Thursday, January 15, 2009

ASAD - 41


Originally posted on rec.music.indian.misc in 1995

In connection to the discussion on name ASAD, let me present a Sher which emphasizes the usage of 'taKHallus'. Most of the Shayars write using an alias or "taKHallus". They are better known by their 'taKHallus' rather than by their orginal name. eg. Mirza AsadullaaKHaN used 'GHalib' and in his early days he used the name 'Asad', which I have been so shamelessly using in the catchline of this series.

The 'taKHallus' appears in the last Sher or 'maqta' of the GHazal. The tradition started, IMO, because in the past, this was the only way to claim the credit. It can appear in the 'maqta' without having any effect on the meaning of the Sher or a Shayar can use his 'taKHallus' to address himself.

But sometimes the usage is just brilliant. Following Sher presents a rare example, where the Shayar is using the MEANING of his 'taKHallus' !

qaasid = postman

koi naam-o-nishaaN puchhe, to ai qaasid bataa dena
taKHallus 'Daag' hai, aur aashiqoN ke dil me rehate haiN
- Daag Dehalvi

And with Shers like this, why not ?

- Abhay.
ASAD _also_ stands for "A Sher A Day" !

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