The Revolution of 1857 and the Attitude of Mirza Ghalib

Mirza Asad Ullah Khan Ghalib is undoubtedly one of the great Urdu poets. His poetry is a great addition to the Urdu literature. However many people are interested in knowing that what was the attitude of mirza Ghalib during the revolt of soldiers in 1857.

It is but natural for the people to expect a good poet to write something on the revolt, which happened in front of his eyes. However, it is an unfortunate fact that Ghalib did not write any Urdu or Persian poetry about the revolution of 1857.

The study of Ghalib’s life shows very vividly that Ghalib was not indifferent to the political situation of his times. In fact, he was totally aware and planned for his own material benefits accordingly. Ghalib was apparently one of the advisors of Bahadur Shah Zafar; however, he knew that if he does his role sincerely the British are not going to like it. So, he went ahead and wrote a book called ‘Dast-e-Ambooh’ in the Persian language. He tried to convince everyone that Dast-e-Ambooh gave the right accounts of the war. However, it was not true. That book was in fact to please the British, which he eventually did and the book was published.

In his Urdu letters to his friends, he talked a little about the revolution but every time he just admonished the Muslims and did not say a word about the British.

Therefore, Ghalib’s contribution to the Urdu literature is admirable; however, his role in the revolution of 1857 is not.