Famous Urdu Poet Nazeer Akbarabadi Biography And Urdu Poetry 

Introduction

Nazeer Akbarabadi, also known as "Nazeer", was a prominent Urdu poet whose verses continue to resonate with readers and poetry enthusiasts across the globe. Born in the 18th century, Nazeer Akbarabadi left an indelible mark on Urdu literature through his innovative style, profound themes, and impactful expressions.

Early Life and Background

Nazeer Akbarabadi was born as Wali Muhammad in 1735 in Agra, a city renowned for its cultural and literary heritage. His father, Nazir Ahmed, was a soldier in the Mughal army, which is how Nazeer got his pen name "Akbarabadi." His early education was in Persian and Arabic, which laid the foundation for his later mastery of these languages in his poetry.

Journey to Delhi

At the age of 17, Nazeer Akbarabadi moved to Delhi, the heart of Mughal culture and poetry, to pursue his literary aspirations. This shift proved to be a turning point in his life as he found himself amidst a thriving community of poets and scholars. The rich cultural milieu of Delhi influenced Nazeer's poetry, helping him develop his distinct voice and style.

Literary Style and Innovations

Nazeer Akbarabadi was celebrated for his innovative approach to poetry. He is often credited with introducing the "Qaafiya and Radif" style, a unique rhyming pattern that added musicality and depth to his verses. His poetry was characterized by its simplicity, realism, and the use of colloquial language, making it relatable to a wide range of readers.

Social and Political Themes

Nazeer's poetry went beyond traditional romantic and metaphysical themes. He was a keen observer of society and often addressed pressing social and political issues of his time. Through his verses, he critiqued the corruption and decay in Mughal society, highlighting the stark realities of life and the widening gap between the rich and the poor.

Humor and Satire

One of the most remarkable aspects of Nazeer Akbarabadi's poetry was his use of humor and satire. He skillfully employed satire to criticize societal norms, hypocrisy, and the follies of the elite. His satirical verses, often laced with wit and sarcasm, made him a favorite among those who appreciated his boldness in exposing the flaws of society.

Contribution to Urdu Ghazal

Nazeer was not limited to a single form of poetry; he excelled in various genres. While he is known for his satirical and humorous poetry, he also made significant contributions to the ghazal form. His ghazals were marked by their simplicity, natural imagery, and the depiction of everyday life, making them accessible and relatable to a broader audience.

Struggle and Resilience

Nazeer Akbarabadi's life was not without its share of struggles. He faced financial difficulties and lived a life of poverty for most of his days. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his art, using poetry as a means of catharsis and a tool for societal change.

Legacy and Influence

Nazeer Akbarabadi's legacy continues to thrive in the world of Urdu literature. His poetry laid the groundwork for future poets who followed his style of using colloquial language and addressing social issues. His works have been translated into various languages and continue to inspire poets, writers, and thinkers.

Notable Works

Some of Nazeer Akbarabadi's notable works include "Banjaranama," a satirical and humorous narrative poem that captures the journey of a woman in search of her wandering husband. Another renowned work is "Mazameen-e-Nazeer," a collection of essays and satirical pieces that further exemplify his wit and commentary on society.

Conclusion

Nazeer Akbarabadi's life and poetry stand as a testament to his resilience, creativity, and commitment to his craft. Through his verses, he brought to light the issues of his time while leaving behind a treasure trove of literary gems. His legacy as a versatile poet, humorist, and social commentator lives on, inspiring generations to come.

Sample Of Poetry 

Ghazal No 1

dor say aae'ay thay saqe sn kay may khanay ko hm 

bs trstay he chlay afsos pemanay ko hm 

may bhe hay mena bhe hay saghr bhe hay saqe nhen 

dl men aata hay lga den aag may khanay ko hm 

keon nhen leta hmare to khbr aay bay khbr 

kea tray aashq hoe'ay thay drd o ghm khanay ko hm 

hm ko phnsna tha qfs men kea glh sead ka 

bs trstay he rhay hen aab aor danay ko hm 

taq abro men snm kay kea khdae'e rh ge'e 

ab to pojen gay ase kafr kay bt khanay ko hm 

bagh men lgta nhen shra say ghbrata hay dl 

ab khan lay ja kay bethen aesay deoanay ko hm 

kea hoe'e tqser hm say to bta day aay nzeerؔ 

takh shade mrg smjhen aesay mr janay ko hm

Nazeer Akbarabadi 

Ghazal No 2

kha jo hm nay ''hmen dr say keon athatay ho'' 

