https://indianpedia.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Majaz_LakhnawiMajaz Lakhnawi - Revision history2026-07-31T18:41:45ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.4https://indianpedia.org/index.php?title=Majaz_Lakhnawi&diff=515201&oldid=prevXavierncr at 12:10, 14 April 20262026-04-14T12:10:40Z<p></p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{short description|Indian Urdu poet (1911–1955)}}<br />
{{For|the 2017 Indian film about the poet|Majaz: Ae Gham-e-Dil Kya Karun}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2026}}<br />
{{Infobox writer<br />
| name = Majaz Lakhnawi <br />
| image = Majaz.jpg<br />
| imagesize = <br />
| caption = <br />
| pseudonym = Majaz <br />
| birth_date = 19 October 1911<br />
| birth_place = [[Rudauli]], [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh]], [[British India]]<br />
| death_date = 5 December 1955<br> (aged 44)<br />
| death_place = [[Lucknow]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[India]]<br />
| occupation = Poet<br />
| nationality = Indian<br />
| period = <br />
| genre = [[Urdu poetry]], [[Ghazal]], [[nazm]], [[Geet (song)|geet]]<br />
| subject = [[Lust]], [[philosophy]], [[revolution]]<br />
| movement = [[Progressive Writers' Movement]]<br />
| relatives = [[Hamida Salim]] (sister)<br/>[[Ansar Harvani]] (brother)<br/>[[Javed Akhtar]] (nephew)<br/>[[Salman Akhtar]] (nephew)<br/>[[Farhan Akhtar]] (grandnephew)<br />
}}<br />
{{Progressive Writers' Movement}}<br />
<br />
'''Asrar-ul-Haq''' (19 October 1911 – 5 December 1955), better known as '''Majaz Lakhnawi''', was an Indian [[Urdu poets|Urdu poet]]. He is known for his [[Romanticism|romantic]] and [[revolutionary poetry]]. He composed ''[[ghazal]]s'' and ''[[nazm]]s'' in [[Urdu language|Urdu]]. He was the maternal uncle of poet and screenplay writer [[Javed Akhtar]] and Indian-American psychoanalyst [[Salman Akhtar]].<ref name=BS>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/a-poet-for-all-times-majaz-lakhnavi-column-bookends-114060100190_1.html|title=A poet for all times: Majaj Lakhnavi|author=IANS|date=1 June 2014|newspaper=Business Standard newspaper|access-date=6 February 2026|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927115540/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/a-poet-for-all-times-majaz-lakhnavi-column-bookends-114060100190_1.html}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Early life and education==<br />
Majaz was born on 19 October 1911 at [[Rudauli]] in [[Ayodhya district]] of what is now [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref name=Dawn/>{{sfn|Coppola|1981|p=48}} His family were a branch of a land-owning gentry family, but were not wealthy. His brother [[Ansar Harvani]] was a journalist and he had two older sisters, namely Safia and [[Hamida Salim|Hamida]].{{efn|[[Hamida Salim|Hamida]] wrote an account of her family titled ''Hum Paanch Thay'' (We Were Five).{{sfn|Jalil|2014}}}} Safia was the wife of poet [[Jan Nisar Akhtar]]. Thus, Majaz was the maternal uncle of [[Javed Akhtar]].{{sfn|Jalil|2014}}<ref name=":1" /> <br />
<br />
Majaz suffered from a hearing impairment even as a child, and probably for this reason, he tended to be somewhat difficult, with erratic behavior; he was moody and also a [[loner]].<ref name=Dawn/> He had the habit of staying awake all night and doing most of his work then; as a result, his earned the nickname "Jaggan Bhaiyya" ("stays-awake brother" in Hindi). According to a major newspaper of the region, "With hindsight one could deduce that he had the marks of a [[Bipolar disorder|bipolar mental disorder]] that became more pronounced as he grew older and his life began to fall apart".<ref name=Dawn/><br />
<br />
Majaz's father, Seraj-ul-Haq, was a university graduate at a time when this was rare; he joined government service, serving in the middle ranks of the registration department, and finally reached the rank of Assistant Registrar. He was posted mainly in [[Lucknow]], but since his aged parents needed attention, he kept his wife and children in the ancestral house at Rudauli, which is not far from [[Lucknow]], and he would visit them about twice a month. Thus, Majaz grew up mainly in Rudauli and received his basic education there. In the late 1920s, his father was transferred to [[Agra]]. Since his parents were no more, and since Agra was too far from Rudauli for frequent visits, Seraj-ul-Haq decided to take his wife and children with him.<br />
