that function. And one has to confront the fact
that the child never died who, deprived of the security of having a
father in a male-oriented society, had had looked for material but
also moral certainities -- not certitudes, but certainities, something
that he can stake his life on. So, when reading his poetry it must be
remembered that it is the poetry of more than usually vulnerable
existence.

It is difficult to say precisely what Ghalib's attitude was

toward the British conquest of India. The evidence is not only
contradictory but also incomplete. First of all, one has to realize
that nationalism as we know it today was simply non-existent in
nineteenth-century India. Second --one has to remember -- no matter
how offensive it is to some -- that even prior to the British, India
had a long history of invaders who created empires which were eventu-
ally considered legitimate. The Moghuls themselves were such invaders.
Given these two facts, it would be unreasonable to expect Ghalib to
have a clear ideological response to the British invasion. There is
also evidence, quite clearly deducible from his letters, that Ghalib
was aware, on the one hand, of the redundancy, the intrigues, the
sheer poverty of sophistication and intellectual potential, and the
lack of humane responses from the Moghul court, and, on the other, of
the powers of rationalism and scientific progress of the West.

Ghalib had many attitudes toward the British, most of them

complicated and quite contradictory. His diary of 1857, the
"Dast-Ambooh" is a pro-British document, criticizing the British here
and there for excessively harsh rule but expressing, on the whole,
horror at the tactics of the resistance forces. His letters, however,
are some of the most graphic and vivid accounts of British violence
that we possess. We also know that "Dast-Ambooh" was always meant to
be a document that Ghalib would make public, not only to the Indian
Press but specifically to the British authorities. And he even wanted
to send a copy of it to Queen Victoria. His letters, are to the contr-
ary, written to people he trusted very much, people who were his
friends and would not divulge their contents to the British authori-
ties. As Imtiyaz Ali Arshi has shown (at least to my satisfaction),
whenever Ghalib feared the intimate, anti-British contents of his
letters might not remain private, he requested their destruction, as
he did in th case of the Nawab of Rampur. I think it is reasonable to
conjecture that the diary, the "Dast-Ambooh", is a document put
together by a frightened man who was looking for avenues of safety and
forging versions of his own experience in order to please his oppr-
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essors, whereas the letters, those private documents of one-to-one
intimacy, are more real in the expression of what Ghalib was in fact
feeling at the time. And what he was feeling, according to the letters,
was horror at the wholesale violence practised by the British.

Yet, matters are not so simple as that either. We cannot explain

things away in terms of altogether honest letters and an altogether
dishonest diary. Human and intellectual responses are more complex. The
fact that Ghalib, like many other Indians at the time, admired British,
and therfore Western, rationalism as expressed in constitutional law,
city planning and more. His trip to Calcutta (1828-29) had done much
to convince him of the immediate values of Western pragmatism. This
immensely curious and human man from the narrow streets of a decaying
Delhi, had suddenly been flung into the broad, well-planned avenues of
1828 Calcutta -- from the aging Moghul capital to the new, prosperous
and clean capital of the rising British power, and , given the preco-
ciousness of his mind, he had not only walked on clean streets, but
had also asked the fundamental questions about the sort of mind that
planned that sort of city. In short, he was impressed by much that was
British.

In Calcutta he saw cleanliness, good city planning, prosperity.

He was fascinated by the quality of the Western mind which was rational
and could conceive of constitutional government, republicanism,
skepticism. The Western mind was attractive particularly to one who,
although fully imbued with his feudal and Muslim background, was also
attracted by wider intelligence like the one that Western scientific
thought offered: good rationalism promised to be good government. The
sense that this very rationalism, the very mind that had planned the
first modern city in India, was also in the service of a brutral and
brutalizing mercantile ethic which was to produce not a humane society
but an empire, began to come to Ghalib only when the onslaught of 1857
caught up with the Delhi of his own friends. Whatever admiration he
had ever felt for the British was seriously brought into question by
the events of that year, more particularly by the merciless-ness of
the British in their dealings with those who participated in or
sympathized with the Revolt. This is no place to go into the details
of the massacre; I will refer here only to the recent researches of
Dr. Ashraf (Ashraf, K.M., "Ghalib & The Revolt of 1857", in Rebellion
1857, ed., P.C. Joshi, 1957), in India, which prove that at least
27,000 persons were hanged during the summer of that one year, and
Ghalib witnessed it all. It was obviously impossible for him to
reconcile this conduct with whatever humanity and progressive ideals
he had ever expected the Briish to have possessed. His letters tell
of his terrible dissatisfaction.

Ghalib's ambivalence toward the British possibly represents a

characteristic dilemma of the Indian --- indeed, the Asian -- people.
Whereas they are fascinated by the liberalism of the Western mind and
virtually seduced by the possibility that Western science and technology
might be the answer to poverty and other problems of their material
existence, they feel a very deep repugnance for forms and intensities of
violence which are also peculiarly Western. Ghalib was probably not as
fully aware of his dilemma as the intellectuals of today might be; to
assign such awareness to a mid-nineteenth-century mind would be to
violate it by denying the very terms -- which means limitations --, as
well -- of its existence. His bewilderment at the extent of the
destruction caused by the very people of whose humanity he had been
convinced can , however, be understood in terms of this basic
ambivalence.

The years between 1857 and 1869 were neither happy nor very
eventful ones for Ghalib. During the revolt itself, Ghalib remained
pretty much confined to his house, undoubtedly frightened by the
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wholesale masacres in the city. Many of his friends were hanged,
deprived of their fortunes, exiled from the city, or detained in jails.
By October 1858, he had completed his diary of the Revolt, the
"Dast-Ambooh", published it, and presented copies of it to the British
authorities, mainly with the purpose of proving that he had not
supported the insurrections. Although his life and immediate possesions
were spared, little value was attached to his writings; he was flatly
told that he was still suspected of having had loyalties toward the
Moghul king. During the ensuing years, his main source of income
continued to be the stipend he got from the Nawab of Rampur.
"Ud-i-Hindi", the first collection of his letters, was published in
October 1868. Ghalib died a few months later, on February 15th, 1869.

............................................................................
GHALIB - GHAZALS
............................................................................

A note on pronunciation
-----------------------

(a) Vowel pronunciation key.

'a' as 'u' in cut

'aa' as 'a' in car
'i' as 'i' in fit
'ee' as 'ee' in feel
'u' as 'u' in put
'oo' as 'oo' in pool
'e' as 'e' in bed
'ai' as 'ei' in neighbour
'o' as 'o' in mode
'au' as 'ow' in how

(b) Words ending with an 'a' should be pronounced as 'a' in 'car'.

Examples : 'kya' = what

'nateeja' = result

(c) Guttural sounds (capital letters) :

Examples : 'GH' as in 'GHam' = sorrow

'KH' as in 'KHayaal' = thought

(d) Use of 'N' for nasal sounds :

Examples : 'maiN' = me
'meiN' = in
'aasmaaN' = sky

(e) Note the distinction in usage between :

(i) 'i' and 'ee'

Examples : 'nigaah' = sight

'nishaan' = mark/sign
'teer' = arrow
'hakeem' = physician/doctor

(ii) 'k' and 'q'

Examples : 'shauq' = fondness/desire

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'qaabil' = worthy
'kamar' = waist
'KHaak' = dust/ashes

(iii) small and capital letters

Examples : 't' as 't' in with

'T' as 't' in metal

...........................................................................

1. har ek baat pe kehte ho tum ke 'too kya hai' ?

tumheeN kaho ke yeh andaaz-e-guftgoo kya hai ?

[ guftgoo = conversation ]

2. na shole meiN yeh karishma na barq meiN yeh ada

koee batao ki woh shoKH-e-tund_KHoo kya hai ?

[ barq = lightning, tund = sharp/angry, KHoo = behavior ]

3. yeh rashk hai ki wo hota hai ham_suKHan tumse

wagarna KHauf-e-bad_aamozi-e-adoo kya hai ?

[ rashk = jealousy, ham_suKHan = to speak together/to agree,

KHauf = fear, bad = bad/wicked, aamozee = education/teaching,
adoo = enemy ]

4. chipak raha hai badan par lahoo se pairaahan

hamaaree jeb ko ab haajat-e-rafoo kya hai ?

[ pairaahan = shirt/robe/cloth, haajat = need/necessity,

rafoo = mending/darning ]

5. jalaa hai jicm jahaaN dil bhee jal gaya hoga

kuredate ho jo ab raakh, justjoo kya hai ?

[ justjoo = desire ]

6. ragoN meiN dauDte firne ke ham naheeN qaayal

jab aaNkh hee se na Tapka to fir lahoo kya hai ?

7. woh cheez jiske liye hamko ho bahisht azeez

siwaay baada-e-gul_faam-e-mushkaboo kya hai ?

[ bahisht (or bihisht, both are correct) = heaven, baada = wine,

gul_faam = delicate and fragrant like flowers, mushkaboo = like
the smell of musk ]

8. piyooN sharaab agar KHum bhee dekh looN do chaar

yeh sheesha-o-qadah-o-kooza-o-suboo kya hai ?

[ KHum = wine barrel, qadah = goblet, kooza/suboo = wine pitcher ]

9. rahee na taaqat-e-guftaar, aur agar ho bhee

to kis ummeed pe kahiye ke aarzoo kya hai ?

[ guftaar = speech/discourse ]

10. huaa hai shaah ka musaahib, fire hai itaraata

wagarna shehar meiN 'GHalib' kee aabroo kya hai ?

[ musaahib = comrade/associate ]
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............................................................................

1. husn-e-mah, garche ba_haNgaam-e-kamaal achcha hai

us'se mera mah-e-KHursheed-e-jamaal achcha hai

[ mah = moon, KHursheed = sun, jamaal = beauty ]

2. bosa dete naheeN aur dil pe hai har lahja nigaah

jee meiN kehte haiN, muft aaye to maal achcha hai

[ bosa = kiss ]

3. aur baazaar se le aaye agar TooT gaya

saaGHar-e-jam se mera jaam-e-sifaal achcha hai

[ saaGHar-e-jam = Badshah Jamshed's cup, jaam-e-sifaal = clay cup ]

4. be_talab daiN to maza usme siwa milta hai

woh gada jisko na ho KHoo-e-sawaal achcha hai

[ be_talab = without any enquiry, gada = beggar, KHoo = habit ]

5. unke dekhe se jo aa jaatee hai muNh par raunaq

woh samajhte haiN ke beemaar ka haal achcha hai

6. dekhiye paate haiN ushshaaq butoN se kya faiz ?

ik birahaman ne kaha hai, ke yeh saal achcha hai

[ ushshaaq = lovers, faiz = profit ]

7. ham_suKHan teshe ne farhaad ko sheereeN se kiya

jis tarah ka bhee kisee meiN ho kamaal achcha hai

[ ham_suKHan = together, tesha = axe ]

8. qatra dariya meiN jo mil jaaye to dariya ho jaaye

kaam achchaa hai woh, jiska ma'aal achcha hai

[ ma'aal = result ]

9. KHijr SultaaN ko rakhe KHaaliq-e-akbar sar_sabz

shaah ke baaGH meiN yeh taaza nihaal achcha hai

[ KHijr SultaaN = one of Badshah Zafar's son, KHaaliq = The Creator/

God, akbar = greatest, sar_sabz = fertile, nihaal = tree ]

10. hamko ma'aloom hai jannat ki haqeeqat lekin

dil ke KHush rakhne ko, 'GHalib' yeh KHayaal achcha hai

...........................................................................

