Siraj Aurangabadi

Biography

Siraj-ud-Din Aurangabadi, popularly known as Siraj Aurangabadi, was a distinguished poet of the 18th century and one of the early voices in Urdu poetry. Born in 1715 in Aurangabad, Deccan, he grew up in a culturally rich environment where Persian and Urdu literary traditions thrived. He received traditional education in Islamic studies, Persian literature, and Arabic, which strongly influenced his intellectual and spiritual development.

Siraj initially gained recognition as a poet of ghazals and masnavis. His verses reflected beauty, romance, and a refined sensibility that connected well with the classical Urdu tradition. However, after years of active literary engagement, Siraj experienced a profound spiritual transformation. He renounced worldly life, adopted Sufism, and became a recluse. This shift deeply influenced his poetry, as his later works carried strong mystical undertones and a search for divine truth.

He is remembered both for his Persian poetry and for being among the pioneers who shaped Urdu ghazal during its formative phase. His ghazals display a blend of emotional intensity and lyrical delicacy, while his Sufi poetry reflects detachment, love for the divine, and philosophical reflection on human existence.

One of his significant contributions is the Kulliyat-e-Siraj, a collection of his Urdu and Persian poetry. His verses show the transition of Urdu poetry from its early experimental stages into a more refined and mature form. Through his spiritual journey, he became respected not only as a poet but also as a Sufi guide, attracting followers in Aurangabad.

Siraj Aurangabadi passed away in 1763 in Aurangabad. His grave is still visited by admirers and seekers of Sufi tradition. He remains an important figure in Urdu literary history, representing both the richness of early Urdu poetry and the spiritual depth of Sufi thought.