Famous Urdu Poet Ibn-e-Insha Biography And Urdu Poetry 

Introduction

Ibn-e-Insha, a name that resonates through the corridors of Urdu literature, was a celebrated poet, humorist, travelogue writer, and diplomat. His real name was Sher Muhammad Khan, but he adopted the pen name "Ibn-e-Insha," which translates to "son of a person of insight." His creative genius transcended traditional literary boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the world of Urdu literature. This biography delves into the life and contributions of this multifaceted literary icon.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 15, 1927, in Phillaur, Punjab, British India, Ibn-e-Insha hailed from a well-educated family. His father, Sheikh Ghulam Muhammad, was a renowned Sufi and scholar, which likely influenced his early exposure to literature and philosophy. Ibn-e-Insha's formal education was marked by his enrollment at Government College Lahore, where he developed a keen interest in Urdu literature and began honing his writing skills.

Literary Journey Begins

Ibn-e-Insha's literary journey began with his first poetry collection, "Khumar-e-Gandum" (1952), which was met with critical acclaim. His poetry exhibited a unique blend of humor, satire, and social commentary. This combination garnered him a distinct place among contemporary poets.

Master of Humor

Ibn-e-Insha's unparalleled humor brought a fresh and unconventional style to Urdu literature. His witty verses often addressed societal absurdities and human idiosyncrasies, reflecting his keen observation of the world around him. Works like "Urdu Ki Aakhri Kitaab" (1969) and "Duniya Gol Hai" (1971) exemplify his humor-laden perspective on life.

Exploration through Travelogues

Beyond his poetic prowess, Ibn-e-Insha was an avid traveler and an astute chronicler of his journeys. His travelogues, such as "Chaltay Ho To Cheen Ko Chaliye" (1971) and "Ibn-e-Battuta Kay Taqub Mein" (1978), showcased his inquisitive nature and his ability to capture diverse cultures and landscapes through his words. These travelogues not only entertained readers but also provided insightful glimpses into the regions he visited.

Versatility in Writing

Ibn-e-Insha's versatility extended to various forms of writing, including essays, parodies, and short stories. His collection "Dil-e-Wehshi" (1973) showcased his narrative skills in short story writing, often weaving intricate plots around human emotions and experiences.

Contributions to Journalism

Ibn-e-Insha was a notable journalist who contributed to various publications, including the renowned Urdu newspaper "Jang." His satirical columns, often published under the title "Dunyaadari," offered a unique blend of wit and wisdom, shedding light on societal issues while maintaining his signature humor.

Diplomatic Ventures

In addition to his literary pursuits, Ibn-e-Insha served as a civil servant and diplomat. His time spent working for the Pakistan embassy in London provided him with a broader perspective on the world, which he often incorporated into his writings. This exposure enriched his literary creations, making them more culturally diverse and globally relevant.

Legacy and Influence

Ibn-e-Insha's literary contributions left an indelible mark on Urdu literature. His humorous and satirical style opened new avenues for expression in a genre that had often been serious and conventional. His use of everyday language and relatable themes resonated with a wide audience, making poetry and literature more accessible to the masses.

Passing Away and Remembering the Legend

Tragically, on January 11, 1978, Ibn-e-Insha's life was cut short when he died in London. His demise left a void in the literary world, but his work continues to inspire generations of writers and readers alike. His wit, humor, and insightful observations remain timeless and relevant to this day.

Conclusion

Ibn-e-Insha's life was a tapestry woven with words, humor, and a deep understanding of the human experience. His ability to traverse between various literary forms, his mastery of humor, and his profound observations continue to enrich the world of Urdu literature. Through his poetry, travelogues, essays, and stories, Ibn-e-Insha lives on, reminding us that words, when crafted with insight and empathy, have the power to transcend time and leave an everlasting impact.

