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Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan, better known as Mirza Ghalib, was born on 27 December 1797 in Agra, India. He grew up in a time when the Mughal Empire was weakening, and his writings reflect the emotions and turmoil of that era. His father, Abdullah Baig, was a military man, and Ghalib became an orphan at the age of five. He was later raised by his uncle and received traditional education in Persian and Arabic.
How Ghalib became a poet: He began writing poetry at a very young age and adopted the pen name Ghalib, which means "dominant" or "victorious." Initially, he wrote in Persian and only later became more recognized for his work in Urdu. He wrote ghazals, a form of poetry expressing love, pain, and reflection, which earned him a place among the greatest poets in South Asian literature.
His literary contributions:
Ghalib lived through the 1857 War of Independence and witnessed the collapse of the Mughal court in Delhi. He also wrote letters describing the condition of Delhi during the uprising, which are now considered valuable historical records. These letters also show his wit and views on society.
Although he faced financial hardship and did not get patronage like some of his peers, Ghalib continued to write and is now considered a literary legend. He was appointed as the royal historian by the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar.
Death and legacy: Mirza Ghalib died on 15 February 1869 in Delhi. He is buried at the Nizamuddin area of Delhi, where a tomb honors his memory. Today, his works are taught in universities, quoted in literature, and featured in films and television across Pakistan and India.
His contribution to Urdu literature is unmatched. His poetry continues to inspire scholars, students, and lovers of literature, making him a timeless icon in the cultural history of South Asia.
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