Mirza Ghalib’s Calcutta Journey: A Love Affair with the City of Joy

Mirza Ghalib, the famous poet, always amazed me with his beautiful poetry. His poems are like a mix of classic style and new ideas, talking about deep things with fancy words. His poems about love, sadness, and life always mesmerized me.

हज़ारों ख़्वाहिशें ऐसी कि हर ख़्वाहिश पे दम निकले

बहुत निकले मेरे अरमान लेकिन फिर भी कम निकले

(I have a thousand yearnings, and each one afflicts me so,

Many were fulfilled for sure, but not enough)

Recently, I found out something interesting about Ghalib’s life that changed him a lot. I live in Kolkata, known as the “City of Joy,” and I see every day how this city is a mix of culture, history, and vibrancy that defines its beauty.

Beyond iconic structures like the Howrah Bridge and the Victoria Memorial, Kolkata’s allure emanates from its rich cultural heritage and warm, welcoming community. The historic lanes of North Kolkata, adorned with colonial-era structures, weave tales of a bygone era, contributing to the city’s distinctive charm. Festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali transform their streets into vibrant spectacles, embodying why Kolkata is renowned as the “City of Joy.”

The arts and literature in Kolkata also make it special, and Ghalib felt that during his time here. Literary events in the city are open and friendly, a safe place for creative people. Ghalib, like many others, got ideas from the city’s culture and felt a strong connection with Kolkata.

In Ghalib’s letters, he talks nicely about how Kolkata stole his heart. He said the city felt like a place where everything could be fixed except death. The talented people, open-minded events, and the special atmosphere left a big mark on Ghalib’s art. Kolkata’s beauty was not just about its looks but also about its happy spirit and cultural richness.

Ghalib’s journey to Kolkata was necessitated by the suspension of his pension by the British rulers. During Bahadur Shah Zaffar’s reign, Ghalib’s poetry had enraptured the last Mughal emperor. However, under British rule, the emperor became a pensioner, leading to stringent monitoring of his visitors, including Ghalib.

Ghalib’s link with Kolkata was not just about asking for his money back; it changed his life. His time in Kolkata shaped how he wrote and made him love the city’s culture even more.

Ghalib’s love for Kolkata is clear in his poem, “Safar-e-Kalkattah.” This poem talks about his stay in Haveli No 133, Simla Market Area. The words in the poem show how much Ghalib liked the city and how it affected his writing, making him switch from Urdu to Persian.

Immersed in Kolkata’s intellectual circles, Ghalib experienced a literary world distinct from the formality of Delhi’s courts. The liberal and flexible atmosphere became a catalyst for his creative expression, a departure from the traditions of his familiar world.

Ghalib’s time in Kolkata made him try new things in his writing. As a famous poet in the city, people loved and critiqued his work. During this time, Ghalib wrote two Persian poems, “Chiragh-e Dair” (Lamp of the Temple) and “Bad-e Mukhalif” (Adverse Winds).

Ghalib’s meeting with Kolkata changed how he wrote, making him try new languages and enjoy the friendly literary events in the city. His letters and poems show how much he loved Kolkata, making his connection with the “City of Joy” last forever. Calcutta or Kolkata’s charm, dating back to 1827, holds the enchanting power to fill hearts with the fortunes of love, making it a truly timeless city of joy.