Meaning & Definition
Ghazal is a verse composed in form of independent couplets called ‘Sher’s. Based on tradition a Ghazal usually has five to seven shares, though this it not restrictive condition. ‘Maqta’, ‘Matla’, ‘Beher’, ‘Radif’ and ‘Qafiya’are the defining features of a Ghazal.
In other words, Ghazal may be defined as a collection of Sher's with atleast one 'Matla', one 'Maqta'. All the Sher’s must have the same ‘Beher’ and abide by the principles of 'Qafiyaa' and 'Radif'.
What is a ‘Sher’?
A ‘Sher’ is unique composition in poetry. It is an independent unit in the broader framework of a Ghazal. ‘Sher’ is a complete poem in itself. In a Ghazals, two ‘Shers’ may not be linked thematically. They may express two completely different ideas. Therefore, A single Ghazal often touches upon different themes.
Matla
‘Matla’ is the first Sher in a Ghazal. If quoted alone, without rest of the Shers, Matla can be identified if ‘Radif’ is used in its both lines.
गुलों में रंग भरे, बाद-ए-नौबहार चले
चले भी आओ कि गुलशन का कारोबार चले
Radif
‘Radif’ is a word used to end the second line of every share. For an Urdu verse to be called a Ghazal, use of Radif is a precondition.
गुलों में रंग भरे, बाद-ए-नौबहार चले
चले भी आओ कि गुलशन का कारोबार चले
चले भी आओ कि गुलशन का कारोबार चले
कफ़्फ़स उदास है यरो, सबा से कुछ तो कहो
कहीँ तो बहर-ए-खुदा आज ज़िक्र-ए-यार चले
'Qafiya'
'Qafiya' is a rhyming word in the second line of every Sher. It is always used before a Radif. Use of Radif and Qafiya is a must for a Ghazal. Even in those Ghazals where rules relating to meter and theme are ignored, use of Radif and Qafiya is essential.
कभी तो सुबह तेरे कुञ्ज-ए-लब से हो आगाज़
कभी तो शब सर-ए-काकुल से मुश्कबार चले
बडा है दर्द का रिश्ता, ये दिल गरीब सही
तुम्हारे नाम पे आएंगे गम-गुसार चले
Beher
Beher is the meter in which a Sher is composed। Both lines in a sher must be composed in the same meter and should be of the same length. Usually, every Sher in the Ghazal has the same Beher.
Maqta
‘Maqta’ is the last Sher of a Ghazal. It is in a way a personal closure for a ‘Shayar’ and bears the nom de plume (tak-khal-lus) of the Shayar. Beginning with Matla a Shayar sets the mood for the Ghazal and prepares the mehfil for the Shers to come. In each Sher he takes on various subjects, mostly impersonal (not a binding condition) and closes the poem with the Maqta, where he makes a personal statement.
मकाम 'फ़ैज़' कोई राह में जन्चा ही नहीं
जो कुउ-ए-यार से निकाले तो सू-ए-दार चले
जो कुउ-ए-यार से निकाले तो सू-ए-दार चले
Ghazal may be defined as a collection of Sher's with atleast one 'Matla', one 'Maqta'. All the Sher’s must have the same ‘Beher’ and abide by the principles of 'Qafiyaa' and 'Radif'.
