Daagh Dehlvi

Daagh Dehlvi, born Nawab Mirza Khan in Delhi in 1831, was one of the most celebrated Urdu poets of the nineteenth century. His life spanned a period of immense political and cultural change, with the decline of the Mughal Empire and the consolidation of British rule in India. He grew up in an environment deeply connected with Delhi’s literary and royal traditions, as his mother married Prince Mirza Fakhroo, son of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar. This link placed Daagh in close contact with the literary circles of Delhi.

From an early age, Daagh showed talent in poetry, mastering the ghazal form that became his hallmark. His verses were admired for their fluency, grace, and wit. Unlike poets who leaned heavily on abstract or philosophical themes, Daagh often wrote of love, romance, and human desire in a style that was playful, elegant, and relatable. His ghazals captured the charm of everyday emotions, earning him a wide following among common readers and elite audiences alike.

After the revolt of 1857 and the fall of Delhi’s cultural prominence, Daagh moved to Rampur, where he enjoyed the patronage of the Nawab. Later, he settled in Hyderabad, which had become a flourishing center of Urdu poetry. There, under the support of the Nizam, his reputation grew further, and he emerged as one of the most popular poets of his era. His mushaira recitations attracted admiration for their effortless beauty and emotional resonance.

Daagh’s style was often praised for its clarity and naturalness. He avoided excessive ornamentation, instead relying on charm, humor, and simplicity to convey profound feelings. His poetry struck a balance between classical tradition and popular appeal, making him beloved across diverse audiences.

He passed away in 1905 in Hyderabad, leaving behind several divans that continue to be read and quoted. Daagh Dehlvi is remembered as a master of the romantic ghazal and as one of the last great representatives of the classical Delhi school of Urdu poetry. His verses still live on in Urdu literature and in the hearts of poetry lovers.