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Hazaaron khwahishen aisi ke har khwahish pe dam nikle by Mirza Ghalib — Analysis & Translation

2 min read Urdu

Original Poem

Hazaaron khwahishen aisi ke har khwahish pe dam nikle Bahut niklay mere armaan, lekin phir bhi kam nikle

Translation (English)

Thousands of desires, each so intense that it could take my breath away Many of my wishes came true, but still, they were too few

About the Poet

Mirza Ghalib (19th century)

Mirza Asadullah Beg Khan, known as Mirza Ghalib, was an Indian poet who wrote in Persian and Urdu during the Mughal Empire's final years. His poetry often explored themes of love, loss, and philosophy, and he is renowned for his ghazals. Ghalib's work remains influential in Urdu literature.

Read more on Wikipedia →

Historical Context

Literary Form
ghazal
When Written
19th century
Background
The poem reflects Ghalib's exploration of human desires and the inevitable dissatisfaction that accompanies them. It is a reflection on the nature of human aspirations and the complexities of life.

Sources: https://www.rekhta.org/ghazals/hazaaron-khvaahishen-aisii-ki-har-khvaahish-pe-dam-nikle-mirza-ghalib-ghazals, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghalib

Detailed Explanation

This couplet by Mirza Ghalib captures the insatiable nature of human desires. The poet expresses that he has countless wishes, each so intense that fulfilling them could be overwhelming. Despite many of his desires being realized, he still finds them insufficient, highlighting the endless cycle of human longing and the perpetual state of dissatisfaction. Ghalib uses this couplet to reflect on the human condition, where desires are limitless and fulfillment is always just out of reach. The imagery of desires being so powerful that they could 'take one's breath away' underscores the intensity and passion of human aspirations. This ghazal is a poignant commentary on the nature of desire and the inherent dissatisfaction that comes with it, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the weight of unfulfilled dreams.

Themes

  • Desire
  • Dissatisfaction
  • Human Condition

Literary Devices

  • Imagery: The poet uses vivid imagery to convey the overwhelming nature of desires.
  • Metaphor: Desires are compared to something that can 'take one's breath away'.
  • Repetition: The word 'nikle' is repeated to emphasize the recurring nature of desires.

Word Dictionary

Word Meaning Translation Transliteration
Hazaaron بہت زیادہ thousands hazaaaron
khwahishen خواہشات desires khwaahishein
aisi ایسا like this aisi
ke کہ that ke
har ہر every har
pe پر on pe
dam سانس breath dam
nikle نکلے came out nikle
Bahut بہت many bahut
niklay نکلے came out niklay
mere میرے my mere
armaan آرزوئیں wishes armaan
lekin لیکن but lekin
phir پھر still phir
bhi بھی also bhi
kam کم few kam

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