How to Write Ghazal

Ghazal dates back to the 10^th century AD, and it was first invented in Persia. This form of poetry is highly popular in North India, Pakistan and Iran and it is now gaining popularity all across the world as the poetic form has now been adopted in the English language as well. Although the experience of listening to Ghazal can prove to be highly, it is not so easy to write this form of poetry. In fact, the format and style are more adapted to the Urdu language, which is the original language in which this type of poetry is written. Adapting the rhyming scheme and pattern of the traditional Ghazal to the English language is not always so simple. But with some effort, you will surely learn how to write ghazal, whether in Urdu or in English.

A ghazal arrangement basically consists of two line couplets. Each couplet is called a sheyer and normally it is required to have at least 5 couplets to form a proper ghazal. There are 3 distinct schemes that must be followed - refrain scheme, rhyme scheme and the rhyme - refrain scheme. The refrain scheme is the most common factor that binds each couplet. The refrain occurs at the end of both lines in the first couplet and at the end of the second line of the second and following couplets. The first couplet is known as matalaa. It is important to note that continuity or flow of the theme is not a necessity, and this is a definite advantage to those who have just started learning how to write Ghazal.

The rhyme and refrain of the Ghazal work hand in hand, hence when learning how to write Ghazal you will also have to master the techniques of making rhyme and rhythm tally with each other. The rhyming scheme makes it clear that a Ghazal with 5 couplets will possess 6 rhyming words, i.e. twice in the first couplet and once in the following 4 couplets. You should also know that all 6 words must be different and the refrains must remain the same throughout. If this seems confusing, the illustration below can be of some help:

Couplet 1: rhyme followed by refrain, rhyme followed by refrain

Couplet 2: some words, rhyming word followed by refrain

Couplet 3: some words, rhyming word followed by refrain

Couplet 4: some words, rhyming word followed by refrain

If you have just started to learn how to write Ghazal and you would like to get a real feel of this form of poetry, or if you are simply in need of inspiration, then you should take a listen to some of the famous works by Mirza Galib, who is considered as the best ghazal writer of the late 18^th to early 19^th century. More famous contemporary Ghazal poets worth reading or listening to would be Kaifi Azmi, Pankaj Udhas, Jagjeet Singh, Ghulam Ali and Mehndi Hassan, just to name a few. Take a listen to some of the best ghazals at www.shayeri.net or www.musicindiaonline.com