Mohammad Rafi Sauda

Biography

Mirza Mohammad Rafi Sauda was born in Delhi in 1713, during the height of the Mughal era. He is remembered today as one of the early masters who gave Urdu poetry its strength, structure, and distinct identity. His pen name, Sauda, became synonymous with sharp wit, satire, and commanding expression.

Sauda began his education in Persian and Arabic, the scholarly languages of the time, and gradually turned his attention to poetry. In an age when Urdu literature was still developing, his ghazals, marsiyas, and especially his qasidas and satires stood out for their power and polish. He became known for using satire to critique the corruption, hypocrisy, and decline he saw around him in society and politics.

Life in Delhi was disrupted during his time due to invasions and political unrest. As a result, Sauda eventually moved to Lucknow, which was rising as a new cultural and literary center. In Lucknow, he found the patronage and atmosphere that allowed his work to flourish. His qasidas written in praise of patrons and rulers earned him recognition, but it was his biting satire and his ghazals that truly made him memorable.

While detailed records of his personal life are limited, his poetry reflects both his deep involvement with the social and political realities of his time and his mastery of language. His style was bold and direct, often infused with humor as well as seriousness. He did not hesitate to call out flaws in society, which gave his poetry both immediacy and timelessness.

Sauda passed away in Lucknow in 1781. Though centuries have passed, he continues to be remembered as one of the foundational figures of Urdu poetry. His work shaped the tradition of satire in Urdu literature and set high standards for the ghazal and qasida.

Mirza Mohammad Rafi Sauda remains an essential name in classical Urdu poetry. His words captured the spirit of his times with a sharpness and beauty that ensured his legacy would last for generations.