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.

Book Reviews5:35Diwan-e-Ghalib Book Review – Mirza Ghalibदीवान-ए-ग़ालिबThis video delves into Diwan-e-Ghalib, the celebrated collection of Urdu ghazals by Mirza Ghalib. It explores how Ghalib's poetry captures raw human emotions within a precise and structured form. The review highlights the book's architecture, motifs, and the tension between discipline and emotional depth.Mirza Ghalib · 8 chaptersGhazal Explained8:41Wajood ka Bojh – Ghalib Ghazal Explainedवजूद का बोझThis video explores Mirza Ghalib's iconic ghazal 'Na tha kuchh to Khuda tha', delving into its philosophical depth about existence and identity. Through a close reading of key couplets, the explainer unpacks Ghalib's reflections on the burden of being and the pain of consciousness. The discussion connects Ghalib's ideas to contemporary life, offering timeless insights.Mirza Ghalib · 5 chaptersPoet 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 Explained7:31Mathematical Structure of Ghazalग़ज़ल का गणितीय ढांचाThis video explores the mathematical framework underlying the ghazal, a classical form of Urdu poetry. It breaks down the structure, including sher, misra, matla, maqta, qafiya, radif, and beher, showing how emotion and strict poetic rules combine. The episode reveals how the ghazal is more than just a love poem—it's a poetic technology shaped by centuries of evolution.Urdu Poetry · 7 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 chaptersPoet Stories8:36Faraz's Resistance: Ahmad Farazफ़राज़ का प्रतिरोधThis video explores the poetic resistance of Ahmad Faraz against military dictatorship in Pakistan. It delves into how Faraz's pen became a symbol of defiance and hope, inspiring many through his verses. The story highlights his journey from romance to revolution, and the enduring legacy of his words.Ahmad Faraz · 6 chaptersPoet Stories6:25Mirza Ghalib: Classical to Modernआख़िरी क्लासिकल, पहला आधुनिकThis video explores how Mirza Ghalib transformed Urdu poetry at a time of immense social upheaval. Ghalib broke away from the rigid classical ghazal, introducing modern themes and conversational language. His work bridged the gap between royal courts and the modern world, making him both the last classical and the first modern Urdu poet.Mirza Ghalib · 7 chapters