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.

Ghazal Explained10:31Ye Na Thi Hamari Qismat – Ghalib Ghazal Explainedये न थी हमारी क़िस्मत: मुकम्मल इंतज़ार की ग़ज़लDive into Mirza Ghalib's iconic ghazal 'Ye Na Thi Hamari Qismat', a timeless expression of unfulfilled love and eternal waiting. This video unpacks the historical context, profound symbolism, and mystical layers of Ghalib's poetry. Each couplet is explained with clarity, revealing the emotional and philosophical depth of this masterpiece.Mirza Ghalib · 9 chaptersGhazal Explained9:28Patta Patta Boota Boota – Mir Taqi Mir Ghazalपत्ता पत्ता बूटा बूटाExplore the timeless ghazal 'Patta Patta Boota Boota' by Mir Taqi Mir, a poetic masterpiece capturing unrequited love and the pain of 18th-century Delhi. This video unpacks the symbolism, couplets, and enduring influence of Mir's work, from inspiring Ghalib to Bollywood melodies. Discover why Mir's words remain the ultimate voice for broken hearts.Mir Taqi Mir · 9 chaptersGhazal Explained8:19Ghalib's Koi Ummeed Bar Nahin Aati Explainedकोई उम्मीद बर नहीं आतीExplore Mirza Ghalib’s iconic ghazal 'Koi Ummeed Bar Nahin Aati', written in 1847 during the decline of the Mughal Empire. This video unpacks the poem’s deep reflection on despair, mortality, and the exhaustion of hope, shaped by Ghalib’s personal tragedies. Discover the symbolism, language, and enduring cultural impact of this masterpiece.Mirza Ghalib · 8 chaptersGhazal Explained9:35Dil-e-naadaan Explained – Mirza Ghalibदिल-ए-नादाँ तुझे हुआ क्या हैExplore Mirza Ghalib's iconic ghazal 'Dil-e-naadaan tujhe hua kya hai', written during a time of personal and societal turmoil. This video unpacks the ghazal's deep questions on love, heartbreak, and existence, revealing its Sufi symbolism and timeless relevance. Each couplet is explained with context, symbolism, and meaning.Mirza Ghalib · 8 chaptersGhazal Explained8:38Hangama Hai Kyun Barpa – Ghazal Explainedहंगामा है क्यूँ बरपाExplore the political and spiritual metaphors in Akbar Allahabadi's iconic ghazal 'Hangama Hai Kyun Barpa'. This video unpacks how the poet, a lifelong teetotaler, uses the symbol of wine to challenge critics and promote liberal thought and unity. Discover the deeper meanings behind the verses and their relevance in today's world.Akbar Allahabadi · 9 chaptersGhazal Explained7:23Ze-Hal-e-Miskin: Khusrau's Ghazal Explainedज़े-हाल-ए-मिस्कीं: ख़ुसरव का अमर गीतDiscover the story and symbolism behind Amir Khusrau's legendary ghazal 'Ze-Hal-e-Miskin'. This episode explores its Sufi roots, macaronic language, and its role in shaping the Ganga-Jamani Tehzeeb. Learn how this 700-year-old poem continues to resonate in music and culture today.Amir Khusrau · 8 chaptersGhazal Explained6:03Lagtā Nahīn Hai Dil Mirā – Zafar's Ghazal Explainedलगता नहीं है दिल मिरा उजड़े दयार मेंExplore Bahadur Shah Zafar's iconic ghazal, written in exile after the fall of Delhi in 1857. This video unpacks the historical context, symbolism, and deep sorrow behind each couplet. Discover how Zafar's poetry became the lament of a lost empire and a displaced king.Bahadur Shah Zafar · 8 chaptersGhazal Explained9:21Hazaron Khwahishen Aisi — Ghalib Ghazal Explainedहज़ारों ख़्वाहिशें ऐसीExplore Mirza Ghalib's iconic ghazal 'Hazaron Khwahishen Aisi', a profound meditation on the endless nature of human desires. This video unpacks the historical context, poetic devices, and deep symbolism of each couplet, revealing Ghalib's wit, pain, and philosophical insight. Discover why this ghazal remains a timeless reflection of human longing.Mirza Ghalib · 7 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 chapters