1. GHair leiN mehfil meiN bose jaam ke

ham rahaiN yooN tishna_lab paiGHaam ke

[ bosa = kiss, tishna = thirsty ]

2. KHastagee ka tumse kya shikwa ki ye

hathkanDe haiN charKH-e-neelee_faam ke

[ KHastagee = injury/sickness, shikawa = complaint,

hathkanDe = tactics, charKH = sky, neelee_faam = blue colour/
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complexion ]

3. KHat likhenge garche matlab kuchch na ho

ham to aashiq haiN tumhaare naam ke

4. raat pee zamzam pe mai aur subh_dam

dhoye dhab'be jaam-e-'eharaam ke

[ zamzam = a well in Kaba whose water is considered holy,

mai = wine, subh_dam = at dawn, 'eharaam = dress for 'haj' ]

5. dil ko aaNkhoN ne fasaaya kya magar

ye bhee halqe haiN tumhaare daam ke

[ halqa = ring/circle, daam = net/trap ]

6. shaah ke haiN GHusl-e-sehat ko KHabar

dekhiye kab din fireiN hammaam ke

[ GHusl = bath, sehat = health, hammaam = a hot bath where a masseur

gives massage and bath ]

7. ishq ne 'GHalib' nikamma kar diya

warna ham bhee aadmee the; kaam ke

.............................................................................

1. naqsh fariyaadee hai kiskee shoKHee-e-tehreer ka

kaaGHazee hai pairhan har paikar-e-tasweer ka

[ naqsh = copy/print, fariyaad = complaint, tehreer = hand

writing, kaaGHazee = delicate, pairhan = dress,
paikar = appearance ]

2. kaave-kaave saKHt_jaanee haay tanhaaee na pooch

subah karna shaam ka laana hai joo-e-sheer ka

[ kaave-kaave = hard work, saKHt_jaanee = tough life,

joo = canal/stream, sheer = milk, joo-e-sheer = to create a
canal of milk, here means to perform an impossible task ]

3. jazba-e-be_iKHtiyaar-e-shauq dekha chaahiye

seena-e-shamsheer se baahar hai dam shamsheer ka

[ iKHtiyaar = authority/power, shamsheer = sword ]

4. aagahee daam-e-shuneedan jis qadar chaahe bichaaye

mudda'a 'anqa hai apne aalam-e-taqreer ka

[ aagahee = knowledge/intution, daam = net/trap,

shuneed = conversation, 'anqa = rare, aalam = world/universe,
taqreer = speech/discourse ]

5. bus ke hooN 'GHalib' aseeree meiN bhee aatish zer-e-pa

moo-e-aatish_deeda hai halqa meree zanjeer ka

[ aseeree = imprisonment/captivity, zer-e-pa = under the feet,

moo = hair, aatish_deeda = roasted on fire, halqa = ring/circle ]

............................................................................

1. kabhee nekee bhee uske jee meiN gar aa jaaye hai mujhse
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jafaayeN karke apnee yaad sharma jaaye hai mujhse

[ jafaayeN = opression/tyranny of a beloved ]

2. KHudaaya ! jazbaa-e-dil kee magar taaseer ulTee hai

ki jitna khiNtchataa hooN aur khiNtchtaa jaaye hai mujhse

[ jazbaa-e-dil = emotions, taaseer = impression ]

3. woh bad_KHoo aur meree daastan-e-ishq tulaanee

ibaarat muKHtasar, qaasid bhee ghabra jaaye hai mujhse

[ bad_KHoo = bad habits, tulaanee = long, ibaarat = diction/

admonishing, muKHtasar = concise, qaasid = messenger ]

4. udhar woh bad_GHumaanee hai, idhar yeh naatavaanee hai

na poocha jaaye hai us'se, na bola jaaye hai mujhse

[ badGHumaanee = suspicion, naatavaanee = weakness ]

5. sambhalne de mujhe 'ei na_ummidee kya qayaamat hai

ki daamaan-e-KHayaal-e-yaar chooTa jaaye hai mujhse

6. takalluf bartaraf nazzaaragee meiN bhee sahi, lekin

woh dekha jaaye, kab ye zulm dekha jaaye hai mujhse

[ taqalluf = hesitation/formality, bartaraf = suspend ]

7. hue haiN paaNv hee pehle nabard-e-ishq meiN zaKHmee

na bhaaga jaaye hai mujhse, na Thehra jaaye hai mujhse

[ nabard-e-ishaq = struggle in love ]

8. qayaamat hai ke howe muddaee ka ham_safar 'GHalib'

woh kaafir, jo KHuda ko bhee na sauNpa jaaye hai mujhse

.......................................................................

1. dil se teree nigaah jigar tak utar gayee

donoN ko ik adaa meiN razaamand kar gayee

2. shaq ho gaya hai seena, KHushee lazzat-e-firaaq

takleef-e-pardaadaari-e-zaKHm-e-jigar gayee

[ shaq = crack/split, firaaq = separation,

pardaadaaree = to hide, esp. fault ]

3. woh baada-e-shabaana kee sar mastiyaaN kahaaN ?

uThiye bas ab ki lazzat-e-KHwaab-e-sahar gayee

[ baada = wine, shabaana = night, sahar = morning ]

4. uDtee fire hai KHaak meree koo-e-yaar se

baare ab 'ei hawa, hawas-e- baal-o-par gayee

[ baare = at last, koo-e-yaar = lover's street ]

5. dekhooN to dil_farebi-e-andaaz-e-naqsh-e-pa
mauj-e-KHiraam-e-yaar bhee kya gul katar gayee

[ dil_fareb = heart alluring, naqsh = copy/print, pa = leg,

mauj = wave/enjoyment, KHiraam = speed ]
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6. har bulhawas ne husn_parastee shiaar kee

ab aabru-e-sheva-e-'ehl-e-nazar gayee

[ bulhawas = greedy, husn_parastee = to appreciate beauty,

shiaar = habit, aabru = respect/honour, sheva = manner/habit ]

7. nazzaare ne bhee kaam kiya waaN naqaab ka

mastee se har nigaah tere ruKH par bikhar gayee

8. farda-o-dee ka tafarqa yak baar mit gaya

kal tum gaye ke ham pe qayaamat guzar gayee

[ farda = yesterday, dee = tomorrow, tafarqa = difference ]

9. maara zamaane ne 'Asadullah KHaaN' tumhe

woh walwale kahaaN, woh jawaanee kidhar gayee ?

[ walwale = enthusiasm ]

......................................................................

1. miltee hai KHoo-e-yaar se naar iltihaab meiN

kaafir hooN gar na miltee ho raahat 'azaab meiN

[ KHoo-e-yaar = lover's nature/behavior/habit, naar = fire,

iltihaab = flame, 'azaab = sorrow ]

2. kab se hooN, kya bataaooN jahaan-e-KHaraab meiN ?

shab haaye hijr ko bhee rakhooN gar hisaab meiN

[ jahaan-e-KHaraab = world of problems, shab = night,

hijr = separation ]

3. taa fir na intezaar meiN neeNd aaye 'umr bhar

aane ka 'ahad kar gaye aaye jo KHwaab meiN

[ taa = so that, 'ahad = promise ]

4. qaasid ke aate-aate KHat ik aur likh rakhooN

maiN jaanta hooN jo woh likhenge jawaab meiN

[ qaasid = messenger ]

5. mujh tak kab unkee bazm meiN aata tha daur-e-jaam

saaqee ne kuchch mila na diya ho sharaab meiN

[ bazm = meeting/"mehafil", saaqee = bar tender ]

6. jo munkir-e-wafa ho fareb us pe kya chale ?

kyooN badGHumaaN hooN dost se dushman ke baab meiN ?

[ munkir-e-wafa = one who denies loyalty, fareb = illusion/fraud

badGHumaaN = suspicious, baab = company ]

7. maiN muztarib hooN wasl meiN KHauf-e-raqeeb se

Daala hai tumko weham ne kis pech-o-taab meiN

[ muztarib = anxious/disturbed, wasl = meeting with the lover,

KHauf = fear, raqeeb = opponent, pech-o-taab = predicament ]

8. mai aur haz'z-e-wasl, KHudaa_saaz baat hai

jaaN nazr denee bhool gaya iztiraab meiN

Page 10
 Ghalib_ghazals
[ mai = bar, haz'z-e-wasl = joy of meeting, KHudaa_saaz = god's gift,
iztiraab = anxiety ]

9. hai tevaree chaDee huee andar naqaab ke

hai ik shikan paDee huee tarf-e-naqaab meiN

[ shikan = wrinkle, tarf = eyelid ]

10. laakhauN lagaav, ik churaana nigaah ka

laakhauN banaav, ik bigaaDna itaab meiN

[ itaab = anger ]

11. woh naala_dil meiN KHas ke baraabar jagah na paaye

jis naale se shigaaf paDe aaftaab meiN

[ naala_dil = crying heart, KHas = hay/grass, shigaaf = crack,

aaftaab = sun/face ]

12. woh sehar muddaa talbee meiN na kaam aaye

jis sehar se safina ravaaN ho saraab meiN

[ sehar = magic, muddaa talbee = fulfillment of a desire,

safina = boat, ravaaN = move, saraab = mirage ]

13. 'GHalib' chutee sharaab, par ab bhee kabhee-kabhee

peeta hooN roz-e-abr -o- shab-e-maahtaab meiN

[ abr = clouds, roz-e-abr = cloudy day, maahtaab = moon ]

.......................................................................

1. daayam paDa huaa tere dar par naheeN hooN maiN

KHaak 'eisee zindagee pe ke patthar naheeN hooN maiN

[ daayam = always ]

2. kyooN gardish-e-mudaam se ghabra na jaaye dil ?

insaan hooN, pyaala-o-saaGHar naheeN hooN maiN

[ gardish = bad time/luck, mudaam = always ]

3. yaarab ! zamaana mujhko miTaata hai kis liye ?

loh-e-jahaaN pe harf-e-muqarrar naheeN hooN maiN

[ harf = alphabet, muqarrar = again ]

4. had chaahiye saza meiN uqoobat ke waaste

aaKHir gunaahagaar hooN, kaafir naheeN hooN maiN

[ uqoobat = pain ]

5. kis waaste 'azeez naheeN jaante mujhe ?

laal-o-zumarrud-o-zar-o-gauhar naheeN hooN maiN

[ laal = a kind of gem, zumurrud = green colored gem,

zar = gold, gauhar = gem ]

6. rakhte ho tum qadam meree aaNkhoN se kya dareGH

rutbe meiN mehar-o-maah se kamtar naheeN hooN maiN

[ dareGH = regret/grief, mehar = sun, maah = moon ]

Page 11
 Ghalib_ghazals
7. karte ho mujhko man'a-e-qadam_bos kis liye ?
kya aasmaan ke bhee baraabar naheeN hooN maiN ?

[ bosa = kiss ]

8. 'GHalib' wazifaa_KHwaar ho, do shaah ko duaa

woh din gaye ki kehte the;, "naukar naheeN hooN maiN"

[ wazifaa_KHawaar = pensioner ]

......................................................................

1. dil-e-naadaaN tujhe huaa kya hai ?

aaKHir is dard kee dawa kya hai

2. ham haiN mushtaaq aur woh bezaar

ya ilaahee ! yeh maajra kya hai ?

[ mushtaaq = interested, bezaar = displeased/sick of ]

3. maiN bhee muNh meiN zabaan rakhta hooN

kaash ! poocho ki "muddaa kya hai" ?

4. jab ki tujh bin naheeN koee maujood

fir ye hangaama, 'ei KHuda ! kya hai

5. ye paree chehara log kaise haiN ?

GHamza-o-ishwa-o-'adaa kya hai ?

[ paree chehara = angel faced, GHamza = amorous glance,

ishwa = coquetry ]

6. shikan-e-zulf-e-ambaree kyoN hai ?

nigah-e-chashm-e-soorma sa kya hai ?

[ shikan = wrinkel/fold, ambaree = fragrance, chashm = eye ]

7. sabja-o-gul kahaaN se aaye haiN ?

abr kya cheez hai, hawa kya hai ?

[ abr = clouds ]

8. hamko unse wafa ki hai ummeed

jo naheeN jaante wafa kya hai

9. "haaN bhala kar tera bhala hoga"

aur darvesh kee sada kya hai ?

[ darvesh = beggar, sada = voice ]

10. jaan tum par nisaar karta hooN

maiN naheeN jaanata duaa kya hai

11. maiNe maana ki kuchch naheeN 'GHalib'

muft haath aaye to bura kya hai ?

..........................................................................

