Mirza Mohammad Taqi Hawas

Biography

Mirza Mohammad Taqi Hawas was born in 1766 in Faizabad, a city that was once an important cultural hub of the Awadh region. He belonged to a distinguished family and was related to Nawab Asif-ud-Daula, one of the notable rulers of Awadh. This connection gave him access to the rich cultural and literary environment of the time, where poetry was cherished and celebrated.

As a poet, he chose the pen name “Hawas.” His verses, especially ghazals, gained recognition in the literary circles of Lucknow, where he spent most of his life. Lucknow during this period was flourishing with art, culture, and poetry, and Hawas became part of the vibrant community of poets who defined its literary spirit.

Hawas was known for the elegance and simplicity of his ghazals. His work reflected the emotions of longing, love, and introspection that are central to classical Urdu poetry. A number of his ghazals remain preserved and are still appreciated today by readers and listeners who value the charm of traditional Urdu verse.

Personal details about his life remain scarce. Records of his education, marriage, or children are not widely available, which makes it difficult to paint a complete picture of him outside of his poetry. What is clear is that his association with the cultural richness of Lucknow and his mastery of the ghazal form secured him a lasting place in Urdu literature.

Mirza Mohammad Taqi Hawas passed away in 1855 in Lucknow. Although he may not be as widely known as some of his contemporaries, his poetry continues to echo the grace of an era when Urdu literature was blossoming. Through his verses, he remains part of the timeless tradition that shaped the course of Urdu poetry.