Shauq Baharaichi: Remembering A Forgotten Poet On His 140th Year

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 8 June 2024 Barbaad Gulistaan Karne Ko Bas Ek Hi Ulloo Kaafi Tha Har Shaakh Pe Ulloo Baitha Hai, Anjaam-E-Gulistaan Kya Hoga (One owl is enough to destroy the entire garden/ Now when owls are perched on every branch, what will be the fate of the garden?) Shauq Baharaichi ------ Most of us have come across this very popular couplet but hardly anyone is aware as to who penned it? Shauq Baharaichi wrote it. June 6 was his 140th birth anniversary. He was born on June 6, 1884. But hardly any Hindi or Urdu daily paid homage to him. Famous for satire and humour, Shauq was also famous for Fil-Badeeh (extemporaneous) poetry. His real name was Riyasat Hussain Rizvi. Shauq was Shel Silverstein and Edward Lear of India. Just read this couplet of Shauq Saheb, "Bas Iss Liye Rahbar Pe Nahin Mujh Ko Bharosa/ Buddhu Hai Woh Khud Raah Bhatak Jaaye Toh Kya Ho" (I don't rely on my guide/ He's a fool, he himself may get lost). One more couplet of Shauq Bahraichi is often quoted, "Safha-e-Dil Pe Nazar Aate Hain Ab Daagh Hi Daagh/ God Daala Kisi Kambakht Ne Saara Kaaghaz " (Only scars are visible on the page of heart/ Someone seems to have tattooed the entire page). This couplet will make you laugh, "Kis Tarah Jaata Koi Manzil-E-Maqsood Ki Taraf/ Koi Ikka, Koi Taanga, Koi Rickshaw Na Mila" (How can one reach the goal? / There was no Tonga, buggy or rickshaw). Or this one, "Ik Woh Zaalim Hi Nahin Mujh Pe Jafa Karta Hai/ Aasmaan Bhi Isi Chakkar Mein Raha Karta Hai" (She's not the one who dislikes and ditches me/ Providence also does the same to me). This one takes the cake, "Jab Bhi Woh Baithte Hain Likhne Ko Iqraar-e-Wafa/ Gaon Bhar Mein Nahin Milta Kahin Purza Kaaghaz" (Whenever she sits to write the acceptance of love/ Alas, there's no piece of paper anywhere). Now read this truly sarcastic couplet of Shauq, "Ab Khuda Ke Liye Rakh Hum Pe Karam Ae Naaseh/ Hain Pareshaan Teri Bakvaas Se Hum Ae Naaseh (Oh preacher, for heaven's sake, have mercy on us/ We've had enough of your drivel) and this one is so perennially true, "Hazaron Chahne Wale Hain Un Ke/ Kam Un Ki Income Nahin Hai " (He has many admirers/ He earns a lot). Though it's like a typical back-of-the-truck / auto rickshaw poetry such as Log Poochhenge Kaise Hain / Jab Tak Aap Ke Paas Paise Hain, it's ever-relevant. He wrote philosophical couplets as well. This one must be mentioned, "Maine Yoon Dil Ko Banaya Aaina/ Aina-Gar Ko Bhi Hairat Ho Gayee" (I've converted my heart into such a mirror/ Even a mirror-maker was astonished). He saw the vicissitudes of life and wrote tellingly, "Shayari Se Jo Logon Ko Hansate Hain / Apni Zindagi Mein Aksar Gham Khaate Hain" (Those who amuse people with their poetry/ Are often at the receiving end of life). He lived in abject penury throughout his life. His witty use of English words lent a dash of humour to his poetry. Let me end my tribute to him with this couplet which he wrote when someone said that Shauq didn't write besides humour, "Vaiz, Ye Gulistaan, Ye Baharein, Ye Ghataaein/ Saaghar Koi Aise Mein Khanak Jaaye Toh Kya Ho" (Oh, the religious moralist, this garden, spring and clouds/ What will happen if a goblet clinks here?). This is indeed a tragedy that we know almost nothing of such a fine poet. But then, who cares for poets and poetry in these philistine times with plebeian tastes? ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/shauq-baharaichi-poet/d/132470 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism