Many of us fond of Ghazals, we find that many words and terminologies which are in Urdu, are incomprehensible. We might be knowing the approximate or a hazy meaning, but we do not know the real/exact meaning which can help us enjoy the poetry all the more. For the benefit of such people, Sultan Nathani has written a book ’’Urdu for Pleasure- for the ghazal lovers’’ It contains a glossary of 3500 words listed alphabetically ( English alphabet), written in English as well as Hindi, explaining the meanings of the Urdu words in both the languages. To give you an insight and basics; The basic terminology used in Ghazals is as follows;
Ghazal: Most popular form of Urdu poetry, generally it has a minimum of 7 ’’ash’aar (verses), the word ghazal means conversing with the beloved.
She’ar : pronounced share, is a verse of two consecutive lines ( Misr’ah). Each verse embodies a single complete thought or subject.
Ash’aar: plural of Shea’r
Bait-ul-ghazal: best verse of the ghazal
Matla: First verse of the ghazal
Maq’ta: The last verse of the ghazal or a poem, which generally contains the poet’s pen-name, ’’thakhallus’’
Qat’ah: Also known as ’’Rubaaee’’ is a four line verse composition comprising of a single thought.
Nazm: A poem wholly dealing with a single subject, or thought.
Geet: a geet is exclusively meant to be sung. It is so to say, a folk song.
Tarannum: The manner of reciting a poem in the form of a song. Some of the most commonly used urdu words in ghazals as well as in film songs; Aab-o-dana- subsistence, daily bread; Aabroo- honour, dignity, chastity; Aafreen- bravo, cheers, praise; Aaftaab- sun; Aalam- world, condition, people, era; Aarzoo- desire, longing, wish; Aatish-fire; Adaa- charm, grace, coquetry.
This is just a sample to whet your appetitie. The book is difficult to get, you can write to Nathani Trust, Bullock Road, Bombay-50. You can also e-mail me the word/words you are looking for, I will consult my copy of the book and will try answer. Equipped with the book, I started enjoying the ghazals all the more. Urdu is a beautiful language for anyone with interest in poetry and literature, the basic knowledge of Urdu enhances the pleasure.