When you think of Majaz, what’s the first thought that crops up? A forlorn genius whose verses reflected a deep sense of melancholy, and who departed the world at a fairly young age.
A poet whose soul was steeped in sensitivity. One who reflected a kind of pathos that made his readers wonder how he was able to carry on, after all. And yet, his works are far from defeatist. Instead, his poetry often carries a blend of hope, idealism, and emotional depth that touches upon the collective struggles of humanity.
Born on 19th October 1911 in Rudauli, Uttar Pradesh, Asrar-ul-Haq, better known as Majaz Lakhnawi, best known as Majaz, was one of the most significant voices of 20th-century Urdu poetry.
The maternal uncle of famous poet and screenplay writer Javed Akhtar (of Salim-Javed fame), Majaz lived during a period of intellectual vibrancy – he was surrounded by an extraordinary group of poets who would go on to define modern Urdu poetry. Not merely contemporaries but close friends, his circle included giants of Urdu writers like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Moin Ahsan Jazbi, Makhdoom Mohiuddin, Sahir Ludhianwi, and Ali Sardar Jafri. These poets, like Majaz himself, were associated with the Progressive Writers’ Movement, a literary and cultural front that sought to challenge colonialism, social injustice, and conservatism through the power of words.
Majaz’s poetry transcended mere aesthetics; it was a medium of empowerment, particularly for women. His famous verse, “Tere maathay pe ye aanchal bahut hi khoob hai lekin, tu is aanchal se ek parcham bana leti to achha tha,” embodies his progressive vision. Through this couplet, he urged women to rise beyond societal limitations and become symbols of change and resistance. This revolutionary spirit made him a poet of the masses, admired for both his sensitivity and his call for action.
Early life
Majaz’s early life was marked by a combination of intellectual stimulation and personal hardship. He pursued his education in Lucknow, Aligarh, and Agra, where his exposure to the world of literature blossomed.
He joined Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), a hub for intellectuals and poets, where his poetic sensibilities were nurtured. The campus offered Majaz an ideal environment to interact with like-minded peers, and it was at AMU that he began to make his mark as a poet. His poems quickly gained recognition for their effortless blending of lyrical beauty with potent political commentary.
Majaz’s poetic career may have been brief, but it was filled with brilliance. He passed away on 5th December 1955 in Lucknow at the young age of 44, a life cut tragically short. Yet, his poetry remains timeless, as his voice continues to echo through the corridors of Urdu literature. His ability to channel the complexities of human emotions, his poignant portrayal of societal injustices, and his deeply romantic spirit make him a unique figure in Urdu poetry.
His first collection of poems, Ahang (Melody), published in 1938, announced his arrival on the literary scene with tremendous impact. The title reflected Majaz’s deep understanding of the musicality of words, a skill that would remain a hallmark of his work.
This was followed by Shab-e-Tar (Dark Night) in 1945, where the sense of despondency and darkness reflects not only personal struggles but also the national mood in the years leading up to India’s independence.
His third major collection, Saz-e-Nau (New Musical Instrument), was also published in 1945, signifying his ongoing creative evolution.
Powerful critique of societal norms
Despite his relatively limited output, Majaz’s poetry continues to resonate today. His ghazals and nazms combine passion with a powerful critique of societal norms. He deftly addressed themes such as love, politics, poverty, and the human condition, often tying them into larger existential concerns. Majaz, however, was never content to be a poet of personal reflection alone; his poetry consistently challenged social injustices, aligning him with the revolutionary zeal of the Progressive Writers’ Movement.
Majaz’s association with the Progressive Writers’ Movement was pivotal to his poetic identity. The movement, which included poets, writers, and intellectuals dedicated to promoting social justice, had a profound influence on Majaz’s work. He shared the movement’s commitment to addressing the harsh realities of poverty, oppression, and colonial rule. This alliance with socially conscious writing did not diminish his romanticism but instead added layers of complexity to it. His poems often portray love not as an escape from reality but as intertwined with the broader struggles of life.
Through his poetry, Majaz challenged the romanticized view of love as an apolitical, detached emotion. Instead, he treated love as something that could spur social change and awaken a sense of personal and collective responsibility.
Personal struggles
Despite his poetic achievements, Majaz’s life was riddled with personal struggles, many of which found their way into his poetry. He battled bouts of mental illness and alcoholism, and his delicate emotional state was further exacerbated by his feelings of unrequited love and the sense of being misunderstood by society.
These personal conflicts often led him into a downward spiral, from which he found little respite. He worked for a time with All India Radio and later with the Department of Information for the Government of Bombay, but neither position could provide him with lasting fulfilment.
Majaz’s legacy extends beyond his poetry. Javed Akhtar, his nephew and one of the most renowned modern poets and screenplay writers of Indian cinema, has often spoken of Majaz’s influence on him, both as a poet and as an individual.
One of Majaz’s most celebrated poems, Awara, struck a chord with countless young people who found in it an expression of their inner turmoil and rebellion. His Tarana-e-Aligarh (AMU tarana) is yet another masterpiece, an ode to Aligarh Muslim University, stirring pride and unity among students and evoking a sense of intellectual and national awakening.
While Majaz’s peers—Faiz, Sahir, and others—may have garnered more widespread recognition, his contributions to Urdu literature remain no less significant. His poetry provides not only a window into his troubled soul but also a reflection of the broader struggles of his time. Through his work, he has secured his place as one of the most compelling and emotionally resonant voices of Urdu poetry.
