Mirza Ghalib being remembered on his 150th death anniversary

صادق ہوں اپنے قول کا غا لب خدا گواہ۔۔

(God knows that I am true to my words)

 کہتا ہوں سچ کہ جھوٹ کی عادت نہیں مجھے

(I speak the truth because I don’t have the habit of lying)

The 150th death anniversary of majestic Urdu poet Mirza Asadullah Khan “Ghalib” is being observed by poetry lovers on Friday (today).

One of the greatest poets of Urdu language, Ghalib’s real name was Asadullah Khan. He was born in the December of 1797 at Agra to Abdullah Baig.

Ghalib married Umrao Begum, daughter of Mirza Elahi Bukhsh Khan Maaroof at the age of 13. He became a permanent resident of Delhi soon after his marriage.

The renowned poet started writing his magnificent poetry since his childhood. He wrote his first piece of poetry in 1807. Ghalib earlier took the pen name “Asad” but later adopted the name “Ghalib” in 1816 which became his pen name as well.

Due to economic problems, he started working in Delhi Fort but had no fixed source of income. He recited poetry to Mughal ruler of that time Bahadur Shah Zafar to make his ends meet. He was given the title of “Najm-ul-Daula Dabeer-al-Mulk Nizam Jang” and gave him Rs.50 as monthly remuneration.

Ghalib stopped receiving his pension after the1857 War of Independence which was won by the British East India Company.

His condition started deteriorating due to his drinking problems. He died on 15th February 1869 at the age of 72