Mirza Muhammad Rafi Sauda: A Biography of the Famous Urdu Poet

Introduction

Mirza Muhammad Rafi Sauda (1713-1781) stands as one of the most prominent figures in Urdu poetry. He was a celebrated poet, satirist, and humorist of his time, known for his sharp wit, eloquent verses, and keen observation of the social and political landscape of his era. Sauda's poetry not only showcased his mastery over language but also provided valuable insights into the society of 18th-century India.

Early Life and Background

Mirza Muhammad Rafi Sauda was born in 1713 in Delhi, which was then a flourishing center of culture and art. He belonged to a family of writers and poets, which influenced his early exposure to literature. Sauda's father, Mirza Abdullah, was a poet himself, and this environment played a pivotal role in nurturing Sauda's poetic talents from a young age.

Literary Journey

Sauda's literary journey commenced under the guidance of his father, where he learned the intricacies of Persian and Urdu poetry. His initial poetic works were in Persian, which was the literary language of the time. However, Sauda is primarily remembered for his contributions to Urdu poetry.

Shift to Delhi

At the age of 18, Sauda moved to Delhi, where he encountered a city teeming with culture, political intrigues, and societal dynamics. Delhi's literary atmosphere provided him with opportunities to interact with other renowned poets and scholars, further enhancing his skills.

Satire and Social Commentary

Sauda's poetry was deeply rooted in the social fabric of his time. His verses often held a mirror to the society, exposing its follies, injustices, and hypocrisies. He employed satire as a powerful tool to criticize the ruling elite, clerics, and societal norms. Sauda's satirical poetry not only entertained but also carried profound messages, making him a voice for the marginalized and oppressed.

The Decline of Mughal Empire

Sauda lived through a tumultuous period in Indian history, marked by the decline of the Mughal Empire. As the empire crumbled, Delhi faced political instability, economic hardships, and the invasion of foreign powers. Sauda's poetry reflected the melancholy and chaos of these times, giving readers a glimpse into the challenges faced by the common people.

Mushairas and Reputation

Mushairas, or poetic gatherings, were an integral part of Urdu literary culture. Sauda's participation in these gatherings brought him considerable fame. His witty and thought-provoking couplets were eagerly awaited by the audience, and he often engaged in poetic duels with other poets. Sauda's ability to blend humor with depth made him a crowd favorite, and his reputation as a skilled poet continued to grow.

Exile and Later Life

Despite his popularity, Sauda's sharp satire and candid commentary earned him enemies in the court and the society. In 1757, he was exiled to Farrukhabad by the authorities who were uncomfortable with his outspoken poetry. This period of exile was marked by personal and financial struggles. However, even in adversity, Sauda continued to compose verses that reflected his resilience and determination.

Legacy

Mirza Muhammad Rafi Sauda's poetry left an indelible mark on Urdu literature. His use of wit, satire, and linguistic finesse set him apart as a poet of exceptional caliber. Sauda's verses continue to be studied, appreciated, and referenced by scholars, poets, and enthusiasts alike. His work remains relevant as a historical and cultural commentary on the socio-political landscape of his era.

Conclusion

Mirza Muhammad Rafi Sauda's life and poetry are a testament to the power of literature as a means of social critique and artistic expression. His mastery over language, his ability to weave humor with profound observations, and his courage to speak truth to power have secured his place as one of the most significant poets in Urdu literary history. Sauda's legacy lives on, reminding us of the enduring impact of his words on both art and society.

Sample Of Poetry 

Ghazal No 1

jb yar nay atha kr zlfon kay bal bandhay 

tb men nay apnay dl men lakhon kheal bandhay 

do dn men hm to rejhay aay oae'ay hal an ka 

gzray hen jn kay dl ko yan mah o sal bandhay 

tar ngh men as kay keonkr phnsay nh yh dl 

aankhon nay js kay lakhon ohshe ghzal bandhay 

jo kchh hay rng as ka so hay nzr men apne 

go jamh zrd phnay ya cherh lal bandhay 

teray he samnay kchh bhkay hay mera nalh 

ornh nshanay hm nay maray hen bal bandhay 

bosh ke to hay khoahsh pr kheay keonkh as say 

js ka mzaj lb pr hrf soal bandhay 

marogay ks ko je say ks pr kmr kse hay 

phrtay ho keon pearay tloar dhal bandhay 

do char shar aagay as kay prrhay to bola 

mzmon yh to nay apnay kea hsb hal bandhay 

sodaؔ jo an nay bandha zlfon men dl sza hay 

sharon men as kay to nay keon kht o khal bandhay

Mirza Muhammad Rafi Sauda

Ghazal No 2

oay sorten alٰhe ks mlk bstean hen 

ab dekhnay ko jn kay aankhen trstean hen 

aaea tha keon adm men kea kr chla jhan men 

eh mrg o zest tjh bn aaps men hnstean hen 

keonkr nh ho mshbk sheshh sa dl hmara 

as shokh ke ngahen pthr men dhnstean hen 

brsat ka to mosm kb ka nkl gea pr 

mzhgan ke yh ghtae'en ab tk brstean hen 

letay hen chhen kr dl aashq ka pl men dekho 

khoban ke aashqon pr kea pesh dstean hen 

as oastay kh hen yh ohshe nkl nh jaoen 

aankhon ko mere mzhgan doron say kstean hen 

qemt men an kay go hm do jg ko day chkay ab 

as yar ke ngahen ts pr bhe sstean hen 

an nay kha yh mjh say ab chhorr dkht rz ko 

pere men aay doanay yh kon mstean hen 

jb men kha yh as say sodaؔ say apnay ml kay 

as sal to hay saqe aor may prstean hen

Mirza Muhammad Rafi Sauda

Ghazal No 3

jo gzre mjh ph mt as say kho hoa so hoa 

bla kshan mhbt ph jo hoa so hoa 

mbada ho koe'e zalm tra greban ger 

mray lho ko to damn say dho hoa so hoa 

phnch chka hay sr zkhm dl tlk yaro 

koe'e sbo koe'e mrhm rkho hoa so hoa 

khay hay sn kay mre srgzsht oh bay rhm 

eh kon zkr hay janay bhe do hoa so hoa 

khda kay oastay aa drgzr gnh say mray 

nh hoga phr kbho aay tnd kho hoa so hoa 

eh kon hal hay ahoal dl ph aay aankho 

nh phot phot kay atna bho hoa so hoa 

nh kchh zrr hoa shmsher ka nh hathon ka 

mray he sr ph aay jlad jo hoa so hoa 

dea asay dl o den ab yh jan hay sodaؔ 

phr aagay dekheay jo ho so ho hoa so hoa

Mirza Muhammad Rafi Sauda