<br />
Majaz completed school in [[Agra]] in 1929, and enrolled in St. John's Intermediate College. Almost immediately, his father was transferred to [[Aligarh]], and the family moved again, leaving Majaz in a hostel. The young Majaz was given a cash allowance for the first time in his life, and freedom from his mother's adoring but eagle surveillance.<ref name=Dawn/> He behaved like many teenagers of his age, neglected his studies, spent his time and money the way he liked, and failed his exams. Yet, his time was spent not on games or in disreputable activities, but in attending ''[[mushaira]]s'' (poetry symposia) and [[Music concert|music concerts]]. It was at this time that he came in contact with both senior and upcoming poets of Agra, including [[Fani Badayuni]], [[Ale Ahmad Suroor]] and Jazbi. With difficulty, Majaz finally cleared his intermediate exams in 1931, and rejoined his parents in Aligarh, where his father got him enrolled for BA at [[Aligarh Muslim University]],<ref name=Dawn/> his subjects being philosophy, economics and Urdu. He graduated in 1936, again taking a year more than he should have.<ref name=MT>{{cite news|url=http://muslimstoday.in/asrar-ul-haq-majaz-a-journey-of-love-hope-and-nationalism/ |title=Asrar-ul-Haq Majaj - A Journey of Love, Hope and Nationalism|newspaper=Muslims Today newspaper|author=Inam Abidi|date=12 December 2011|access-date=4 February 2026|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713141545/http://muslimstoday.in/asrar-ul-haq-majaz-a-journey-of-love-hope-and-nationalism/}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Career==<br />
[[File:Aahang Autograph Copy.jpg|thumb|''Aahang'', a self autographed copy by Majaz.]]<br />
The years that Majaz spent in [[Aligarh Muslim University]] (AMU) coincided with the presence there of many important poets and writers of Urdu. AMU was indeed a nursery of literary talent during those years. Here he came in contact with the [[Progressive Writers' Movement]] under [[Kunwar Mohammad Ashraf|K. M. Ashraf]] and [[Abdul Aleem (professor)|Abdul Aleem]].{{sfn|Coppola|1981|p=48}} Majaz lived and wrote in times which were exceptionally vibrant for poetry; Urdu-language poets such as [[Faiz Ahmed Faiz]], [[Fani Badayuni]], Jazbi, [[Makhdoom Mohiuddin|Makhdoom]], [[Sahir Ludhianvi]], [[Ismat Chughtai]], and [[Ali Sardar Jafri]] were among his peers.<ref name="Dawn" /><ref name="MT" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|date=2021-10-19|title=Remembering Majaz Lakhnavi, the Keats of Urdu poetry|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/books-and-literature/remembering-majaz-lakhnavi-the-keats-of-urdu-poetry-7579989/|access-date=2026-02-06|newspaper=The Indian Express newspaper|author=Faisal Fareed|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019110148/https://indianexpress.com/article/books-and-literature/remembering-majaz-lakhnavi-the-keats-of-urdu-poetry-7579989/}}</ref> They were not merely his contemporaries but close friends as well. Others such as [[Josh Malihabadi|Josh]] and [[Firaq Gorakhpuri|Firaq]] knew him well. His first diwan, ''Ahang'', is dedicated to Faiz and Jazbi whom he calls his "dil-o-jigar," and to [[Ali Sardar Jafri|Sardar Jafri]] and Makhdoom, who are "mere dast-o-bazu." Faiz wrote a thoughtful prelude to ''Ahang''.<ref name=Dawn>{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1024394/column-the-lonely-poet-majaz |title=The lonely poet: Majaz|author=Mehr Afshan Farooqi|newspaper=Dawn newspaper|date=14 July 2013|access-date=4 February 2026|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717164731/https://www.dawn.com/news/1024394/column-the-lonely-poet-majaz}}</ref><br />
<br />
Majaz abandoned his MA in Aligarh due to financial reasons and moved to [[Delhi]] where he worked as sub-editor for the journal, ''Awaaz'' (Call). Here he became actively involved with the Delhi branch of the Progressive Writers' Association run by [[Shahid Ahmad Dehlvi]].{{sfn|Jalil|2014|p=254}} He also worked for the [[All India Radio]] for a year<ref name=MT/> before moving to [[Bombay]], where he worked in the Department of Information for the Government of Bombay.{{sfn|Coppola|1981|p=49}}<br />
