The pillars of Urdu literary world

By the Urdu literary world, I refer to all the elements, which contribute to the development, promotion, or enrichment of the Urdu language. There are five main categories, which are considered to be satisfying this definition.

Elimination or deterioration of even one of these can rapidly make the Urdu language stale and undesired. A brief description of each of the pillars of the Urdu literary world is as follows.

• Urdu poetry

The poetry of the Urdu language was the first to develop. It is nearly one thousand years old. The range of the topics of the Urdu language is enchantingly diverse. It conveys the messages of peace and harmony. It has romantic ballads. It touches current affairs and social issues. It played a huge role in the awakening of the Muslims of the subcontinent, which eventually lead to the ousting of the British.

• Urdu short story

Urdu short story is fortunate to see writers like Krishan Chander, Ghulam Abbas, Asmat Chugtai, and Manto. These writers did a great service to the society by constantly exploring the poignant and taboo topics.  

• Urdu novel

Urdu novel does not need more description than mentioning a simple fact that it has seen writers like Qurat ul Ain Haider and Mumtaz Mufti.

• Urdu journalism

Many people think that journalism has nothing to do with the literature. However, the Urdu journalism has seen columnists like Ibn Insha, Javed Chaudary, and Amjad Islam Amjad, the names of whom are enough to nullify the statement.