Learn with Sukhan

Understand the poetry

Short films that open up a ghazal line by line, tell the stories of the poets, explain the craft of the form and review the great books of Urdu, Hindi and Gujarati poetry.

Poet Stories7:10The Voice of Empire: Mirza Ghalibसाम्राज्य की आवाज़Explore the life and legacy of Mirza Ghalib, the poet who captured the final days of the Mughal Empire. This episode traces his personal struggles, his role at the Mughal court, and his transformation of Urdu poetry and prose. Discover how Ghalib bridged classical and modern Urdu literature.Mirza Ghalib · 6 chaptersPoetry Explained9:15Ghazal Writing: Art & Scienceग़ज़ल लेखन: कला और विज्ञानThis video explores the intricate blend of art and science in ghazal writing, tracing its origins and technical foundations. It discusses the evolution of themes, the structure of a sher, and the mathematical precision of poetic meter. Through examples from masters like Ghalib and Mir, it reveals how strict rules enable emotional expression in Urdu poetry.Urdu Poetry · 7 chaptersPoetry Explained7:29Ghazal ka Safar: Urdu Ghazal Explainedग़ज़ल का सफ़रThis video explores the journey of the Urdu Ghazal, tracing its origins, structure, and evolution across centuries. It explains the technical aspects of the form, its adaptation in South Asia, and how its themes and symbols have changed over time. The video also dispels common myths about the Ghazal and highlights its enduring appeal.Urdu Poetry · 5 chaptersPoet Stories5:42Khuda-e-Sukhan: Mir Taqi Mirख़ुदा-ए-सुख़नThis episode explores the life and poetry of Mir Taqi Mir, known as 'Khuda-e-Sukhan' or the God of Poetry. Discover how his turbulent life and unique vision shaped Urdu poetry, emphasizing universal love and emotional depth. Mir's legacy continues to inspire generations.Mir Taqi Mir · 5 chaptersPoetry Explained6:38Evolution of Urdu Ghazalउर्दू ग़ज़ल का विकासThis video explores the historical and literary journey of the Urdu Ghazal, tracing its origins from the Deccan plateau to the philosophical heights of Allama Iqbal. It highlights key poets, stylistic developments, and the transformation of the ghazal into a vehicle for romance, humor, and awakening. The discussion underscores the ghazal's enduring power to reflect human emotions and philosophical questions.Urdu Poetry · 6 chaptersPoetry Explained9:39Mir & Iqbal: The Garden and The Skyबाग़ और आसमानThis explainer explores the contrasting philosophies of Mir Taqi Mir and Allama Iqbal through their iconic poetry. Mir's verses dwell in the melancholic beauty of the ruined garden, while Iqbal's poetry soars into the infinite sky of aspiration. The video unpacks how both poets address suffering, love, and the human spirit from radically different perspectives.Mir Taqi Mir · 5 chaptersGhazal Explained9:36Patta Patta Boota Boota – Mir Taqi Mirपत्ता पत्ता बूटा बूटाThis video explores Mir Taqi Mir's iconic ghazal 'Patta Patta Boota Boota'. Through a close reading, it unpacks the poetic structure, themes of heartbreak, cosmic envy, and the city of Delhi's decline. The explainer reveals how Mir transforms personal pain into a universal voice of loss and resilience.Mir Taqi Mir · 7 chapters