A Critical Study of “Qadir Nama-e-Ghalib”

Abstract

Qadir Nama is a didactic masnavi attributed to Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib, one of the most eminent poets of Urdu and Persian literature. Renowned for his psychological insight, philosophical depth, and stylistic innovation, Ghalib is often regarded as the representative poet of the nineteenth century. The paper examines the issue of the book’s authorship, highlighting the differing opinions of scholars, some accepting it as Ghalib’s work while others expressing doubt. Evidence of its publication during Ghalib’s lifetime, however, strongly supports its attribution to him.

The study identifies Qadir Nama as an educational masnavi designed for beginners. It presents Persian and Arabic vocabulary along with their Urdu and Hindi equivalents, including singular and plural forms and meanings, in a simple, rhythmic, and easily memorable manner. The work is believed to have been written for the early education of the children of Mirza Arif, Ghalib’s adopted son, which reflects Ghalib’s deep affection, pedagogical vision, and linguistic awareness.

The article concludes that Qadir Nama is not merely a lexical or instructional text but an important manifestation of Ghalib’s intellectual versatility, his command over language, and his educational concerns. It holds a distinctive place in Urdu literature as an early example of creative pedagogical writing that combines poetic form with practical learning.