1. woh aake KHwaab meiN taskeen-e-iztiraab to de

wale mujhe tapish-e-dil, mazaal-e-KHwaab to de

[ taskeen = satisfaction, iztiraab = anxiety, tapish = burn/passion,

Page 12
 Ghalib_ghazals
mazaal = strength ]

2. kare hai qatl lagaawat meiN tera ro dena

teree tarah koee teGH-e-nigah ko aab to de

[ lagaawat = affection, tegh = sword, aab = cool ]

3. dikhaake jumbish-e-lab hee tamaam kar hamko

na de jo bosa, to muNh se kaheeN jawaab to de

[ jumbish = motion/vibration, bosa = kiss ]

4. pila de oak se saaqee jo hamse nafrat hai

pyaala gar naheeN deta na de, sharaab to de

[ oak = palm of the hand contracted so as to hold water ]

5. 'Asad' KHushee se mere haath paaNv phool gaye

kaha jo usne zara mere paaNv daab to de

..........................................................................

1. ghar jab bana liya hai tere dar par kahe baGHair
jaanega ab bhee too na mera ghar kahe baGHair

2. kehte haiN, jab rahee na mujhe taaqat-e-suKHan

jaanooN kisee ke dil ki maiN kyoNkar kahe baGHair

[ taaqat-e-suKHan = strength to speak ]

3. kaam us'se aa paDa hai ki jiska jahaan meiN

lewe na koee naam 'sitamgar' kahe baGHair

[ sitamgar = oppressor ]

4. jee meiN hee kuchch naheeN hai hamaare, wagarna ham

sar jaaye ya rahe, na rahaiN par kahe baGHair

5. choDooNga maiN na us but-e-kaafir ka poojna

choDe na KHalq go mujhe kaafir kahe baGHair

[ but = idol/lover, KHalq = world ]

6. maqsad hai naaz-o-GHamza, wale guftagoo meiN kaam

chalta naheeN hai, dashna-o-KHanjar kahe baGHair

[ GHamza = amorous glance, dashna = dagger ]

7. har chand ho mushaahit-e-haq ki guftagoo

bantee naheeN hai baada-o-saaGHar kahe baGHair

[ mushaahit = God, baada = wine ]

8. behra hooN maiN to chaahiye doona ho iltafaat

sunta naheeN hooN baat muqarrar kahe baGHair

[ iltafaat = mercy, muqarrar = again ]

9. 'GHalib' na kar huzoor meiN too baar-baar 'arz

zaahir hai tera haal sab un par kahe baGHair

...........................................................................

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 Ghalib_ghazals

1. shauq har rang raqeeb-e-sar-o-saamaaN niklaa

qais tasveer ke parde meiN bhee uriyaaN niklaa

[ raqeeb = opponent, sar-o-saamaaN = with belongings,

qais = 'majanooN', uriyaaN = nude ]

2. zaKHm ne daad na dee, tangee-e-dil ki yaarab !

teer bhee seena-e-bismil se par_afshaaN niklaa

[ daad = justice, seena-e-bismil = wounded heart, par = wings,

afshaaN = rattle ]

3. boo-e-gul, naala-e-dil, dood-e-charaaGH-e-mehfil

jo teree bazm se nikla, so parishaaN niklaa

[ boo = fragrance, gul = flower, naalaa = cry, dood = smoke, esp.

from a lamp that's been extinguished ]

4. thee nau_aamoz_fana'a himmat-e-dushwaar_pasand

saKHt mushkil hai ki yah kaam bhee aasaaN nikla

[ nau_aamoz = beginner, dushwaar = difficult ]

5. dil meiN fir giryaaN ne ik shor uThaaya 'GHalib'

aah jo qatra na nikla tha, so toofaaN nikla

[ giryaaN = weeping, qatra = drop ]

...........................................................................

1. 'arz-e-niyaaz-e-ishq ke qaabil naheeN raha

jis dil pe naaz tha mujhe wo dil naheeN raha

[ niyaaz = desire/an offering ]

2. jaata hooN daaGH-e-hasarat-e-hastee liye hue

hooN shamma'a_kushta darKHur-e-mehfil naheeN raha

[ hastee = life/existence, shamma'a_kushta = extinguished lamp,

darKHur = worthy ]

3. marne ki 'ei dil aur hee tadabeer kar ki maiN

shaayaan-e-dast-o-baazu-e-qaatil naheeN rahaa

[ tadabeer = solution/remedy, shaayaan = worthy, dast = hand,

baazoo = shoulder ]

4. bararoo-e-shash jihat dar-e-aaina_baaz hai

yaaN imtiaz-e-naakis-o-qaamil naheeN rahaa

[ bararoo = in front, shash = six, jihat = direction,

imtiaz = distinction, naakis = cunning, qaamil = intelligent ]

5. waa kar diye haiN shauq ne band-e-naqaab-e-husn

GHair_az nigaah ab koee haayal naheeN raha

[ waa = open, GHair_az = other than, haayal = obstacle ]

6. go maiN raha, rahee na sitam haaye rozgaar

lekin tere KHayaal se GHaafil naheeN raha

[ sitam = oppression, GHaafil = unaware/careless ]

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 Ghalib_ghazals

7. dil se hawa-e-kisht-e-wafa miT gayee ki waaN

haasil siwaay hasrat-e-haasil naheeN raha

8. bedaad-e-ishq se naheeN Darta magar 'Asad'

jis dil pe naaz tha mujhe wo dil naheeN raha

[ bedaad = injustice ]

............................................................................

1. na tha kuchch to KHuda tha, kuchch na hota to KHuda hota

duboya mujhko hone ne, na hota maiN to kya hota ?

2. huaa jab GHam se yooN behis to GHam kya sar ke kaTne ka

na hota gar juda tan se to zaanooN par dhaRa hota

[ behis = shocked/stunned, zaanooN = knee ]

3. huee muddat ke 'GHalib' mar gaya par yaad aata hai

wo har ek baat pe kehana, ke yooN hota to kya hota ?

[ muddat = duration/period ]

............................................................................

1. hazaaroN KHwahishaiN 'eisee ke har KHwahish pe dam nikle

bohot nikle mere armaaN lekin fir bhee kam nikle

2. Dare kyooN mera qaatil kya rahega uskee gardan par

wo KHooN, jo chashm-e-tar se 'umr bhar yooN dam_ba_dam nikle

[ KHooN = blood, chashm = eye, tar = wet, dam_ba_dam = continously ]

3. nikalna KHuld se aadam ka sunte aayaiN haiN lekin

bohot be_aabru hokar tere kooche se ham nikle

[ KHuld = heaven, be_aabaru = disgrace, koocha = street ]

4. bharam khul jaaye zaalim tere qaamat ki daraazee ka

agar is turra-e-pur_pech-o-KHam ka pech-o-KHam nikle

[ daraazee = length/delay, qaamat = stature, turra = an ornamental

tassel worn in the turban, pech-o-KHam = curls in the
hair/complexity ]

5. magar likhwaaye koee usko KHat, to hamse likhawaaye

huee subah aur ghar se kaan par rakhkar qalam nikle

6. huee is daur meiN mansoob mujhse baada_aashaamee

fir aaya wo zamaana, jo jahaaN se jaam-e-jam nikle

[ mansoob = association, baada_aashaamee = association with

drinking ]

7. huee jinse tavaqqo KHastagee kee daad paane kee

wo hamse bhee ziyaada KHasta-e-teGH-e-sitam nikle

[ tavaqqo = expectation, KHastagee = weakness, daad = justice,

KHasta = broken/sick/injured, teGH = sword, sitam = cruelity ]

8. mohabbat meiN naheeN hai farq jeene aur marne kaa

usee ko dekh kar jeete haiN jis kaafir pe dam nikle
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 Ghalib_ghazals

9. zara kar jor seene par ki teer-e-pursitam nikle

jo wo nikle to dil nikle, jo dil nikle to dam nikle

10. KHuda ke waaste parda na kaabe se uThaa zaalim

kaheeN 'eisa na ho yaaN bhee wohee kaafir sanam nikle

11. kahaaN maiKHaane ka darwaaza 'GHalib' aur kahaaN waaiz

par itana jaante haiN kal wo jaata tha ke ham nikle

[ waaiz = preacher/advisor ]

.........................................................................

1. ye jo ham hijr meiN deewaar-o-dar ko dekhte haiN

kabhee saba ko kabhee naamaabar ko dekhte haiN

[ hijr = separation, dar = door, saba = wind,

naamaabar = messanger ]

2. woh aaye ghar meiN hamaare KHuda ki kudrat hai

kabhee ham unko, kabhee apane ghar ko dekhte haiN

3. nazar lage na kaheeN uske dast-o-baazoo ko

ye log kyoN mere zaKHm-e-jigar ko dekhtaiN haiN ?

[ dast-o-baazoo = hands & shoulders ]

4. tere jawaahir-e-tarf-e-kulah ko kya dekhaiN ?

ham auj-e-taal'a-e-laal-o-guhar ko dekhte haiN

[ jawaahir = jewels, tarf = golden belt, kulah = crown,

auj = height/position, taal'a = luck, laal-o-guhar = diamonds
& pearls ]

..........................................................................

1. koee din gar zindagaanee aur hai

apne jee meiN hamne THaanee aur hai

2. aatish-e-dozaKH meiN ye garmee kahaaN

soz-e-GHam haay nihaanee aur hai

[ dozaKH = hell, soz = passion/heat, nihaanee = internal/hidden ]

3. baarha dekhee haiN unkee ranjishaiN

par kuchch ab ke sar_giraanee aur hai

[ sar_giraanee = pride ]

4. deke KHat muNh dekhta hai naamabar

kuchch to paiGHaam-e-zabaanee aur hai

[ naamabar = messenger ]

5. qaata-e-'amaar hai aksar nujoom

woh balaa-e-aasmaanee aur hai

[ qaata-e-'amaar = killers, nujoom = stars,

balaa-e-aasmaanee = natural calamity ]

6. ho chukeeN 'GHalib' balaayeN sab tamaam

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 Ghalib_ghazals
ek marg-e-naagahaanee aur hai

[ balaayeN = calamities, marg = death, naagahaanee = sudden/

accidental ]

.............................................................................

1. aah ko chaahiye ik 'umr asar hone tak

kaun jeeta hai teree zulf ke sar hone tak ?

2. daam har mauj meiN hai halqa-e-sad_kaam-e-nahaNg

dekhaiN kya guzre hai qatre pe guhar hone tak

[ daam = net/trap, mauj = wave, halqa = ring/circle, sad = hundred,

nahaNg = crocadile, sad_kaam-e-nahaNg = crocadile with a hundred
jaws, guhar = pearl ]

3. aashiqee sabr talab aur tamanna betaab

dil ka kya rang karooN KHoon-e-jigar hone tak ?

[ sabr = patience, talab = search ]

4. ham ne maana ke taGHaful na karoge, lekin

KHaak ho jaayeNge ham tumko KHabar hone tak

[ taGHaful = neglect/ignore ]

5. partav-e-khur se hai shabnam ko fana'a ki taaleem

maiN bhee hooN ik inaayat ki nazar hone tak

[ partav-e-khur = sun's reflection/light/image, shabnam = dew,

fana'a = mortality, inaayat = favour ]

6. yak_nazar besh naheeN fursat-e-hastee GHaafil

garmi-e-bazm hai ik raqs-e-sharar hone tak

[ besh = too much/lots, fursat-e-hastee = duration of life,

GHaafil = careless, raqs = dance, sharar = flash/fire ]

7. GHam-e-hastee ka 'Asad' kis'se ho juz marg ilaaz

shamma'a har rang meiN jaltee hai sahar hone tak

[ hastee = life/existence, juz = other than, marg = death,

sahar = morning ]

............................................................................