<br />
In 1937, he returned to Lucknow and along with Jafri and [[Sibte Hassan]] founded the literary magazine, ''Parcham'' (Flag) which ran only for a single issue.{{sfn|Jalil|2014|p=258}} In Lucknow, he also worked on the editorial staff of journals like ''Halqa-e-Adab'' (Circle of Literature) and in ''Naya Adab'' (New Literature) along with Jafri and Sibte Hassan.{{sfn|Coppola|1981|p=49}}<br />
<br />
===Commemorative postage stamp===<br />
[[File:Majaz 2008 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|Majaz on 2008 postage stamp of India]]<br />
In 2008, [[Government of India]] issued a commemorative postage stamp honoring his contributions to Indian literature.<ref name=MT/><br />
<br />
One of his poetic verses shown on this postage stamp is:<br />
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left: 2em;"><br />
Bakhshi Hain Hum Ko Ishq Ne Woh Jurra'tain Majaz<br />
Darte Nahin Siasat-e-Ahle-Jahan Say Hum<ref name=MT/><br />
</poem><br />
<br />
Translation:<br />
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left: 2em;"><br />
Majaz, love has blessed us with such courage<br />
I am not even afraid of any politics by this world<br />
</poem><br />
<br />
From another poem ''Aawaara'':<br />
<br />
<poem style="font-style:italic; margin-left: 2em;"><br />
Shehar Ki Raat Aur Mein Naashad O Naakara Phirun<br />
Jagmagaati Jaagti Sadkaun Pe Aawara Phirun<br />
Ghair Ki Basti Hai Kab Tak Dar-Badar Maara Phirun<br />
Ae Gham-e-Dil Kya Karun, Ae Wahshat-e-Dil Kya Karun<ref name=":1" /><br />
</poem><br />
<br />
==Death==<br />
[[File:Majaz Grave.jpg|thumb|Majaz's grave at Nishatganj Graveyard in [[Lucknow]].]]<br />
Majaz died on 5 December 1955,<ref name=Dawn/> while the first Students' Urdu Convention was underway in Lucknow. His condolence meeting was held on 7 December 1955 in the [[Rifa-e-Aam Club|Rifah-e-Aam Hall]] and was attended by poets and writers from all over India.{{sfn|Jalil|2014|p=264}}<br />
<br />
Due to his heavy drinking over a failed love life, he had a tragic death.<ref name=":1" /> On the night of his death, according to a newspaper, "Majaz's friends took him to a tavern in [[Lalbagh Fort|Lalbagh]] where they all drank on the rooftop. One by one they all left leaving Majaz alone in the cold winter night. The next morning he was rushed to the hospital where doctors diagnosed a [[Intracerebral hemorrhage|brain hemorrhage]] and [[pneumonia]]".<ref name=MT/> Majaz died that night.<br />
<br />
He was buried in a cemetery in Lucknow. His grave bears a verse from one of his ghazals written in 1945:<ref name=":1" />{{sfn|Jalil|2014|p=264}}<br />
<br />
<blockquote>And after this there is morn and the new morning Majaz<br/>With me ends the eve of sorrows of Lucknow.</blockquote><br />
<br />
==Major works==<br />
Majaz's collection of poems include:{{sfn|Coppola|1981|p=49}}<br />
* ''Ahang'' (Melody) - 1938<ref name=Dawn/><br />
* ''Shab-e-tar'' (Dark Night) - 1945<br />
* ''Saaz-e-Nau'' (New Musical Instruments) - 1949<br />
* ''Tarana'' (anthem) ''Yeh Mera Chaman, Yeh Mera Chaman'' of [[Aligarh Muslim University]]<ref name=":1" /><br />
* ''Noora Nurse'' Poem<br />
* ''Aawara'' Poem<ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
* In memory of the poet a book launch of, ''Majaz Aur Uski Shaayeri'', edited by [[Salman Akhtar]] was held in collaboration with [[The Nehru Centre, London]] and [[Aligarh Muslim University]] Alumni Association (UK). The programme included video clippings on Majaz including comments by [[Hamida Salim]] (Majaz's sister) and [[Ali Sardar Jafri]] (Majaaz's friend and contemporary poet), a speech by Parvaiz Alam (broadcaster and dramatist), a lecture Majaz – Teen Daayeron ka Shayer by Akhtar, and Kalam-e-Majaz sung by Nasser Harvani and Majaz's nephew from New Delhi.<ref>{{cite web|title=In memory of the legendary Urdu poet Asrarul Haq Majaaz (1913-54): Book launch of 'Majaaz Aur Uski Shaayari'|url=http://www.nehrucentre.org.uk/events/details/article/in-memory-of-the-legendary-urdu-poet-asrarul-haq-majaaz-1913-54-book-launch-majaaz-aur-uski-shaa.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221165526/http://www.nehrucentre.org.uk/events/details/article/in-memory-of-the-legendary-urdu-poet-asrarul-haq-majaaz-1913-54-book-launch-majaaz-aur-uski-shaa.html|archive-date=21 February 2014|access-date=6 February 2026 |website=Nehrucentre.org.uk}}</ref><br />
