TEHRAN – An exhibition of manuscripts of Persian and Urdu poetry and prose by the famous 18th century Mughal bilingual poet Mir Taqi Mir (1723-1810) has been held at Urdu Ghar in Delhi, India. .
Anjuman Tarakki Urdu Hind, in collaboration with Urdu Ghar and Noor Microfilm Center, has organized the exhibition from January 11 to 17. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was attended by Iranian Ambassador to India Iraj Elahi and New Iran Cultural Advisor. According to a report by ISNA, in addition to Delhi Chief Minister Fariduddin Faridasul, Indian government officials and academics also participated.
In his speech, Mr. Elahi commended the efforts of Urdu Ghar and Noor Microfilm Center to preserve and protect the literary treasures of Mir Taqi Mir and many other outstanding academic, literary and religious works. He expressed his gratitude and said: This step is highly commendable as libraries and the culture of reading books are in decline. ”
While thanking both organizers, Faridasul noted the poetic elements of Mir Taqi Mir and said, “The pain of Sufism is completely different from the modern European definition of pain.”
The exhibition features Mir’s manuscripts, books, stories he wrote for his son, a collection of ghazals and masnavi (spiritual couplets), and a rare collection of documents that provide a deep and intimate insight into the literary giant’s life and work. all gathered together. .
The focus of the event was the display of at least two different manuscripts of the poet’s autobiography, Zikr-e-Mir, which provides valuable insight into his personal life, struggles, and evolution as a poet. did. These manuscripts, written in 1807, provide an in-depth look at Mir’s thoughts and considerations, making them valuable works of literary history.
Equally noteworthy was the exhibition of three different manuscripts of Kriyat-e-Mir, a comprehensive collection of his poems that remain a cornerstone of classical Urdu literature.
The exhibition will also display the manuscript of Tazkirah Nikatush Shola, a biography of the poet written by Mir himself, demonstrating Mir’s involvement with the literary world of his time and his influence on later generations of poets.
Adding to the significance of this event was the presentation of Mir’s bayaz (personal notes), which provided further glimpses into the poet’s personal musings and thoughts.
In keeping with the times, the Anjuman Tarakki Urdu Hind has not only focused on preserving the physical manuscripts, but has also adopted technology to ensure that Mir’s works are accessible to future generations. The organization, in collaboration with New Delhi’s Noor Microfilm Center and Iran Culture House, has embarked on a major effort to digitize all of Mir’s manuscripts and rare books.
This digital archive ensures that these valuable works of literature will be preserved long after the exhibition closes and remain accessible to scholars, researchers, and literature lovers around the world.
The digitization effort also speaks to a broader vision to make Mir’s work more accessible and foster research for future generations of writers, historians, and scholars.
The exhibition itself showcases original and collected manuscripts of Mir’s poetry, many of which are housed in prominent collections such as Urdu Ghar’s Shibli Memorial Library, Rampur Raza Library, Aligarh Muslim University’s Azad Library, and Hyderabad Library. It was provided by.
The exhibition was part of a broader effort to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Mir Taqi Mir’s birth. Anjuman has organized a year-long series of activities dedicated to his life and work. In addition to exhibitions, these celebrations include discussions, festivals, book launches, special editions of magazines, and more.
Additionally, Anjuman, in collaboration with India International Center, organized a three-day festival in February 2024 to celebrate Mir’s life in his hometown Shahjahanabad (now part of Delhi). The festival also highlighted the impact of Mir’s work on the city’s cultural and literary scene.
Another important publication published as part of the 300th anniversary was a special issue of Urdu Adab, a quarterly magazine published by Anjuman Taraqi Urdu Hind since 1921. Launched on January 11th by Iraj Elahi, this issue is dedicated to Mir Taki Mir and continues to strengthen its momentum. his status as a central figure in Urdu literature;
Mir Muhammad Taqi, known as Mir Taqi Mir, was one of the pioneers who gave form to Urdu itself. He was one of the major poets of the Delhi school of Urdu ghazals and is well remembered as one of the greatest poets of Urdu.
A distinctive feature of his poetry is the sadness he expresses. He expresses much sadness about the collapse of his city, Delhi.
He lived at a time when Urdu language and poetry were in their formative stages. And his instinctive aesthetic sense struck a balance between indigenous expression and the new richness derived from Persian imagery and idiom, creating a new elite language known as “Urdu.” It was helpful. Lekhta and Hinduism.
Using his native Hindustani as a base and adding some Persian diction and expression, he created a simple, natural, and elegant poetic language that would guide generations of future poets. I did.
SS/SAB