1. meherabaaN hoke bula lo mujhe chaaho jis waqt

maiN gaya waqt naheeN hooN ke fir aa bhee na sakooN

2. zauf meiN taana-e-aGHayaar ka shikawa kya hai ?

baat kuchch sar to naheeN hai ke uTha bhee na sakooN

[ zauf = weakness, taana = taunt, aGHayaar = enemy,

shikawa = complaint ]

3. zehar milta hee naheeN mujhko sitamgar, warana

kya qasam hai tere milne kee, ke kha bhee na sakooN

[ sitamgar = oppressor ]

.........................................................................
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 Ghalib_ghazals

1. baazeechaa-e-atfaal hai duniya mere aage

hota hai shab-o-roz tamaasha mere aage

[ baazeechaa = play/sport, atfaal = children ]

2. ik khel hai auraNg-e-sulemaaN mere nazdeek

ik baat hai 'eijaz-e-maseeha mere aage

[ auraNg = throne, 'eijaz = miracle ]

3. juz naam naheeN soorat-e-aalam mujhe manzoor

juz waham naheeN hastee-e-ashiya mere aage

[ juz = other than, aalam = world, hastee = existence,

ashiya = things/items ]

4. hota hai nihaaN gard meiN sehara mere hote

ghisata hai jabeeN KHaak pe dariya mere aage

[ nihaaN = hidden, gard = dust, sehara = desert, jabeeN = forehead ]

5. mat pooch ke kya haal hai mera tere peeche ?

too dekh ke kya rang tera mere aage

6. sach kahte ho, KHudbeen-o-KHud_aaraa na kyoN hooN ?

baiTha hai but-e-aainaa_seemaa mere aage

[ KHudbeen = proud/arrogant, KHud_aaraa = self adorer,

but = beloved, aainaa_seemaa = like the face of a mirror ]

7. fir dekhiye andaaz-e-gul_afshaani-e-guftaar

rakh de koee paimaanaa-o-sahba mere aage

[ gul_afshaanee = to scatter flowers, guftaar = speech/discourse,

sahaba = wine, esp. red wine ]

8. nafrat ka gumaaN guzare hai, maiN rashk se guzaraa

kyoN kar kahooN, lo naam na uska mere aage

[ gumaaN = doubt, rashk = envy ]

9. imaaN mujhe roke hai jo khiNche hai mujhe kufr

ka'aba mere peeche hai kaleesa mere aage

[ kufr = impiety, kaleesa = church/cathedral ]

10. aashiq hooN, pe maashooq_farebee hai mera kaam

majnooN ko bura kehti hai laila mere aage

[ farebee = a fraud/cheat ]

11. KHush hote haiN par wasl meiN yoN mar naheeN jaate
aayee shab-e-hijaraaN ki tamanna mere aage

[ hijr = separation ]

12. hai mauj_zan ik qulzum-e-KHooN, kaash, yahee ho

aata hai abhee dekhiye kya-kya mere aage

[ mauj_zan = exciting, qulzum = sea, KHooN = blood ]

13. go haath ko jumbish naheeN aaNhoN meiN to dam hai

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 Ghalib_ghazals
rehne do abhee saaGHar-o-meena mere aage

[ jumbish = movement/vibration, saaGHar-o-meena = goblet ]

14. ham_pesha-o-ham_masharb-o-ham_raaz hai mera

'GHalib' ko bura kyoN kaho achchaa mere aage !

[ ham_pesha = of the same profession, ham_masharb = of the

same habits/a fellow boozer, ham_raaz = confidant ]

..........................................................................

1. fir kuchch is dil ko beqaraaree hai

seena zoya-e-zaKHm-e-kaaree hai

[ zoya = searcher, zaKHm-e-kaaree = deep wound ]

2. fir jigar khodane laga naaKHun

aamad-e-fasl-e-laala_qaaree hai

[ aamad = arrival, fasl = season/harvest ]

3. qibla-e-maqsad-e-nigaah-e-niyaaz
fir wahee parda-e-'amaaree hai

[ niyaaz = desire, 'amaaree = rider's seat with a canopy on an

elephant or camel ]

4. chashm-e-dallaal -e- jins-e-ruswaaee

dil KHareedaar-e-zauq-e-KHwaaree hai

[ chashm = eye, jins = things/items, zauq = taste ]

5. wohee sad_rang naala farsaayee

wohee sad_goona ashq_baaree hai

[ sad = hundred, naala farsaayee = lamenter, sad_goona = hundred

times, ashq_baaree = lamentation ]

6. dil hawa-e-KHiraam-e-naaz se fir

mahshristaan-e-beqaraaree hai

[ KHiraam = speed, mahshar = the last day/"qayaamat ka din",

mahshristaan = place of the last day ]

7. jalwa fir arz-e-naaz karta hai

roz-e-baazaar-e-jaaN_sipaaree hai

[ jalwa = splendour, jaaN_sipaaree = resigning one's life into

the hands of another ]

8. fir usee bewafa pe marte haiN

fir wohee zindagee hamaaree hai

9. fir khula hai dar-e-adaalat-e-naaz

garm baazaar-e-fauj_daaree hai

[ dar = abode, fauj_daaree = military court ]

10. ho raha hai jahaan meiN andher

zulf kee fir sarishta_daaree hai

[ sarishta_daaree = a regulator's position ]

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 Ghalib_ghazals

11. fir kiya paara-e-jigar ne sawaal

ek fariyaad-o-aah-o-zaaree hai

[ paara = fragment ]

12. fir hue haiN gawaah-e-ishq talab

ashq_baaree ka hukm_zaaree hai

[ talab = search/desire/request, ashq_baaree = lamentation ]

13. dil-o-mizhgaaN ka jo muqadamaa tha

aaj fir uskee roob_qaaree hai

[ mizhgaaN = eyelids, roob_qaaree = to put the mind into work ]

14. be_KHudee be_sabab naheeN 'GHalib'

kuchch to hai jiskee pardaadaaree hai

[ be_KHudee = rapture, be_sabab = without any reason,

pardaadaaree = to hide, esp. fault ]

..........................................................................

1. rone se aur ishq meiN be_baak ho gaye

dhoye gaye ham 'eise ki bas paak ho gaye

[ be_baak = outspoken/bold, paak = pure/clean/holy ]

2. sarf-e-baha-e-mai hue aalaat-e-maikashee

the; ye hee do hisaab, so yoN paak ho gaye

[ sarf = expenditure, baha = value/price, mai = bar,

aalaat = instruments/apparatus, maikashee = boozing ]

3. ruswa-e-dahar go hue aawaargee se tum

baare tabeeyatoN ke to chaalaak ho gaye

[ dahar = world, baare = atlast ]

4. kehta hai kaun naala-e-bulbul ko be_asar

parde meiN gul ke laakh jigar chaak ho gaye

[ chaak = slit/torn ]

5. pooche hai kya wujood-o-adam 'ehl-e-shauq ka

aap apnee aag se KHas-o-KHaashaak ho gaye

[ wujood = existence, adam = non existence,

KHas-o-Khaashaak = destroyed ]

6. karne gaye the; usse taGHaaful ka ham gila

kee ek hee nigaah ki bas KHaak ho gaye

[ taGHaaful = negligence, gila = complaint, KHaak = dust/ashes ]

7. is DHang se uTHaayee kal usne 'Asad' ki laash

dushman bhee jisko dekhke GHamnaak ho gaye

[ GHamnaak = grief stricken ]

..........................................................................

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1. woh firaaq aur woh wisaal kahaaN ?

woh shab-o-roz-o-maah-o-saal kahaaN ?

[ firaaq = separation, wisaal = meeting, shab = night,

roz = day, maah = month, saal = year ]

2. fursat-e-kaarobaar-e-shauq kise ?
zauq-e-nazzaraa-e-jamaal kahaaN ?

[ zauq = delight/joy, jamaal = beauty ]

3. dil to dil wo dimaaGH bhee na rahaa

shor-e-sauda-e-KHatt-o-KHaal kahaaN ?

4. thee woh ik shaKHs ke tasavvur se

ab woh raanaai-e-KHayaal kahaaN ?

[ tasavvur = imagination, raanaai-e-KHayaal = tender thoughts ]

5. 'eisa aasaaN naheeN lahoo rona

dil meiN taaqat jigar meiN haal kahaaN ?

[ haal = spiritual ecstasy ]

6. hamse chooTa qamaar_KHaana-e-ishq

waaN jo jawaiN, girah meiN maal kahaaN ?

[ qamaar_khaana = casino, girah = knot/joint ]

7. fikr-e-duniyaaN meiN sar khapaata hooN

maiN kahaaN aur ye wabaal kahaaN ?

[ wabaal = calamity ]

8. muzmahil ho gaye quwa'a 'GHalib'

wo anaasir meiN 'eitdaal kahaaN ?

[ muzmahil = exhausted/idle, quwa'a = limbs, anaasir = elements,

'eitdaal = moderation ]

........................................................................

1. ye na thee hamaaree qismat ke wisaal-e-yaar hota

agar aur jeete rehte yahee intezaar hota

[ wisaal-e-yaar = meeting with lover ]

2. tere waade par jiye ham to ye jaan jhooT jaanaa

ke KHushee se mar na jaate agar 'eitabaar hota

[ 'eitabaar = trust/confidence ]

3. teree naazukee se jaana ki bandha tha 'ehed_booda

kabhee too na toD sakta agar oostuwaar hota

[ 'ehed = oath, oostuwaar = firm/determined ]

4. koee mere dil se pooche tere teer-e-neemkash ko

ye KHalish kahaaN se hotee jo jigar ke paar hota

[ teer-e-neemkash = half drawn arrow, KHalish = pain ]

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5. ye kahaaN ki dostee hai ke bane haiN dost naaseh
koee chaarasaaz hota, koee GHamgusaar hota

[ naaseh = councellor, chaarasaaz = healer,

GHamgusaar = sympathizer ]

6. rag-e-sang se Tapakta wo lahoo ki fir na thamta

jise GHam samajh rahe ho, ye agar sharaar hota

[ rag = nerve, sang = stone, sharaar = flash/gleam ]

7. GHam agarche jaaN_gulis hai, pe kahaaN bachaiN ke dil hai

GHam-e-ishq gar na hota, GHam-e-rozgaar hota

[ jaaN_gulis = life threatning ]

8. kahooN kis se maiN ke kya hai, shab-e-GHam buree bala hai

mujhe kya bura tha marna ? agar ek baar hota

9. hue mar ke ham jo ruswa, hue kyoN na GHarq-e-dariya

na kabhee janaaza uThata, na kaheeN mazaar hota

[ GHarq = drown/sink ]

10. use; kauN dekh sakta ki yagaana hai wo yaktaa

jo dooee ki boo bhee hotee to kaheeN do chaar hota

[ yagaana = kinsman, yaktaa = matchless/incomparable, dooee = duality ]

11. ye masaail-e-tasawwuf, ye tera bayaaN 'GHalib' !

tujhe ham walee samajhate, jo na baada_KHwaar hota

[ masaail = topics, tasawwuf = mysticism, walee = prince/friend,

baada_KHwaar = boozer ]

............................................................................

1. dhota hooN jab maiN peene ko us seem_tan ke paaNv

rakhata hai zid se kheeNch ke baahar lagan ke paaNv

[ seem_tan = silver bodied, lagan = a basin ]

2. dee saadgee se jaan paDooN kohakan ke paaNv

haihaat ! kyoN na TooT gaye peerzan ke paaNv

[ kohakan = a mountain digger, haihaat = alas !, peerzan = old woman ]

3. bhaage the; ham bahut see uskee saza hai ye

hokar aseer daabte haiN raahzan ke paaNv

[ aseer = prisoner, raahzan = robber ]

4. marham ki justjoo meiN ghira hooN jo door-door

tan se siwa figaar hai is KHastaa_tan ke paaNv

[ justjoo = desire, figaar = wounded ]

5. allaah re zauq-e-dasht-e-nawrdee ki baad-e-marg

hilte haiN Khud-ba-KHud mere andar qafan ke paaNv

[ zauq = taste, dasht-e-nawrdee = to roam around in wilderness,

marg = death ]

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6. hai josh-e-gul bahaar meiN yaaN tak ki har taraf
uDate hue ulajhte haiN murGH-e-chaman ke paaNv

[ murGH = bird ]

7. shab ko kisee ke KHwaab meiN aaya na ho kaheeN

dukhte haiN aaj oos but-e-naazuk_badan ke paaNv

[ but = idol/beloved ]

8. 'GHalib' mere kalaam meiN kyoNkar maza na ho ?

peeta hooN dhoke KHusrau-e-sheereeN_suKHan ke paaNv

[ kalaam = writing/speech, sheereeN = sweet, suKHan = speech/words,

KHusrau-e-sheereeN_suKHan = this is pointed at Badshah Zafar ]

............................................................................

