Qamar Jalalvi: The Prominent Poet of Karachi, Sindh

Qamar Jalalvi (born Muhammad Husain and also known as Ustad Qamar Jalalvi) was a popular Pakistani poet. He was born in the region of Jalali near Aligarh, India in the year of 1887, and passed away on the day of 4 October 1968. After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, he shifted to Karachi city.

Jalalvi is termed as one of the best classical Urdu Ghazal poets. His ghazal poetry has unique simplicity of expression.

A poet from the age of 8, Qamar Jalalvi’s writing had become quite popular by the time he was in his 20s.

He lived a life of financial hardship working for several years at bicycle repair shops. In India and Pakistan, a teacher of arts is known as Ustad (master), and the term is also loosely used to refer to any type of skilled worker. Qamar Jalalvi was initially called Ustad because of his bicycle work. Famous with critics, for his mastery of poetry as well, they dubbed him Ustad Jalalvi, once his poetry became popular.

Ustad Jalalvi died in Karachi, Pakistan on the day of 4 October 1968.

Books of Qamar Jalalvi

The collections of ghazals involve:

1. Rashk-e Qamar (رشکِ قمَر)
2. Auj-e Qamar (اَوجِ قمَر)
3. Tajalliyat-e Qamar (تجلّیاتِ قمَر)
4. Gham-e-Javedan (غمِ جاوِداں)
5. Aaye Hain Woh Mazaar Pe
6. Daba Ke Chal Diye Sab Qabr Mein

Notable ghazals

• Mareez-e-Muhabbat unhi ka fasaana
• Kab mera nasheman ahle-chaman