اُردو غزل کا معاصر منظرنامہ: موضوعاتی وسعت اور اسلوبی تجربات THE CONTEMPORARY LANDSCAPE OF URDU GHAZAL: THEMATIC BREADTH AND STYLISTIC EXPERIMENTS Section Urdu Literature

Abstract

The contemporary Urdu ghazal has emerged as a vibrant literary form that preserves its classical heritage while simultaneously embracing new themes and stylistic innovations. In the literary context of the twenty-first century, the ghazal is no longer confined to the expression of romance or the aesthetics of beauty; rather, it has expanded to address pressing social, political, cultural, and existential concerns. Contemporary poets increasingly incorporate issues such as individual alienation, social oppression, global political transformations, cyber culture, and postmodern sensibilities, thereby extending the thematic breadth of the ghazal. Alongside this thematic evolution, significant stylistic shifts have also taken place. While traditional symbolism and classical metaphors remain, they are now complemented by fresh imagery, everyday language, prosaic tones, and experimental techniques, offering the ghazal new dimensions of expression. This study aims to highlight how the contemporary Urdu ghazal negotiates its rootedness in tradition while simultaneously adapting to changing cultural and intellectual currents. In doing so, the ghazal stands not only as a testament to its enduring relevance but also as a mirror of the literary consciousness of the modern generation.