1. hairaaN hooN dil ko ro'ooN ki peetooN jigar ko maiN ?

maqdoor hooN to saath rakhooN nauhaagar ko maiN

[ maqdoor = capable, nauhaagar = mourner/lamenter ]

2. choDa na rashk ne ki tere ghar ka naam looN ?

har ek se poochta hooN ki jaaooN kidhar ko maiN ?

[ rashk = jealousy ]

3. jaana paDa raqeeb ke dar par hazaar baar

'ei kaash jaanta na teree rahguzar ko maiN

[ raqeeb = opponent, rahguzar = road/path ]

4. hai kya jo kas ke baaNdhiye meree bala dar'e

kya jaanta naheeN hooN tumhaaree kamar ko maiN ?

5. lo woh bhee kahate haiN ki yeh be_nang-o-naam hai

yeh jaanta agar to luTaata na ghar ko maiN

6. chalta hooN thoDee door har ik tez rau ke saath

pehchaanta naheeN hooN abhee raahabar ko maiN

[ rau = currents, raahabar = guide ]

7. KHwaahish ko 'ahamqoN ne parastish diya qaraar

kya poojta hooN us but-e-bedaadgar ko maiN ?

[ 'ahmaq = fool/idiot, parastish = worship, but = idol/lover,

bedaadgar = cruel ]

8. fir be_KHudee meiN bhool gaya raah-e-koo-e-yaar

jaata wagarna ek din apnee KHabar ko maiN

[ be_KHudee = rapture, koo-e-yaar = lover's street ]

9. apne pe kar raha hooN qiyaas 'ahl-e-dahar ka

samjha hooN dil_pazeer mata'a-e-hunar ko maiN

[ qiyaas = supposition, 'ahl = people, dahar = period/era,

pazeer = receiving, mata'a = wealth, hunar = skill ]

10. 'GHalib' KHuda kare ki sawaar-e-samand-e-naaz

dekhooN 'alee_bahaadur-e-aalee_guhar ko maiN
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[ sawaar = ride, samand = horse, aalee_guhar = belonging to a

high caste or a rich family ]

.............................................................................

1. dard minnat_kash-e-dawa na huaa

maiN na achchaa huaa, bura na huaa

[ minnat_kash-e-dawa = obliged to medicine ]

2. jama'a karate ho kyoN raqeeboN ka ?

ik tamaasha huaa gila na huaa

[ raqeeb = opponent, gila = complaint ]

3. ham kahaaN qismat aazmaane jaayaiN ?

too hee jab KHanjar aazma na huaa

4. kitne sheereeN haiN tere lab ! ki raqeeb

gaaliyaaN khaake be_maza na huaa

[ sheereeN = sweet ]

5. hai KHabar garm unke aane kee

aaj hee ghar meiN boriya na huaa !

[ boriya = mat, here it refers to groceries ]

6. kya woh namrood kee KHudaaee thee

bandagee meiN tera bhala na huaa

[ namrood = an old king who used to say that he was god ]

7. jaan dee, dee huee usee ki thee

haq to ye hai ke haq adaa na huaa

8. zaKHm gar dab gaya, lahoo na thama

kaam gar ruk gaya rawa na huaa

[ rawa = right/lawful ]

9. rahzanee hai ki dil_sitaanee hai ?

leke dil, dil_sitaaN rawa na huaa

[ dil_sitaaN = lover, rawa = agree/admissible ]

10. kuchch to paDhiye ki log kehte haiN

"aaj 'GHalib' GHazalsara na huaa"

........................................................................

1. koee ummeed bar naheeN aatee

koee soorat nazar naheeN aatee

2. maut ka ek din mu'ayyan hai

neeNd kyoN raat bhar naheeN aatee ?

[ mu'ayyan = definite ]

3. aage aatee thee haal-e-dil pe haNsee

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 Ghalib_ghazals
ab kisee baat par naheeN aatee

4. jaanta hooN sawaab-e-taa'at-o-zahad

par tabeeyat idhar naheeN aatee

[ sawaab = reward of good deeds in next life, taa'at = devotion,

zahad = religious deeds or duties ]

5. hai kuchch 'eisee hee baat jo chup hooN

warna kya baat kar naheeN aatee ?

6. kyoN na cheeKHooN ki yaad karate haiN

meree aawaaz gar naheeN aatee

7. daaGH-e-dil gar nazar naheeN aata

boo bhee 'ei chaaraagar ! naheeN aatee

[ chaaraagar = healer/doctor ]

8. ham wahaaN haiN jahaaN se hamko bhee

kuchch hamaaree KHabar naheeN aatee

9. marte haiN aarzoo meiN marne ki

maut aatee hai par naheeN aatee

10. kaaba'a kis muNh se jaaoge 'GHalib'

sharm tumko magar naheeN aatee

........................................................................

1. nuktaacheeN hai GHam-e-dil usko sunaaye na bane

kya bane baat jahaaN baat banaaye na bane

[ nuktaacheeN = critic/sweetheart ]

2. maiN bulaata to hooN usko magar 'ei jazba-e-dil

uspe ban jaaye kuchch 'eisee ki bin aaye na bane

3. khel samjha hai kaheeN choD na de, bhool na jaay

kaash ! yooN bhee ho ki bin mere sataaye na bane

4. GHair firta hai liye yooN tere KHat ko ki agar

koee pooche ki yeh kya hai ? to chipaaye na bane

5. is nazaakat ka bura ho, woh bhale haiN to kya

haaNth aaye to unhaiN haaNth lagaaye na bane

[ nazaakat = elegance ]

6. keh sake kaun ki yeh jalwaa_garee kiskee hai

parda choDa hai woh usne ki uTHaaye na bane

[ jalwaa_garee = manifestation ]

7. maut kee raah na dekhooN ki bin aaye na rahe

tumko chaahooN ki na aao, to bulaaye na bane

8. bojh woh sar pe gira hai ki uTHaaye na uTHe

kaam woh aan paDa hai, ki banaaye na bane

9. ishq par zor naheeN, hai ye woh aatish 'GHalib'

ki lagaaye na lage aur bujhaaye na bane
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[ aatish = fire ]

..........................................................................

1. ishq mujhko naheeN, wehshat hee sahee

meree wehshat, teree shohrat hee sahee

[ wehshat = solitude, shohrat = fame ]

2. qata`a keeje na ta`alluq ham se

kuchch naheeN hai to `adaavat hee sahee

[ qata'a = break/intercept, ta'alluq = relation/connection,

'adaavat = hatred/animosity ]

3. mere hone meiN hai kya ruswaaee ?

'ei woh majlis naheeN KHalwat hee sahee

[ majlis = assembly, KHalwat = isolation ]

4. ham bhee dushman to naheeN haiN apne

GHair ko tujh se mohabbat hee sahee

5. apnee hastee hee se ho, jo kuchch ho !

aagahee gar naheeN GHaflat hee sahee

[ hastee = existence, aagahee = knowledge/information,

GHaflat = negligence ]

6. 'umr harchand ke hai barq-e-KHiraam

dil ke KHooN karne ki fursat hee sahee

[ barq = lightning, KHiraam = manner of walking ]

7. ham koee tarq-e-wafa karte haiN

na sahee ishq, museebat hee sahee

[ tarq = relinquishment ]

8. kuchch to de 'ei falak-e-na_insaaf

aah-o-fariyaad ki ruKHasat hee sahee

[ falak = sky ]

9. ham bhee tasleem kee KHoo Daalenge

be_niyaazee teree `aadat hee sahee

[ tasleem = greeting/saluting, KHoo = habit,

be_niyaazee = independence ]

10. yaar se cheDa chalee jaay, 'Asad'

gar nahee wasl to hasrat hee sahee

[ wasl = meeting, hasrat = desire ]

......................................................................

1. dil hee to hai na sang-o-KHisht dard se bhar na aaye kyoN ?

royeNge ham hazaar baar, koee hameiN sataaye kyoN ?

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 Ghalib_ghazals
[ sang = stone, KHisht = brick ]

2. dair naheeN, haram naheeN, dar naheeN, aastaaN naheeN

baiTHe haiN rehguzar pe ham, GHair hameiN uTHaaye kyoN ?

[ dair = temple, haram = mosque, dar = gate, aastaaN = abode,

rehguzar = path/way ]

3. jab woh jamaal-e-dil_faroz, soorat-e-meher-e-neem_roz

aap hee ho nazzaara_soz, parde meiN muNh chupaaye kyoN ?

[ jamaal = beauty, faroz = shining/luminous, meher = sun,

neem_roz = mid day, nazzaara_soz = beautiful/worth seeing ]

4. dashna-e-GHamza jaaN_sitaaN, naawak-e-naaz be_panaah

tera hee aks-e-ruKH sahee, saamne tere aaye kyoN ?

[ dashna = dagger, GHamza = amorous glance, jaaN_sitaaN = distroying

life, naawak = a kind of arrow, aks = image ]

5. qaid-e-hayaat-o-band-e-GHam asl meiN dono ek haiN

maut se pehle aadmee GHam se nijaat paaye kyoN ?

[ hayaat = life, band-e-Gham = conceled sorrows,

nijaat = release/liberation ]

6. husn aur uspe husn_zan rah gayee bulhawas ki sharm

apne pe 'eitmaad hai, GHair ko aazmaaye kyoN ?

[ husn_zan = favourable view, bulhawas = slave of passions/very

greedy, 'eitmaad = reliance/dependance ]

7. waaN wo GHuroor-e-iz'z-o-naaz yaaN yeh hijaab-e-paas-e-waz'a

raah meiN ham mile kahaaN, bazm meiN wo bulaaye kyoN ?

[ GHuroor = pride, iz'z-o-naaz = respect and beauty,

hijaab = veil/modesty, paas = regard, waz'a = behaviour ]

8. haaN wo naheeN KHuda_parast, jaao wo be_wafa sahee

jisko ho deen-o-dil 'azeez, uskee galee meiN jaaye kyoN ?

[ parast = worshipper, deen = religion/faith ]

9. 'GHalib'-e-KHasta ke baGHair kaun se kaam band haiN ?

roiye zaar-zaar kya, keejiye haay-haay kyoN ?

[ KHasta = sick/injured, zaar-zaar = bitterly ]

..........................................................................