* [[Kahkashan]] lit. Galaxy, A calassic doordarshan biographical telefilm based on the life stories of a Galaxy of Poets covers Majaz's major life events and poetry, narrated by [[Ali Sardar Jafri]]. This play portrays the stages of 'Zuhoor', 'Urooj' and then 'Zawaal' of Majaz, furthered by the general deterioration.<br />
* A [[dastangoi]] based on Majaz's life and poetry was performed by [[Ankit Chadha]] and [[Himanshu Bajpai]]<ref>[http://tehelkahindi.com/dastangoi-on-majaz-lakhnav/?singlepage=1 नई दास्तान, नया दास्तानगो!]. [[Tehelka|Tehelka Hindi]] (19 November 2014). Retrieved on 2018-11-13.</ref> This narrative introduces the audience to Majaz, his childhood, his fame at AMU, his days in Delhi, his love, his poetry and most importantly his vagabondism.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ahmed|first=Farzand|date=27 October 2014|title=The premier show of Dastan-e-Majaz in Lucknow left everyone sobbing|url=http://shahernama.com/the-premier-show-of-dastan-e-majaz-in-lucknow-left-everyone-sobbing/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219233903/http://shahernama.com/the-premier-show-of-dastan-e-majaz-in-lucknow-left-everyone-sobbing/|archive-date=2015-02-19|website=Shahernama.com website|access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref> The story was told through accounts of the poet's relatives, friends and acquaintances.<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Dastangoi-returns-home-to-Lucknow/articleshow/44872414.cms Dastangoi returns home to Lucknow] The Times of India (19 October 2014). Retrieved 30 October 2021</ref><br />
*''[[Majaz: Ae Gham-e-Dil Kya Karun]]'', is a 2017 Indian biographical film directed by [[Ravindra Singh (film director)|Ravindra Singh]] about Majaz.<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 March 2015|url-status=dead|title=Majaz - Ae Gham-e-Dil Kya Karun - Feature film on "Majaz" to be released soon|url=http://www.muslimissues.com/feature-film-on-majaz-to-be-released-in-next-month/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518001334/http://www.muslimissues.com/feature-film-on-majaz-to-be-released-in-next-month/|archive-date=18 May 2015|access-date=2026-02-04|website=Muslimissues.com website}}</ref> <br />
*A poem ''Yeh Mera Chaman, Yeh Mera Chaman'' by Majaz is now the anthem for Aligarh Muslim University.<ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
{{notelist}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
==Cited sources==<br />
* {{Cite journal|last=Coppola|first=Carlo|date=1981|title=Asrarul Haq Majaz: The Progressive Poet as Revolutionary Romantic|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23330208|journal=Indian Literature|volume=24|issue=4|pages=46–62|jstor=23330208|issn=0019-5804}}<br />
* {{Cite book|last=Jalil|first=Rakhshanda|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e_2HngEACAAJ|title=Liking Progress, Loving Change: A Literary History of the Progressive Writers' Movement in Urdu|date=2014|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-809673-3|language=en}}<br />
<br />
== Further reading ==<br />
* {{cite book|isbn=9788176505284|title=Majaz Aur Uski Shayari|publisher=Star publications, New Dekhi|year=2012}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
{{Commons category}}<br />
* [http://aligarians.com/category/poets/majaz-lucknawi/ Biography of Majaz] at Aligarians.com<br />
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcif4Ip4-O8&index=1&list=PL4Lg0-essiw0o7fl0fYdMjOe5YiMAcH_K Listen and Explore Majaz] at SahityaStudio<br />
<br />
{{Authority control}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:20th-century Indian Muslims]]<br />
[[Category:Urdu-language Indian poets]]<br />
[[Category:Poets from Uttar Pradesh|Rudaulvi, Majaz]]<br />
[[Category:People from Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh]]<br />
[[Category:Writers from Lucknow]]<br />
[[Category:Aligarh Muslim University alumni]]<br />
[[Category:1911 births]]<br />
[[Category:1955 deaths]]<br />
[[Category:20th-century Indian poets]]<br />
[[Category:Indian male poets]]<br />
[[Category:20th-century Indian male writers]]</div>Xavierncr