In a remarkable homage to one of Urdu literature’s greatest figures, the Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Hind has organised a special exhibition to celebrate the tricentenary of Mir Taqi Mir (1723–1810), the revered poet often referred to as Khuda-e-Sukhan (God of Poetry).
This exhibition, inaugurated on January 11, 2025, and open to the public until January 17, brings together a rare collection of Mir’s manuscripts, books, the stories he wrote for his son, his Ghazal’s and Masnavi (The Spiritual Couplet) Collection and documents that offer a deep and intimate insight into the life and work of the literary giant.
A treasure trove of literary artefacts
The exhibition features an impressive array of Mir’s works, including:
Zikr-e-Mir: Two different manuscripts of Mir’s autobiography, penned in 1807. These documents provide an intimate look into Mir’s life, his personal struggles, and his poetic journey, offering invaluable insights into his personal reflections.
Kulliyat-e-Mir: Three manuscripts of his collected works, essential for understanding the breadth of his poetry.
Tazkira Nikat-ush-Shora: A biography of poets written by Mir himself, showcasing his engagement with contemporary literary circles and his influence on Urdu poetry.
Mir’s Bayaaz: His personal notebook, revealing Mir’s private thoughts and creative processes.
A highlight is the 1811 edition of Kulliyat-e-Mir, the first print run after Mir’s death by Fort William College in Kolkata, bridging the gap between manuscript and print history.
An exhibition of unmatched literary treasures
The exhibition offers an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to engage with some of the most significant and rare works of Mir Taqi Mir.
A focal point of the event is the display of at least two different manuscripts of Zikr-e-Mir, the autobiography of the poet, which provides rare insights into his personal life, his struggles, and his evolution as a poet. Written in 1807, these manuscripts offer an intimate view of Mir’s thoughts and reflections, making them an invaluable piece of literary history.
Equally notable is the display of three different manuscripts of Kulliyat-e-Mir, a comprehensive collection of his poetry that remains a cornerstone of classical Urdu literature.
The exhibition also showcases a manuscript of Tazkira Nikat-ush-Shora, a biography of poets written by Mir himself, demonstrating his engagement with the literary circles of his time and his influence on subsequent generations of poets.
Adding to the significance of the event is the presentation of Mir’s bayaaz (personal notebook), which provides further glimpses into the poet’s private musings and thoughts. Such intimate documents allow visitors to better understand the depth and range of Mir’s intellect and creativity.
A particularly important feature of the exhibition is the inclusion of printed versions of Kulliyat-e-Mir, including the first-ever printed edition published in 1811, a year after Mir’s death. This edition was printed by the Fort William College in Kolkata, and seeing this rare, early edition in person offers an unparalleled connection to the literary history of the subcontinent.
The revival of Zikr-e-Mir: Censorship and restoration
One of the standout elements of the exhibition is the attention given to Zikr-e-Mir. In past versions of this autobiography, parts of the text were censored due to their perceived obscenity, particularly a section in the final portion of the work.
However, the Anjuman has restored these sections, and for the first time, the full autobiography has been translated into Urdu by scholar Dr Sadaf Fatima. These previously omitted sections reveal more candid aspects of Mir’s life, which were considered too controversial in earlier times.
Dr Sadaf Fatima, Sub Editor at Urdu Ghar, shared insights with Patriot about the history of Mir’s autobiography.
“Mir’s autobiography, published in 1928, had portions censored by the Anjuman’s general secretary,” she explained. “Some jokes were removed from the text.”
She further added, “After nearly 98 years, the Anjuman attempted to revive the complete text, but it still wasn’t published.”
“Last year, we finally published Zikre Mir in its entirety in Urdu,” Dr Fatima said. “It was a tribute to the idea that whatever the Anjuman censored, we should revive.”
Dr Fatima’s translation of Zikr-e-Mir, including the previously censored parts, provides an opportunity for the public to engage with the poet’s unfiltered thoughts and reflections. This complete edition marks a critical moment in the preservation and dissemination of Mir’s literary legacy, allowing contemporary readers to appreciate his full range of expressions, both as a poet and a person.
A technological leap: Digitalisation of Mir’s manuscripts
In keeping with the times, Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Hind has not only focused on preserving physical manuscripts but has also embraced technology to ensure the accessibility of Mir’s work for future generations. The organisation has undertaken a major effort to digitise all of Mir’s manuscripts and rare books in collaboration with the Noor Microfilm Centre and Iran Culture House, New Delhi.