1. muddat huee hai yaar ko mehmaaN kiye hue

josh-e-qadah se bazm chiraaGHaaN kiye hue

[ qadah = goblet ]

2. karta hooN jama'a fir jigar-e-laKHt-laKHt ko

arsa hua hai daawat-e-mizhgaaN kiye hue

[ laKHt = piece, mizhgaaN = eyelid ]

3. fir waz'a-e-'ehtiyaat se rukane laga hai dam

barsoN hue haiN chaak girebaaN kiye hue

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 Ghalib_ghazals
[ waz'a = conduct/behaviour, 'ehtiyaat = care, chaak = torn,
girebaaN = collar ]

4. fir garm_naala haay sharar_baar hai nafas

muddat huee hai sair-e-chiraaGHaaN kiye hue

[ sharar_baar = raining sparks of fire, nafas = breath ]

5. fir pursish-e-jaraahat-e-dil ko chala hai ishq

saamaan-e-sad_hazaar namakdaaN kiye hue

[ pursish = enquiry, jaraahat (or jiraahat) = surgery, sad = hundred,

namakdaaN = container to keep salt ]

6. fir bhar raha hai KHaama-e-mizhgaaN ba_KHoon-e-dil

saaz-e-chaman_taraazee-e-daamaaN kiye hue

[ KHaama = pen, mizhgaaN = eyelid, saaz = disposition,

taraazee = consenting ]

7. baa_ham_digar hue haiN dil-o-deeda fir raqeeb

nazzaara-o-KHayaal ka saamaaN kiye hue

[ ham_digar = mutual/in between, saamaaN = confront ]

8. dil fir tawaaf-e-koo-e-malaamat ko jaai hai

pindaar ka saman_kada weeraaN kiye hue

[ tawaaf = circuit, koo = lane/street, malaamat = rebuke/blame,

pindaar = pride/arrogance, saman_kada = house of jasmine flowers,
here it means temple ]

9. fir shauq kar raha hai KHareedaar kee talab

arz-e-mata'a-e-'aql-o-dil-o-jaaN kiye hue

[ talab = search, mata'a = valuables ]

10. dauDe hai fir harek gul-o-laala par KHayaal

sad_gul_sitaaN nigaah ka saamaaN kiye hue

11. fir chaahta hooN naama-e-dildaar kholna

jaaN nazr-e-dil_farebee-e-unwaaN kiye hue

[ naama-e-dildaar = love letter, unwaaN = title/preface ]

12. maange hai fir kisee ko lab-e-baam par hawas

zulf-e-siyaah ruKH pe pareshaaN kiye hue

[ lab-e-baam = the corner of a terrace, siyaah = black/dark ]

13. chaahe fir kisee ko muqaabil meiN aarzoo

soorme se tez dashna-e-mizhgaaN kiye hue

[ muqaabil = confronting, dashna = dagger, mizhgaaN = eyelids ]

14. ik nau_bahaar-e-naaz ko taaqe hai fir nigaah

chehra furoGH-e-mai se gulistaaN kiye hue

[ nau_bahaar-e-naaz = lover, furoGH = light/bright ]

15. fir jee meiN hai ki dar pe kisee ke paDe rahaiN

sar zar-e-baar-e-minnat-e-darbaaN kiye hue

[ zar = money/wealth, baar = burden/load, minnat = supplicate ]

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 Ghalib_ghazals

16. jee DhoonDta hai fir wohee fursat ke raat din

baiTHe rahaiN tasavvur-e-jaanaaN kiye hue

[ tasavvur = imagination ]

17. 'GHalib' hameiN na cheD ki fir josh-e-ashq se

baiTHe haiN ham tahayya-e-toofaaN kiay hue

[ tahayya = determined ]

........................................................................

1. bus ki dushwaar hai har kaam ka aasaaN hona

aadmee ko bhee muyassar naheeN insaaN hona

[ dushwaar = difficult, muyassar = possible ]

2. giriya chaahe hai KHaraabee mere kaashaane ki

dar-o-deevaar se Tapke hai bayaabaaN hona

[ giriyaaN = weeping, kaashaana = house, bayaabaaN = wilderness ]

3. waa-e-deewaangee-e-shauq, ke har dam mujhko

aap jaana udhar aur aap hee hairaaN hona

4. jalva az_bas ki taqaaza-e-nigah karta hai

jauhar-e-aaina bhee chaahe hai mizhgaaN hona

[ az = from/then/by, jauhar = skill/knowledge, mizhgaaN = eyelid ]

5. ishrat-e-qatl_gah-e-'ehl-e-tamanna mat pooch

id-e-nazzaara hai shamsheer ka uriyaaN hona

[ ishrat = joy/delight, shamsheer = sword, uriyaaN = naked/bare ]

6. le gaye KHaak meiN ham daaGH-e-tamanna-e-nishaat

too ho aur aap ba_sad_rang-e-gulistaaN hona

[ nishaat (or nashaat) = enthusiasm/happiness, sad_rang = hundred

colours ]

7. ishrat-e-paara-e-dil, zaKHm-e-tamanna_KHaana
lazzat-e-reesh-e-jigar GHarq-e-namakdaaN hona

[ ishrat = joy/delight, paara = fragment/piece, lazzat = taste,

reesh = wound, GHarq = drown/sink, namakdaaN = container to
keep salt ]

8. kee mere qatl ke baad usne jafa se tauba

haay us zood_pashemaaN ka pashemaaN hona

[ jafa = oppression, zood = quickly, pashemaaN = ashamed/

embarrassed ]

9. haif us chaar girah kapDe ki qismat 'GHalib'

jis ki qismat meiN ho aashiq ka girebaaN hona

[ haif = alas!, girah = one sixteenth of a yard, girebaaN = collar ]

............................................................................

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 Ghalib_ghazals

1. fir mujhe deeda-e-tar yaad aaya

dil jigar tashna-e-fariyaad aaya

[ deeda-e-tar = wet eyes, tashna (or tishna ) = thirsty ]

2. dam liya tha na qayaamat ne hanoz

fir tera waqt-e-safar yaad aaya

[ hanoz = yet/still ]

3. saadgee haay tamanna, yaanee

fir wo nai_rang-e-nazar yaad aaya

[ nai_rang = fascinating ]

4. uzr-e-waamaaNdagee 'ei hasarat-e-dil

naala karta tha jigar yaad aaya

[ uzr = excuse, waamaaNdagee = tiredness ]

5. zindgee yoN bhee guzar hi jaatee

kyoN tera raahguzar yaad aaya ?

6. kya hee rizwaaN se laDaayee hogee

ghar tera KHuld meiN gar yaad aaya

[ rizwaaN = doorkeeper of paradise, KHuld = heaven/paradise ]

7. aah woh jurat-e-fariyaad kahaaN

dil se tang aake jigar yaad aaya

[ jurat = courage/valour ]

8. fir tere kooche ko jaata hai KHayaal

dil-e-gumgashta magar yaad aaya

[ koocha = a narrow street/lane, gumgashta = missing ]

9. koee weeraanee-see-weeraanee hai

dasht ko dekh ke ghar yaad aaya

[ dasht = desert ]

10. maiNne majnooN pe laDakpan meiN 'Asad'

sang uTHaaya tha ki sar yaad aaya

[ sang = stone ]

.........................................................................

1. kisee ko de ke dil koee nawaa_sanj-e-fuGHaaN kyoN ho ?

na ho jab dil hee seene meiN to fir muNh meiN zubaaN kyoN ho ?

[ nawaa_sanj = singer, fuGHaaN = clamour ]

2. woh apnee KHoo na choDenge, ham apnee waz'a kyoN badleiN ?

subak_sar banke kya poocheiN ki ham se sar_giraaN kyoN ho ?

[ KHoo = habit, waz'a = conduct/behaviour, subak_sar = light headed/

unsteady, sar_giraaN = arrogant/proud ]

3. kiya GHam_KHwaar ne ruswa, lage aag is muhabbat ko

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na laaye taab jo GHam ki, woh mera raazdaaN kyoN ho ?

[ GHam_Khawaar = comforter, taab = courage/patience,

raazdaaN = friend ]

4. wafa kaisee ? kahaaN ka ishq ? jab sar phoDna THehra

to fir 'ei sang_dil tera hee sang-e-aastaaN kyoN ho ?

[ sang_dil = hard hearted/merciless, sang-e-aastaaN = threshold ]

5. qafas meiN mujh se roodaad-e-chaman kehte na Dar hamdam

giree hai jis pe kal bijlee woh mera aashiyaaN kyoN ho ?

[ qafas = cage/prison, roodaad = report/statement ]

6. ye kah sakte ho "ham dil meiN naheeN haiN" par ye batlaao

ki jab dil meiN tumhee-tum ho to aaNkho se nihaaN kyoN ho ?

[ nihaaN = hidden ]

7. GHalat hai jazba-e-dil ka shikwa, dekho juRm kiska hai

na khiNcho gar tum apne ko kashaakash darmiyaaN kyoN ho ?

[ jazba = desire/feeling, shikwa = complaint,

kashaakash = struggle/dilemma, darmiyaaN = betwwen ]

8. ye fitna aadmee ki KHaana_weeraanee ko kya kam hai ?

hue tum dost jiske, dushman uska aasmaaN kyoN ho ?

[ fitna = quarrel, KHaanaa_weeraanee = ruinning of home ]

9. yahee hai aazmaana to sataana kis ko kehte haiN ?

`adoo ke ho liye jab tum to mera imtihaaN kyoN ho ?

[ 'adoo = enemy, imtihaaN = examination ]

10. kaha tumne ki "kyoN ho GHair ke milne meiN ruswaaee ?"

baja kehte ho, sach kehte ho, fir kahiyo ki "haaN kyoN ho ?"

[ ruswaaee = disgrace, baja = right/correct ]

11. nikaala chaahata hai kaam kya taa'anoN se too 'GHalib'

tere be_mehar kehne se wo tujh par meharabaaN kyoN ho ?

[ taa'an = taunter, be_mehar = unkind/repulsive ]

............................................................................

1. zulmat_kade meiN mere shab-e-GHam ka josh hai

ik shamma'a hai daleel-e-sahar, so KHamosh hai

[ zulmat = darkness, daleele = proof, sahar = morning ]

2. nai muzda-e-wisaal na nazzaara-e-jamaal

muddat huee ki aashtee-e-chashm-o-gosh hai

[ muzda = good news, wisaal = meeting, nazzaara-e-jamaal = seeing

a beautiful face, aashtee = harmony/friendship/peace, chashm = eye,
gosh = ear ]

3. mai ne kiya hai, husn-e-KHud_aara ko be_hijaab

'ai shauq, yaaN ijaazat-e-tasleem-e-hosh hai

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[ mai = bar, KHud_aara = self adorer, hijaab = veil,
tasleem = greeting ]

4. gauhar ko ikd-e-gardan-e-KHubaaN meiN dekhna

kya auj par sitaara-e-gauhar_farosh hai

[ gauhar = pearl/gem, ikd-e-gardan = necklace, KHubaaN = a beautiful

person/sweetheart, auj = highest point/summit, farosh = merchant ]

5. deedaar, waada, hausla, saaqee, nigaah-e-mast

bazm-e-KHayaal maikada-e-be_KHarosh hai

[ deedaar = appearance, be_KHarosh = quite/dead ]

6. 'ei taaza waaridan-e-bisaat-e-hawa-e-dil

zinhaar gar tumhaiN hawas-e-na-o-nosh hai

[ waaridan = arrivals, bisaat = chess, hawa = desire/greed,

zinhaar = be warned !, hawas = lust/greed, na-o-nosh = feasting/
drinking ]

7. dekho mujhe jo deeda-e-ibrat_nigaah ho

meree suno jo gosh-e-naseehat_niyosh hai

[ deedaa= sight, ibrat = admonition, gosh = ear, naseehat = advice,

niyosh = listener ]

8. saaqee ba_jalwa dushman-e-imaan-o-aagahee

mutrib ba_naGHma rahzan-e-tamkeen-o-hosh hai

[ aagahee = wisdom, mutrib = singer, rahazan = robber,

tamkeen = authority/power ]

9. ya shab ko dekhte the; ki har gosha-e-bisaat

daamaan-e-baaGHbaan-o-kaf-e-gul_farosh hai

[ gosha = corner, baaGHbaan = gradener, kaf = sleeve,

gul_farosh = florist ]

10. lutf-e-KHiraam-e-saaqee-o-zauq-e-sada-e-chang
yeh jannat-e-nigaah woh firdaus-e-gosh hai

[ KHiraam = speed, zauq = taste, sada = sound, chang = lute,

firdaus = paradise, gosh = ear ]

11. ya subh dam jo dekhiye aakar to bazm meiN

nai woh suroor-o-soz na josh-o-KHarosh hai

[ suroor = pleasure, soz = passion/heat ]

12. daaGH-e-firaaq-e-sohabat-e-shab kee jalee hooee

ik shamma`a reh gaee hai so wo bhee KHamosh hai

[ firaaq = separation, sohabat = company ]

13. aate haiN GHaib se ye mazaameeN KHayaal meiN

'GHalib', sareer-e-KHaama nawa-e-sarosh hai

[ GHaib = hidden/mysterious, mazaameeN = topics, sareer = scratching

sound made by a pen, KHaama = pen, nawa = sound, sarosh = angel ]

............................................................................

