A Progressive Poetic Tradition and the Ghazal

Abstract

This article explores the intersection between the Progressive poetic tradition and the ghazal. The Progressive movement, known as "Taraqi Passand" in Urdu, emerged as a literary movement in the 20th century, aiming to challenge conventional poetic norms and embrace new ideas and social realities. While the ghazal traditionally revolved around themes of love, longing, and beauty, the Progressive poets sought to expand its boundaries and infuse it with socio-political relevance. This article delves into the historical context of the Progressive poetic tradition, highlighting its goals of addressing social injustices, advocating for political reform, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. By incorporating these concerns into the ghazal, the Progressive poets transformed the traditional form into a powerful tool for social commentary and critique. Furthermore, this article discusses the thematic evolution of the ghazal within the Progressive tradition. It explores how the poets expanded the traditional themes to encompass issues of inequality, poverty, discrimination, and the challenges of modernization. By doing so, the Progressive poets widened the scope of the ghazal and made it a reflection of the changing times and the evolving concerns of society. Through an exploration of the blending of the ghazal's structural framework with progressive ideas, this article emphasizes the significant role played by the Progressive poets in shaping the modern Urdu literary landscape. By infusing the ghazal with socio-political perspectives, they brought depth, diversity, and relevance to the traditional form, and in turn, opened new possibilities for poetic expression. In summary, this article highlights the symbiotic relationship between the Progressive poetic tradition and the ghazal, showcasing how the poets of this movement used the form to convey their socio-political concerns and contribute to the broader discourse of their time.