Anthems of Resistance: A Celebration of Progressive Urdu Poetry

Mir, Raza Mir

• Publisher: Roli Books
• Year: 2006
• ISBN:
  9789351940654
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: Literary Collections
• Index: Literature

"Let a thousand verses bloom.
Anthems of Resistance is about the iconoclastic tradition of poetry nurtured by Ali Sardar Jafri, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Javed Akhtar, Fehmida Riyaz and all those who have been part of the progressive writers' movement in the Indian subcontinent. It documents the rise of the Progressive Writers' Association, its period of ascendancy, its crucial role in the struggle for independence, and its unflagging spirit of resistance against injustice. In the process, the book highlights various aspects of the PWA's aesthetics and politics such as its internationalist ethos, its romance with modernity, its engagement with feminism, its relationship to Hindi cinema and film lyrics, and the vision of a radically new world which its members articulated with passion. Part history, part literary analysis, part poetic translation, and part unabashed celebration of the PWA era, this book is truly a unique resource.This is a lucidly written account of a glorious chapter in the history of Indian literature. The powerful verses of the PWA poets are wonderfully translated and, along with the highly accessible transliteration, offer the general reader a rare opportunity to appreciate the writings that helped shape a nation. Anthems of Resistance is truly an inspiring and pleasurable read."- Professor Mushirul Hasan, Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi"Such a gift from the Brothers Mir! Lyrical and thoughtful, this introduction to the vast swathe of progressive Urdu poetry belongs on all our shelves, and in all our hearts. It is a companion worthy of the poetry itself. A singular achievement."- Professor Vijay Prashad, Director of International Studies, Trinity College, Connecticut, US"Like the many poets they celebrate, the authors write with passion and conviction... Their book makes for a joyous and exhilarating read."-Professor C.M. Naim, Professor Emeritus,
University of Chicago

Table of contents

• Cover
• About the Book
• About the Author
• Title
• Copyright
• Content
• Acknowledgements
• A NOTE ON TRANSLATION AND TRANSLITERATION
• PREFACE
• Chapter 1 Over Chinese Food: The Progressive Writers’ Association
• Chapter 2 Urdu Poetry and the Progressive Aesthetic
• Chapter 3 Saare Jahaañ Se Achcha: Progressive Poets and the Problematic of Nationalism
• Chapter 4 From Home to the World: The Internationalist Ethos
• Chapter 5 Dream and Nightmare: The Flirtation with Modernity
• Chapter 6 Progressive Poetry and Film Lyrics
• Chpater 7 Voh Yaar Hai Jo Khushboo Ki Taraah, Jis Ki Zubaañ Urdu Ki Taraah
• Chapter 8 An Exemplary Progressive: The Aesthetic Experiment of Sahir Ludhianvi
• Chapter 9 Javed Akhtar’s Quiver of Progressive Arrows: A Legacy Survives
• Chapter 10 New Standard Bearers of Progressive Urdu Poetry: The Feminist Poets
• Chapter 11 A Requiem ... and a Celebration
• ENDNOTE
• Backcover