kha kh as leay tm yan jo ghl mchatay ho'' 

kha ''lrratay ho keon hm say gher ko hmdm'' 

kha kh ''tm bhe to hm say ngh lrratay ho'' 

kha jo hal dl apna to as nay hns hns kr 

kha ''ghlt hay yh baten jo tm bnatay ho'' 

kha ''jtatay ho keon hm say roz naz o ada'' 

kha kh ''tm bhe to chaht hmen jtatay ho'' 

kha kh ''arz kren hm ph jo gzrta hay?'' 

kha ''khbr hay hmen keon zban ph latay ho'' 

kha kh ''rothay ho keon hm say kea sbb as ka'' 

kha ''sbb hay yhe tm jo dl chhpatay ho'' 

kha kh ''hm nhen aanay kay yan'' to as nay nzeerؔ 

kha kh ''socho to kea aap say tm aatay ho''

Nazeer Akbarabadi 

Ghazal No 3

lpt lpt kay men as gl kay sath sota tha 

rqeb sbh ko mnh aansoؤn say dhota tha 

tmam rat the aor khnean o laten then 

nh sonay deta tha mjh ko nh aap sota tha 

jo bat hjr ke aate to apnay damn say 

oh aanso ponchhta jata tha aor men rota tha 

mskte chole to logon say chhp kay senay ko 

oh tagay btta tha aor men soe'e prota tha 

ghrz dkhanay ko aan o ada kay so aalm 

oh mjh say paؤn dhlata tha aor men dhota tha 

lta kay senay ph chnchl ko pear say hr dm 

men gdgdata tha hns hns oh zaf khota tha 

oh mjh ph phenkta pane ke klean bhr bhr 

men as kay chhenton say to perhn bhgota tha 

nhanay jatay to phr aah krte chhenton say 

oh ghotay deta tha aor men asay dbota tha 

hoa nh mjh ko khmar aakhr an shrabon ka 

nzeerؔ aah ase roz ko men rota tha

Nazeer Akbarabadi 

Ghazal No 4

jda kse say kse ka ghrz hbeb nh ho 

eh dagh oh hay kh dshmn ko bhe nseb nh ho 

jda jo hm ko kray as snm kay kochay say 

alٰhe rah men aesa koe'e rqeb nh ho 

alaj kea kren hkma tp jdae'e ka 

soae'ay osl kay as ka koe'e tbeb nh ho 

nzeerؔ apna to mashoq khob sort hay 

jo hsn as men hay aesa koe'e ajeb nh ho

Nazeer Akbarabadi 

Ghazal No 5

hm ashk ghm hen agr thm rhay rhay nh rhay 

mzhh ph aan kay tk jm rhay rhay nh rhay 

rhen oh shkhs jo bzm jhan ke ronq hen 

hmare kea hay agr hm rhay rhay nh rhay 

mjhay hay nza oh aata hay dekhnay ab aah 

kh as kay aanay tlk dm rhay rhay nh rhay 

bqa hmare jo pochho to jon chragh mzar 

hoa kay bech koe'e dm rhay rhay nh rhay 

mlo jo hm say to ml lo kh hm bh nok geah 

msal qtr shbnm rhay rhay nh rhay 

ehe hay azm kh dl bhr kay aaj ro lejay 

kh kl yh ded pr nm rhay rhay nh rhay 

tmharay ghm men ghrz hm to day chkay hen je 

bla say tm ko bhe ab ghm rhay rhay nh rhay 

ehe smjh lo hmen tm kh ak msafr hen 

jo chltay chltay khen thm rhay rhay nh rhay 

nzearؔ aaj he chl kr bton say ml lejay 

phr ashteaq ka aalm rhay rhay nh rhay

Nazeer Akbarabadi