Mushafi Ghulam Humdani

Biography

Mushafi Ghulam Hamdani, born in 1750 in Amroha, was one of the pioneers of Urdu poetry during the late Mughal period. He is often remembered as the first poet to formally use the term “Urdu” to describe the language, giving it an identity that endures to this day.

Mushafi began his literary journey under the guidance of established poets of his time. His talent quickly made him a respected figure in literary circles. He was a master of the ghazal, a form that allowed him to express emotions of love, longing, and the philosophical reflections of life. His verses combined lyrical beauty with a simplicity that made them accessible to readers and listeners alike.

Throughout his career, Mushafi moved between several cities, including Delhi and Lucknow, both important centers of culture and poetry during his time. Lucknow, in particular, became the place where he spent much of his later life, actively participating in mushairas (poetic gatherings) and shaping the literary climate of the era.

Despite his immense talent, Mushafi often struggled financially. Historical accounts suggest that he sometimes sold his ghazals to other poets, who then claimed them as their own—a reflection both of his personal hardships and the value placed on his poetry.

Mushafi’s literary legacy is vast. His ghazals remain popular among lovers of classical Urdu poetry, and his role in shaping the identity of the Urdu language secures him a unique place in history.

He passed away in Lucknow in 1824. Though he lived through struggles, his contribution to Urdu literature is undeniable. Mushafi Ghulam Hamdani is remembered not only as a gifted poet but also as a figure who helped give Urdu its name and cultural standing.