This digital archive ensures that these precious literary works will be preserved long after the exhibition has concluded and remain accessible to scholars, researchers, and literary enthusiasts worldwide.
The digitisation effort also speaks to a broader vision of making Mir’s work more accessible and facilitating research for future generations of writers, historians, and academics.
As Fatima explained, “Digital versions will be available for researchers and writers even after the exhibition is over.”
Bilal Ahmed, a key figure in the digital restoration efforts, explained how each page is carefully worked on in Photoshop to ensure the text remains legible for future generations. “We digitise it, and then it is worked on each page in Photoshop to preserve the letters so that they don’t get damaged,” he said, emphasising the meticulous work involved in keeping these historical documents intact.
Manuscripts from historic libraries
The exhibition itself displayed original and gathered manuscripts of Mir’s poetry, many of which were sourced from prominent collections like the Shibli Memorial Library of Urdu Ghar, Rampur Raza Library, Aligarh Muslim University’s Azad Library, and the Hyderabad Library. Some of these manuscripts date back over 200 years, showcasing the poet’s enduring influence on literary history and his continued presence in the cultural memory of South Asia.
The preservation and display of these manuscripts not only reflect the importance of Mir’s legacy but also highlight the collective effort to keep his work alive and accessible across generations.
The role of manuscripts in literary research
For scholars of Urdu literature, Persian studies, and history, the exhibition is an invaluable resource. Fatima emphasised the importance of having these manuscripts under one roof. She highlighted how such exhibitions serve as a vital tool for researchers and students, saying, “Manuscripts are the basis of any authentic research and compilation. This exhibition is a great help to those who are working on Mir Taqi Mir’s life and legacy.”
By presenting these manuscripts, Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Hind has provided an academic boon to those interested in the works of Mir, allowing them to analyse and work with the original texts rather than relying on secondary sources.
Dr Sadaf said: “So this exhibition was the attempt, that all the things of Mir that we have, the Urdu, non-Urdu people, those who are interested in Mir, they should come and see and whatever they want, because it’s accessible and if anyone wants to work so they can come here and see and work on the manuscript as well.”
A year-long celebration of Mir’s tricentenary
The exhibition is part of a broader initiative to celebrate the tricentenary of Mir Taqi Mir’s birth. The Anjuman has been organising a year-long series of activities dedicated to his life and works. In addition to the exhibition, these celebrations include discussions, festivals, book launches, and special journal editions. One of the major highlights of the celebrations was the release of a complete translation of Zikr-e-Mir on January 22, 2024, during an event at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Furthermore, the Anjuman organised a three-day festival in February 2024 in collaboration with the India International Centre, which celebrated Mir’s life in his home city of Shahjahanabad (now part of Delhi). The festival also focused on the influence of Mir’s work on the city’s culture and literary scene.
Another significant publication released as part of the tricentenary celebrations was a special issue of Urdu Adab, the quarterly journal published by Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Hind since 1921. The issue, launched on January 11, 2025, is dedicated to Mir Taqi Mir, further cementing his place as a central figure in Urdu literature.
Preserving a literary icon
The Zikr-e-Mir exhibition is not only a celebration of the poet’s life but also an essential effort in preserving his works for future generations.
By making rare manuscripts accessible and focusing on the digitisation of these texts, the Anjuman ensures that Mir’s contributions to Urdu literature are safeguarded. As Fatima aptly stated, “This exhibition will leave a lasting impact on the literary community, and the digital archives will help keep the works of Mir Taqi Mir alive for future scholars.”
This exhibition, with its rare manuscripts, digital archives, and scholarly importance, highlights the deep respect and admiration for Mir Taqi Mir’s legacy. Through this celebration, Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Hind has provided the public and scholars with the rare privilege of delving into the mind of one of the greatest poets in Urdu’s history.
A must-visit for literary enthusiasts
For those passionate about Urdu literature and the timeless work of Mir Taqi Mir, this exhibition offers a unique and unmissable opportunity. It is a rare chance to connect with the legacy of a poet who has profoundly shaped the course of Urdu poetry and whose words continue to resonate centuries after they were written.
The exhibition is open until January 17, 2025, at Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu Hind, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the poetic genius of Mir Taqi Mir and his lasting influence on the literary world.