1. hai bas ki har ik unke ishaare meiN nishaaN aur

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karte haiN muhobbat to guzarata hai gumaaN aur

[ gumaaN = doubt/suspicion ]

2. yaarab ! wo na samjhe haiN na samjheNge meree baat

de aur dil unko, jo na de mujhko zubaaN aur

3. abroo se hai kya us nigah-e-naaz ko paiwand

hai teer muqarrar magar uskee hai kamaaN aur

[ abroo = eyebrow, paiband = patch ]

4. tum shahar meiN ho to hameiN kya GHam ? jab uTHeNge

le aayenge baazaar se jaakar dil-o-jaaN aur

5. harchand subak_dast hue but_shikanee meiN

ham haiN, to abhee raah meiN hai sang-e-giraaN aur

[ subak_dast (or sabuk_dast both are correct) = expert,

but_shikanee = iconoclast, sang = stone, giraaN = heavy ]

6. hai KHoon-e-jigar josh meiN dil khol ke rota

hote kaee jo deeda-e-KHooNnaaba_fishaaN aur

[ deeda = eye, KHooNnaaba = mixture of blood and water,

{KHooNnaaba = KHooN (= blood) + aab (= water)}, fishaaN = shed
/spread, KHooNnaaba_fishaaN = to sheds tears of blood ]

7. marta hooN is aawaaz pe harchand sar uD jaay

jallaad ko lekin wo kahe jaayaiN ki 'haaN aur'

[ jallaad = executioner ]

8. logoN ko hai KHursheed-e-jahaaN taab ka dhoka

har roz dikhaata hooN maiN ik daaGH-e-nihaaN aur

[ Khursheed = sun, taab = power/courage, nihaaN = hidden ]

9. leta, na agar dil tumhe deta, koee dam cheiNn

karta, jo na marta koee din, aah-o-fuGHaaN aur

[ fuGHaaN = clamour ]

10. paate naheeN jab raah, to chaD jaate haiN naale

ruktee hai meree tab'a to hotee hai ravaaN aur

[ naale = lamentation, tab'a = temperament ]

11. haiN aur bhee duniya meiN suKHanwar bohot achche

kehte haiN ki 'GHalib' ka hai andaaz-e-bayaaN aur

[ suKHanwar = poet ]

...........................................................................

Part II.

Hello everybody,

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Here are a few more ghazals of Ghalib compiled by Mr. Prakash. I am posting on
the net on his behalf for other netters. Hope that every body will enjoy. I
thank Prakash for his effort and time he spent on this, and all the credit goes
to him,

Waheed.

Dear Friends,

A couple of months back I posted a compilation of some of the most

famous ghazals of Ghalib. I received a few letters asking for more
of the same. Here is a set of 10 ghazals along with the meanings
of difficult urdu words. Thanks to all those who wrote to me.

gaNjeena-e-maa'anee ka talism usko samajhiye

jo lafz ki 'GHalib' mere ash'aar meiN aave

Enjoy !

-Prakash

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.N.Prakash, e-mail : Prakash@anlphy.phy.anl.gov
Physics Division,
Argonne National Laboratory,
Argonne, IL 60439
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

GHALIB - GHAZALS

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. jaur se baaz aaye par baaz aayaiN kya ?

kehte haiN, ham tumko muNh dikhlayaiN kya ?

[ jaur = opression/tyranny ]

2. raat din gardish meiN haiN saat aasmaaN

ho rahega kuchch-na-kuchch ghabraayaiN kya ?

[ gardish = misfortune/wandering about ]

3. laag ho to usko ham samjaiN lagaav

jab na ho kuchch bhee, to dhoka khayaiN kya ?

[ laag = love/affection ]

4. ho liye kyoN naamaabar ke saath-saath ?

yaarab ! apne KHat ko ham pahooNchaayaiN kya ?

[ naamaabar = messanger ]

5. mauj-e-KHooN sar se guzar hee kyoN na jaaye

aastaan-e-yaar se uTh jaayaiN kya ?

[ mauj = wave, mauj-e-KHooN = bloody waves, aastaan = abode ]

6. umr bhar dekha kiye marne kee raah

mar gaye par dekhiye dikhlaayaiN kya ?

7. poochchte haiN woh ki 'GHalib' kaun hai ?

koee batlao ki ham batlaayaiN kya ?
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........................................................................

1. diyaa hai dil agar usko, bashar hai kya kahiye ?

huwa raqeeb to ho, naamaabar hai, kya kahiye ?

[ bashar = man/human being, raqeeb = opponent,

naamaabar = messenger ]

2. yeh zid, ki aaj na aave aur aaye bin na rahe

qaza se shikwa hamaiN kis qadar hai kya kahiye ?

[ qaza = fate/destiny, shikwa = complaint ]

3. rahe haiN yoN gah-o-be_gah ki koo-e-dost ko ab

agar na kahiye ki dushman ka ghar hai, kya kahiye ?

[ gah = time, koo-e-dost = friend's/lover's street ]

4. zah-e-karishma ki yoN de rakhaa hai hamko fareb

ki bin kahe hee unhaiN sab KHabar hai, kya kahiye ?

[ zah = child, karishma = wonder/miracle, fareb = deception ]

5. samajh ke karte haiN baazaar meiN woh pursish-e-haal

ki yeh kahe ki sar-e-rehguzar hai, kya kahiye ?

[ pursish = enquiry, sar-e-rehguzar = on the road ]

6. tumhaiN naheeN hai sar-e-rishtaa-e-wafa ka KHayaal

hamaare haath meiN kuchch hai, magar hai kya, kahiye ?

7. unhaiN sawaal pe zoam-e-junooN hai, kyoN laDiye ?

hame jawaab se qata'a-e-nazar hai, kya kahiye ?

[ zoam = pride, junooN = madness/frenzy,

qata'a = break/intercept, qata'a-e-nazar = to ignore ]

8. hasad sazaa-e-kamaal-e-suKHan hai, kya keeje

sitam, bahaa-e-mata'a-e-hunar hai, kya kahiye ?

[ hasad = envy/malice, sitam = oppression, bahaa = value/price,

mata'a = valuables ]

9. kaha hai kisne ki 'GHalib' buraa naheeN lekin

siwaay iske ki aashuftaa_sar hai kya kahiye ?

[ aashuftaa_sar = mentally deranged ]

.............................................................................

1. uss bazm meiN mujhe naheeN bantee haya kiye

baiThaa raha agarche ishaare huwa kiye

2. dil hee to hai, siyaasat-e-darbaaN se Dar gaya

maiN, aur jaaooN dar se tere bin sada kiye ?

[ siyaasat = politics, darbaaN = doorkeeper/sentry, dar = door,

sada = sound, here it means conversation ]

3. rakhta firooN hooN KHirqa-o-sajjaada rahn meiN

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muddat huee hai daavat-e-aab-o-hawa kiye

[ KHirqa = a patched garment, sajjaada = a prayer carpet,

rahn = mortgage, aab-o-hawa = climate ]

4. be_sarfa hee guzartee hai, ho garche umr-e-KHijr

hazarat bhee kal kahenge ki ham kya kiya kiye ?

[ be_sarfa = simple life, umr-e-KHijr = everlasting life ]

5. maqdoor ho to KHaak se poochchooN, ke 'ei laeem

toone woh ganj haay giraaN_maaya kya kiye ?

[ maqdoor = capable, KHaak = dust/earth, laeem = miserly,

ganj = treasure/wealth, giraaN_maaya = valuble/precious ]

6. kis roz tohamataiN na taraasha kiye 'adoo

kis din hamaare sar pe na aare chala kiye

[ tohamataiN = accusitions, 'adoo = enemy ]

7. sohbat meiN GHair kee na paDee ho kaheeN yeh KHoo

dene laga hai bose baGHair iltijaa kiye

[ sohbat = company, KHoo = habit, bose = kisses, iltijaa = request ]

8. zid kee hai aur baat magar KHoo buree naheeN

bhoole se usne saikDoN waade-wafa kiye

[ KHoo = habit ]

10. 'GHalib' tumheeN kaho ki milega jawaab kya ?

maana ki tum kaha kiye, aur woh suna kiye

............................................................................

1. ibn-e-mariyam huwa kare koee

mere dukh kee dawa kare koee

[ ibn = son/child, mariyam = virgin Mary ]

2. shar'a-o-aaeen par madaar sahee

'eise qaatil ka kya kare koee ?

[ shar'a = the Islamic divine code of life, aaeen = law/custom/mode,

madaar = orbit/circumference/a place of turning ]

3. chaal, jaise kaDee kamaaN ka teer

dil meiN 'eise ke jaa kare koee

[ jaa = space ]

4. baat par waaN zubaan kaT_tee hai

woh kahaiN aur suna kare koee

5. bak rahaa hooN junooN meiN kya kya kuchch

kuchch na samjhe KHuda kare koee

[ junooN = ecstasy ]

6. na suno gar bura kahe koee

na kaho gar bura kare koee
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7. rok lo, gar GHalat chale koee

baKHsh do gar KHata kare koee

[ baKHsh = pardon, KHata = mistake/slip ]

8. kaun hai jo naheeN hai haajat_mand ?

kiskee haajat rawa kare koee

[ haajat_mand = person in need, haajat = need, rawa = fulfill ]

9. kya kiyaa KHijr ne sikandar se

ab kise rehnuma kare koee ?

10. jab tavaqqo hee uTh gayee 'GHalib'

kyoN kisee ka gila kare koee ?

[ tavaqqo = expectations, gila = complaint ]

............................................................................

1. be-'eitadaaliyoN se, subuk sab meiN ham huve

jitne ziyaada ho gaye, utne hee kam huve

[ be-'eitadaaliyoN = intemperatness ('eitadaal = moderation),

subuk = embarrased ]

2. pinhaaN thaa daam-e-saKHt qareeb aashiyaaN ke

uDne na paaye the; ki giraftaar hum huve

[ pinhaaN = concealed, daam = trap ]

3. hastee hamaaree apnee fana'a par daleel hai

yaaN tak mite ki aap ham apnee qasam huve

[ hastee = existence, fana'a = mortality, daleel = witness ]

4. saKHtee_kashaan-e-ishq kee poochche hai kya KHabar ?

woh lagaa rafta-rafta sar_aa_pa alam huve

[ saKHtee_kashaaN = to pull tightly, rafta = slowly,

sar_aa_pa = from head to feet, alam = sorrow ]

5. teree wafa se kya ho talaafee, ki dahar meiN

tere siwa bhee ham pe bahut se sitam huve

[ talaafee = compensation, dahar = world, sitam = opression ]

6. likhte rahe junooN kee hikaayat-e-KHooNchakaaN

harchand usmaiN haath hamaare qalam huve

[ junooN = ecstasy, hikaayat = story/narrative,

KHooNchakaaN = blood drenched, qalam = cut ]

7. alla re teree tundee-e-KHooN, jiske beem se

azzaa-e-naala dil meiN mere rizke-ham huve

[ tundee = heat, beem = terror, rizk = subsistence ]

8. ahle hawas kee fatah hai, tark-e-nabard-e-ishq

jo paaNv uTha gaye wahee unke 'alam huve

[ tark = relinquishment, nabard = battle, 'alam = flag/banner ]

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9. naal-e-'adam meiN chand hamaare supurd the;

jo waaN na kheeNch sake so woh yaaN aake dam huve

[ 'adam = non-existence, dam = breath ]

10. choDee 'Asad' na hamne gadaaee meiN dil_lagee

saail huve to aashiq-e-ahl-e-karam huve

[ gadaaee = beggary, saail = begger, dil_lagee = amusement,

ahl-e-karam = charitable person ]

.............................................................................

