Maqta
The maqta (Urdu: مقطع) is the last sher of a ghazal, a collection of Urdu poems and the poet's takhallus, or pen name, is usually employed in it, often in very creative ways.[1]
A shayar can use the maqta in a variety of interesting ways. He can "talk to himself", "to somebody else", "refer to something" etc. For example Firaq Gorakhpuri, whose takhallus is the word for the common theme in Urdu poetry of the state of pining for the beloved, plays on his pen name and the word firaq:
- Tu yeh na samajh ke Firaq teri Firaq mein hai
- Firaq uski Firaq mein hai jo teri Firaq mein hai
English Translation:
- Don't think that Firaq pines for you
- Firaq pines for the one who pines for you
Examples[edit]
A sher by Mir Taqi Mir:
Mir in neem baaz aankhon mein
Saari masti sharaab ki see hai
Another by Mirza Ghalib:
Kaba kis munh se jaaoge Ghalib
sharm tum ko magar nahiN aati
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "The history, art and performance of ghazal in Hindustani sangeet". Daily Times. 2017-12-21. Retrieved 2020-01-18.
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