Uttar Pradesh has a very rich tradition of poetry. The
poetry in Utter Pradesh is done in nearly all the languages but the
torchbearers are Hindi and Urdu. Apart from that, Awadhi and Braj Bhasha
also contribute a lot. The poetry recitation is an integral part of the
poetry culture and that is why you will find these recitation functions
happening in every other towns and cities of Uttar Pradesh. It is very
heartening to see that younger generation is successfully carrying
forward this rich tradition.
Hindi Poetry in Uttar Pradesh
Hindi being mother tongue of UP has quite a significant influence on
society and its contemplation. The language through its poetry reflects
the mood and aspiration of the masses. Uttar Pradesh has produced some
of the well-known laureates of this art form. The significant names
among them include Suryakant Tripathi Nirala, Sumitra Nandan Pant, Kavi
Pradeep and Harivansh Rai Bacchhan. Among the historical figures Kabir
and Ramanand rule the roost. The recitation ceremony is called 'Kavi
Sammelan' or 'Kavi Sangosthi' in Hindi. Many a times separate recitation
ceremonies are arranged for humorous poetry. The masters of this genre
include names like Kaka Hathrasi, Ashok Chakradhar and Surendra Sharma.
Urdu Poetry in Uttar Pradesh
Urdu poetry has a tradition that cannot be matched by any language in
India in terms of its spread, impact and rebellion. Uttar Pradesh feels
pride in telling that Urdu was conceived and saw its zenith in this
state only. The Urdu poetry that owes its birth to Royal courts came out
of its influence gradually and became the lingua franka of freedom
movement in India. Urdu poetry also became tool in the hands of those
left leaning poets and activists who wanted to narrow the class divide
in India. Uttar Pradesh has produced a majority of poets in the course
of history. The classical list includes names like Mirza Dabir and Mir
Aneesh. Even in the modern times names like Firaq Gorakhpuri, Josh
Malihabadi, Akbar Allahabadi, Mazaz Lakhnavi, Kaifi Azmi, Ali Sardar
Jafri, Shaqeel Badayuni and Nida Fazili have carried the flag of
revolution. Most of the time, poems of these writers used to be based on
themes like hunger, gender equality, class equality, secularism and
poverty. That was quite a welcome change from the early phase where only
love, wine and betrayal were considered the core issues.
Poetry in Other Languages in Uttar Pradesh
Apart from Hindi and Urdu, Awadhi and Braj Bhasha are the languages
that have a rich poetry tradition. The former was the lingua franka of
Sufi poets and saints in Oudh. That is why the language has a very
impressive collection of Sufi poetry most of them written by poets such
as Baba Farid and Amir Khusrau. While on other hand Braj Bhasha was the
language of Lord Krishna. It is therefore very natural that almost
entire collection of poetries in Braj Bhasha is based around the theme
of Krishna and his love with Radha.
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