1. dekhna qismat ki aap apne pe rashk aajaaye hai

maiN use; dekhooN, bhalaa kab mujhse dekha jaaye hai

[ rashk = envy ]

2. haath dho dil se yahee garmee gar andeshe meiN hai

aabgeena tundee-e-sahbaa se pighla jaaye hai

[ andesha = suspicion, aabgeena = a crystal glass,

tundee = heat, sahbaa = red wine ]

3. GHair ko yaarab ! woh kyoNkar mana'a-e-gustaaKHee kare ?

gar haya bhee usko aatee hai to sharma jaaye hai

4. shauq ko ye lat ke hardam naala KheeNche jaayiye

dil ki woh haalat ki dam lene se ghabra jaaye hai

5. door chashm-e-bad ! teree bazm-e-tarab se waah-waah

naGHma ho jaata hai waaN gar naala mera jaaye hai

[ bad = wicked, tarab = joy, naala = lamentation ]

6. GHarche hai tarz-e-taGHaaful, pardaadaar-e-raaz-e-ishq

par ham 'eise khoye jaate haiN ki woh paa jaaye hai

[ taGHaaful = negligence, pardaadar = one who puts on a veil ]

7. uskee bazm_aaraaiyaaN sunkar dil-e-raNjoor yaaN

misl-e-naqsh-e-muddaa-e-GHair baiTHa jaaye hai

[ aaraaiyaaN = decorations, raNjoor = sad/distressed, misl = record,

naqsh = copy/print ]

8. hoke aashiq woh paree_ruKH aur naazuk ban gaya

rang khulta jaaye hai, jitna ki uData jaaye hai

[ paree_ruKH = angel faced ]

9. naqsh ko uske musawwir par bhee kya-kya naaz hai

kheeNchta hai jis qadar, utana hee khiNchta jaaye hai

[ naqsh = copy/print, musawwir = painter ]

10. saaya meraa mujhse misl-e-dood bhaage hai 'Asad'

paas mujh aatish_bazaaN ke kisse Thahra jaaye hai

[ misl-e-dood = like smoke ]

.............................................................................
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1. aa, ki meree jaan ko qaraar naheeN hai

taaqat-e-bedaad-e-intazaar naheeN hai

[ qaraar = rest/repose, bedaad = injustice ]

2. dete haiN jannat hayaat-e-dahar ke badle

nashsha ba_andaaza-e-KHummaar naheeN hai

[ hayaat = life, dahar = world, ba_andaaza = according to,

KHummaar = intoxication ]

3. giriya nikaale hai teree bazm se mujh ko

haay ! ki roone pe iKHtiyaar naheeN hai

[ giriya = weeping, iKHtiyaar = control ]

4. hamse 'abas hai gumaan-e-ranjish-e-KHaatir

KHaak meiN ushshaaq kee GHubaar naheeN hai

[ 'abas = indifferent, gumaan = suspicion, ranjish = unpleasantness,

KHaak = ashes/dust, ushshaaq = lovers, GHubaar = clouds of dust ]

5. dil se uThaa lutf-e-jalva haay ma'anee

GHair-e-gul aainaa-e-bahaar naheeN hai

[ ma'anee = meanings, GHair-e-gul = blossoms ]

6. qatl ka mere kiya hai 'ahad to baare

waae ! akhar 'ahad ustuwaar naheeN hai

[ 'ahad = promise, baare = at last, ustuwaar = frim/determined ]

7. toone qasam mai_kashee kee khaaee hai 'GHalib'

teree qasam ka kuchch 'eitbaar naheeN hai !

[ mai_kashee = boozing, 'eitbaar = trust/faith ]

..............................................................................

1. maze jahaan ke apnee nazar meiN KHaak naheeN

siwaay KHoon-e-jigar, so jigar meiN KHaak naheeN

2. magar GHubaar huve par hawa uDaa le jaaye

wagarna taab-o-tavaaN baal-o-par meiN KHaak naheeN

[ GHubaar = clouds of dust, taab-o-tavaaN = courage/strength,

bal-o-par = feathers & wings ]

3. yeh kis bahisht_shamaail kee aamad-aamad hai ?

ke GHair jalva-e-gul rahguzar meiN KHaak naheeN

[ bahisht = heaven, shamaail = habits, aamad = arrival,

jalva-e-gul = display of flowers, rahguzar = path ]

4. bhala use; na sahee, kuchch mujhee ko raham aataa

asar mere nafas-e-be_asar meiN KHaak naheeN

[ nafas = breath ]

5. KHayaal-e-jalva-e-gul se KHaraab hai maikash

sharaabKHane ke deewar-o-dar meiN KHaak naheeN
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6. huwa hooN ishq ki GHaaratgaree se sharminda

siwaay hasrat-e-taameer ghar meiN KHaak naheeN

[ GHaaratgree = destructiveness, taameer = construction ]

7. hamaare sher haiN ab sirf dil_lagee ke 'Asad'

khulaa ki faayda arz-e-hunar meiN KHaak naheeN

[ arz-e-hunar = display of talents ]

.............................................................................

1. laazim tha ki dekho mera rasta koee din aur

tanha gaye kyoN ? ab raho tanha koee din aur

[ laazim = necessary, tanha = alone ]

2. mit jaayega sar, gar tera patthar na ghisega

hooN dar pe tere naasiyaa_farsa koee din aur

[ dar = door, naasiyaa = forehead, farsa = to kneel down and touch

the forehead on the ground as in prostrate ]

3. aaye ho kal aur aaj hee kehte ho ki jaaooN

maana ki hamesha naheeN, achchaa, koee din aur

4. jaate huve kahte ho, qayaamat ko milenge

kya khoob ! qayaamat ka hai goya koee din aur ?

5. haaN 'ei falak-e-peer, javaaN tha abhee 'aarif'

kya tera bigaData jo na marta koee din aur ?

[ falak = sky/heaven, falak-e-peer = reffering to the sky ]

6. tum maah-e-shab-e-char_dahum the; mere ghar ke

phir kyoN na raha ghar ka woh naqsha koee din aur ?

[ maah-e-shab-e-char_dahum = moon of the fourteenth night ]

7. tum kaun se 'eise the; khare daad-o-sitad ke ?

karta malak_ul_maut taqaaza koee din aur ?

[ daad = justice, sitad = to take (Note : the word 'sitad'

is not used by itself, but is used along with 'daad' as
in 'daad-o-sitad', meaning 'buyling and selling'/'settlement
of accounts'. I have given separate meanings of the words
for the benefit of the readers.), malak = an angel,
malak_ul_maut = angel of death, taqaaza = demanding/pressing
settlement of a claim ]

8. mujhse tumhaiN nafrat sahee, 'nayyar' se laDaayee

bachhoN ka bhee dekha na tamaasha koee din aur ?

9. guzree na baharhaal yah muddat KHushee-naaKHush

karna tha, javaaN_marg ! guzaara koee din aur

[ baharhaal = in any case, javaaN_marg = one who dies young ]

10. naadaaN ho jo kehte ho ki kyoN jeete ho 'GHalib'

qismat meiN hai marne ki tamanna koee din aur ?

.............................................................................
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1. jis bazm meiN too naaz se guftaar meiN aave

jaaN kaalbud-e-soorat-e-deewaar meiN aave

[ naaz = blandishment/pride/grace, guftaar = speech/discourse,

kaalbud = the body/form/model ]

2. saaye kee tarah saath firaiN, sarv-o-sanobar

too iss qad-e-dilkash se jo gulzaar meiN aave

[ sarv-o-sanobar = pine & cypress, qad = stature/size/figure,

gulzaar = bed of roses/garden ]

3. tay naaz-e-giraaN_maaygi-e-ashq baja hai

jab laKHt-e-jigar deeda-e-KHooNbaar meiN aave

[ tay = decided/ended, giraaN = precious, giraaN_maaya = of great

value, ashq = tears, baja = right/correct, laKHt = piece/fragment,
deeda = sight, KHooNbaar = shedding blood ]

4. de mujhko shikaayat kee ijaazat ki sitamgar

kuchch tujhko maza bhee mere aazaar meiN aave

[ sitamgar = oppressor, aazaar = illness/harm ]

5. uss chashm-e-fusooN_gar ka agar paaye ishaara

tootee kee tarah aaeena guftaar meiN aave

[ chashm = eye, fusooN_gar = magician, tootee = bird (could be

a parrot), guftaar = speech ]

6. kaatoN kee zabaaN sookh gayee pyaas se, yaarab !

ik aablaa_paa waadee-e-pur_KHaar meiN aave

[ aablaa = blister, aablaa_paa = having blisters on the feet,

waadee = valley, pur_KHaar = full of thorns (KHaar = thorn) ]

7. mar jaaooN na kyoN rashk se jab woh tan-e-naazuk

aaGHosh-e-KHaam-e-halqa-e-zunnaar meiN aave

[ rashk = jeaously, tan-e-naazuk = having delicate body,

aaGHosh = embrace/bosom, KHaam = raw/unripe/crude, halqa = circle,
zunnaar = the sacred thread worn by hindus ]

8. GHaarat_gar-e-naamoos na ho gar hawas-e-zar

kyoN shaahid-e-gul baaGH se baazaar meiN aave

[ GHaarat = plunder/ravage, naamoos = reputation/honour,

zar = money/wealth, shaahid = sweetheart ]

9. tab chaak-e-girebaaN ka maza hai, dil-e-naadaaN

jab ik nafas uljha huaa har taar meiN aave

[ chaak = torn, girebaaN = collar, nafas = breath ]

10. aatish_kada hai seena mera raaz-e-nihaaN se

de waaye ! agar maa'ariz-e-izhaar meiN aave

[ raaz-e-nihaan = hidden secrets, maa'ariz = boundary ]

11. gaNjeena-e-maa'anee ka talism usko samajhiye

jo lafz ki 'GHalib' mere ash'aar meiN aave

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[ gaNjeena = treasure, maa'anee = meaning, talism = magic,
ash'aar = couplets ]

...........................................................................

-----------------------
GHazals submitted by other people:

----

Submitted by: Supriya (tchari@bilbo.pic.net)

-------------

1. Taskin ko ham na roen jo zauq-e-nazr mile,

Huraan-e-khuld mein teri surat magar mile.

2. Apni gali mein mujhko na kar dafan baad-e-qatal,

Mere pate se khalaq ko kyon tera ghar mile?

3. Saqi gari ki sharm karo aaj warna ham,

Har shab piya hi karte hain, mai jis qadar mile.

4. Tujh se to kuchh kalaam nahin lekin ai nadim!

Mera salaam kaheyo agar naama bar mile.

5. Tum ko bhi ham dikhaenge Majnun ne kya kiya,

Fursat kashaakash-e-gham-e-pinhaan se gar mile.

6. Laazim nahin ke khizar ki ham pairwi karen,

Maana ke ek bazurg hamen ham safar mile.

7. Ai saaknaan-e-kucha-e-dildaar dekhna,
Tum ko kahin jo Ghalib-e-aashufta sar mile.

...........................................................................

Submitted by: U.V. Ravindra (uvr@tata_elxsi.soft.net),

Additions and Corrections by: Dhawal Tyagi (tyagi@srishti.cns.vt.edu)
-----------------------------

1. zikr us pareewash kaa, aur phir bayaaN apnaa

ban gayaa raqeeb aaKHir thaa jo raazdaaN apnaa

[pareewash=angel/beauty/fairy, raqeeb=enemy, raazdaaN=friend]

2. Main wo kyoN bahut peete bazm-e-ghair meN yarab

Aaj hi hua manzoor un ko imtihaaN apna

3. manzar ik bulandee par aur ham banaa sakte

'arsh se idhar hotaa kaash ke makaaN apnaa

['arsh=heaven]

4. De woh jis qadar zillat hum haNsee meN taleNge

Baarey Aashna nikla unka paasbaN apna

5. dard-e-dil likhooN kab tak? jaaooN unko dikhlaa dooN --

uNgliyaaN figaar apni KHaamaa_KHooN chakaaN apnaa

[ figaar=wounded/sore, KHaam=inexpert/green/raw/immature,
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 Ghalib_ghazals
KHaama_KHooN=young blood, chakaaN=dripping]

6. ghiste ghiste mit jaata aap ne ????? badla

naNg-e-sajdaH se mere sang-e-aastaN apna

7. ta kare na ghammazee, kar liya hai dushman ko

dost kee shikayat meN hum ne hum-zabaaN apna

8. ham kahaaN ke daanaa the? kis hunar meiN yaktaa the?

be_sabab huaa 'GHalib' dushman aasmaaN apnaa

[daanaa=wise/learned, yaktaa=unique]

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