Some development in Urdu poetry since 1936

Abstract

This work is devoted to discuss the developments in Urdu poetry since 1936.A brief account of the developments in poetical language, various verse-forms and themes of Urdu poetry till Iqbal (1877-1938) has been given in the introductory chapter. The second chapter is on the poetical language of Urdu poetry. In it, the Influence of English language, the use of Hindi words and phrases and the employment of colloquial vocabulary in Urdu poetry of the last thirty years is discussed at some length. In the third chapter on metres, a general account of the use of metres in Urdu poetry is given. In addition, some recent attempts to write poetry with disregard to metres are discussed, a "relative frequency table of metres" is also prepared and Included in this chapter. The fourth chapter deals with various traditional and new verse-forms of Urdu poetry. They are both defined and distinguished from each other. In the fifth and sixth chapters, a number of themes of Urdu poetry since 1936, such as the influence of Communism, the Independence of the sub-Continent of India and Pakistan and its aftermath. Communal Riots of 1947, writings on social evils and customs and on peace and war, historical and allegorical themes, humorous and satirical poetry, the influence of religion, recent Indo-Pakistani War, and psychological themes Including sex, escapism, scepticism, an Individual’s predicaments, imprisonment of the present moment and so on are discussed at length The final chapter is that of the conclusion.