An Exploratory Study of Distress and Redemption in Ghalib's "Yeh Na Thi Hamari Qismat"

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the human pain, loss, and the search for the salvation in Mirza Ghalib's invaluable Urdu ghazal "Yeh na thi hamari qismat". The paper takes up the qualitative approach to see the sights for tenderness and salvation in Ghalib’s poetry. The paper uses Herman’s trauma theory by Judith Herman as framework for the study and translation on Ghalib’s poetry by Ralph Russell. Through trauma theory applied to Ghalib's poetry, we seek to discover the psychological aspects of the suffering and redemption portrayed in the ghazal which will, in the turn, illuminate the complex interrelationship between the personal traumas and the search for meaning and peace. Moreover, this study reveals the stress of suffering, trauma recovery and survival in a subtle manner and this illustrates the enduring power of the ghazal as well as the universal appeal to audiences the world over regardless of age or nationality. Through the interaction of poetry and trauma theory, Ghalib’s poem is still able to deliver abiding life messages.