Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Evening in Old Delhi Explores History and Urdu Poetry
Imagine visiting a very old and famous neighborhood in a big city where great poets used to live!
That's what this event was about.
Two experts, Sohail Hashmi and Saif Mahmood, talked about the beautiful poems written a long time ago in Delhi.
They explained how a language called Urdu grew through these poems.
The poems told stories about the city – how it was amazing, how it changed, and how it faced hard times but always bounced back.
It was like listening to the city's own memories told in verse.
They even read sad poems about the city's troubles and loving poems about its people.
It was a special night celebrating Delhi's past and the power of its poetry.
An evening event was held in Old Delhi, specifically in Gali Qasim Jan, Ballimaran, at the historic Ahata Kale Sahab.
Historian Sohail Hashmi and littérateur Dr Saif Mahmood led a discussion on the literary heritage of Delhi and the evolution of Urdu poetry.
The discussion traced the journey of Urdu from the influence of Persian to its development in the late 18th and mid-19th centuries.
Poetry from various prominent poets like Mir, Ghalib, Hatim, and others was shared, reflecting the city's splendor, decline, and resilience.
Themes explored included the city's history, socio-cultural dynamics, and the poetic form known as Shahr Ashob (a lament for the city).
- Who
- Historian Sohail Hashmi and littérateur Dr Saif Mahmood, alongside 'Dilliwallahas' (residents of Delhi)
- What
- An evening exploring Delhi's literary heritage and history through Urdu poetry, discussing the city's evolution, its splendor, decline, and resilience.
- When
- An evening (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Ahata Kale Sahab, a historic mohalla residence in Gali Qasim Jan, Ballimaran, Old Delhi.
- Why
- To collectively explore and understand Delhi's rich history, literary heritage, and resilience through its poetry and cultural narratives.
Poetic Lament for Delhi
Poetic Celebration of Delhi
City's Fortunes
Poetic Lament for Delhi
Poetry reflects the city's decline, plunder, and ruins, as seen in couplets by Shaikh Zuhuruddin, Hali, and Mir Taqi Mir lamenting its desolation.
Poetic Celebration of Delhi
Poetry also captures the city's splendor, charm, and resilience, even amidst its troubles, as expressed by Zauq and Mushafi's descriptions of Delhi belles and its enduring appeal.
Urban Identity
Poetic Lament for Delhi
The city's transformation and hardships are highlighted, suggesting a loss of its former glory.
Poetic Celebration of Delhi
The enduring spirit and unique character of Delhi are celebrated, emphasizing its cultural richness and the affection it inspires.
- Event
- An evening of poetry and discussion on Delhi's history and literary heritage
- Location
- Gali Qasim Jan, Ballimaran, Old Delhi
- Venue
- Ahata Kale Sahab (historic mohalla residence)
- Organizers
- Karwaan: The Heritage Exploration Initiative in collaboration with Project Mohalla
- Speakers
- Sohail Hashmi (historian), Dr Saif Mahmood (littérateur)
- Focus
- Evolution of Urdu poetry, Delhi's history, socio-cultural dynamics, city's splendor, decline, and resilience
- Poetic Forms/Themes
- Shahr Ashob (lament for the city), ghazals, love poetry, philosophical verses
- Key Poets Mentioned
- Mir, Ghalib, Hatim, Wali Mohammad Wali Dakhni, Bashir Badr, Zauq, Hali, Mushafi Ghulam Hamdani, Khwaja Meer Dard