Sample Of Poetry 

Ghazal No 1

kl chodhoen ke rat the shb bhr rha chrcha tra 

kchh nay kha yh chand hay kchh nay kha chhra tra 

hm bhe ohen mojod thay hm say bhe sb pochha keay 

hm hns de'eay hm chp rhay mnzor tha prdh tra 

as shhr men ks say mlen hm say to chhoten mhflen 

hr shkhs tera nam lay hr shkhs deoana tra 

kochay ko teray chhorr kr joge he bn jae'en mgr 

jngl tray prbt tray bste tre shra tra 

hm aor rsm bndge aashftge aftadge 

ahsan hay kea kea tra aay hsn bay proa tra 

do ashk janay ks leay plkon ph aa kr tk ge'ay 

altaf ke barsh tre akram ka drea tra 

aay bay dregh o bay aman hm nay kbhe ke hay fghan 

hm ko tre ohsht she hm ko she soda tra 

hm pr yh skhte ke nzr hm hen fqer rh gzr 

rsth kbhe roka tra damn kbhe thama tra 

han han tre sort hsen lekn to aesa bhe nhen 

ak shkhs kay ashaar say shhrh hoa kea kea tra 

bay drd snne ho to chl khta hay kea achhe ghzl 

aashq tra rsoa tra shaar tra anshaؔ tra

Ibn-e-Insha 

Ghazal No 2

anshaؔ je atho ab koch kro as shhr men je ko lgana kea 

ohshe ko skon say kea mtlb joge ka ngr men thkana kea 

as dl kay dredh damn ko dekho to she socho to she 

js jhole men so chhed hoe'ay as jhole ka phelana kea 

shb bete chand bhe dob chla znjer prre droazay men 

keon der ge'ay ghr aae'ay ho sjne say kro gay bhana kea 

phr hjr ke lmbe rat mean snjog ke to yhe aek ghrre 

jo dl men hay lb pr aanay do shrmana kea ghbrana kea 

as roz jo an ko dekha hay ab khoab ka aalm lgta hay 

as roz jo an say bat hoe'e oh bat bhe the afsana kea 

as hsn kay schay mote ko hm dekh sken pr chho nh sken 

jsay dekh sken pr chho nh sken oh dolt kea oh khzana kea 

as ko bhe jla dkhtay hoe'ay mn ak shalh lal bhboka bn 

eon aanso bn bhh jana kea yon mate men ml jana kea 

jb shhr kay log nh rsta den keon bn men nh ja bsram kray 

deoanon ke se nh bat kray to aor kray deoana kea

Ibn-e-Insha 

Ghazal No 3

kchh khnay ka oqt nhen yh kchh nh kho khamosh rho 

aay logo khamosh rho han aay logo khamosh rho 

sch achha pr as kay jlo men zhr ka hay ak pealh bhe 

pagl ho keon nahq ko sqrat bno khamosh rho 

an ka yh khna sorj he dhrte kay pheray krta hay 

sr aankhon pr sorj he ko ghomnay do khamosh rho 

mhbs men kchh hbs hay aor znjer ka aahn chbhta hay 

phr socho han phr socho han phr socho khamosh rho 

grm aanso aor thnde aahen mn men kea kea mosm hen 

as bgea kay bhed nh kholo ser kro khamosh rho 

aankhen mond knaray betho mn kay rkho bnd koarr 

anshaؔ je lo dhaga lo aor lb se lo khamosh rho

Ibn-e-Insha 

Ghazal No 4

as sham oh rkhst ka sman yad rhay ga 

oh shhr oh kochh oh mkan yad rhay ga 

oh tes kh abhre the adhr yad rhay ge 

oh drd kh atha tha yhan yad rhay ga 

hm shoq kay shalay ke lpk bhol bhe jae'en 

oh shma fsrdh ka dhoan yad rhay ga 

han bzm shbanh men hmh shoq jo as dn 

hm thay tre janb ngran yad rhay ga 

kchh merؔ kay abeat thay kchh fezؔ kay msraay 

ak drd ka tha jn men bean yad rhay ga 

aankhon men slgte hoe'e ohsht kay jlo men 

oh hert o hsrt ka jhan yad rhay ga 

jan bkhsh se as brg gl tr ke traot 

oh lms azez do jhan yad rhay ga 

hm bhol skay hen nh tjhay bhol sken gay 

to yad rhay ga hmen han yad rhay ga

Ibn-e-Insha 

Ghazal No 5

dl ashq men bay paean soda ho to aesa ho 

drea ho to aesa ho shra ho to aesa ho 

ak khal soeda men phnae'e do aalm 

phela ho to aesa ho smta ho to aesa ho 

aay qes jnon peshh anshaؔ ko kbhe dekha 

ohshe ho to aesa ho rsoa ho to aesa ho 

drea bh hbab andr tofan bh shab andr 

mhshr bh hjab andr hona ho to aesa ho 

hm say nhen rshth bhe hm say nhen mlta bhe 

hay pas oh betha bhe dhoka ho to aesa ho 

oh bhe rha beganh hm nay bhe nh phchana 

han aay dl deoanh apna ho to aesa ho 

as drd men kea kea hay rsoae'e bhe lzt bhe 

kanta ho to aesa ho chbhta ho to aesa ho 

hm nay yhe manga tha as nay yhe bkhsha hay 

bndh ho to aesa ho data ho to aesa ho

Ibn-e-Insha