Hindostan Hamara : Vols. 12

The two-volume book Hindostan Hamara, edited by the renowned poet Jan Nisar Akhtar, reveals a form of Urdu poetry that had previously received little attention. It is often believed that Urdu poetry is limited to individual love, compassion, and struggle, and has nothing to do with time, society, nation, nature, and history. However, this is a complete misconception, as confirmed by the hundreds of poems compiled in both volumes of this book. Along with patriotism, these poems also highlight Indias nature, traditions, and history. There are a dozen poems on the Himalayas, the Ganga, the Yamuna, the Sangam, and others, while the swan, the shepherds flute, and paddy fields are also not untouched. Urdu poets have also written a large number of poems on festivals like Holi and Vasantotsav. Among these, the works of Mir and Nazir have been quite popular. Poets have focused not only on the Taj Mahal but also on the ruins of Ajanta, Ellora, and Nalanda. Poems have been written on various cities and freedom fighters across the country, as well as on deities like Ram, Krishna, and Shiva. Furthermore, great Sanskrit poems like Kumar Sambhav, Abhigyan Shakuntalam, and Meghadoot have been translated into Urdu, a glimpse of which is found in this collection. Overall, this is a facet of Urdu poetry that remained largely hidden until this collection. This collection, highlighting the contribution of Urdu poetry to Indias composite culture, holds historical significance. First published in 1965, this collection, highlighting the second tradition of Urdu poetry, which is, in fact, the main tradition, has been unavailable for many years. Now, Rajkamal Prakashan, New Delhi, is publishing it in its original form with a new layout.