Piya Baaj (Without My Love) - By Quli Qutb Shah
PIYA BAAJ (WITHOUT MY LOVE)
Contributor: Prof. Raza Mir
Quli Qutub Shah (d. 1612)
was one of the more celebrated kings of the Deccan, ascending the throne of
Golkonda at a young age, and often credited with founding the city of
Hyderabad. He is also known to have composed poems in Telugu, which was
consistent with his ecumenical temperament. His language reflects a curious mix
of linguistic influences, comprising a bit of Turkish, a bit of the local
Pali-oriented dialect, some Arabic words, and a lot of Sanskrit as well.
The ghazal I have chosen to represent his
work is relatively simple, but as can be seen, this pioneering work has helped
establish the stylistic conventions of the ghazal that endure even today, such as the rhyme schemes and the
trope of unattained love. This ghazal
has been deployed often in popular culture, most notably in the poignant climax
of Shyam Benegal’s 1975 film Nishant. The enjoyment of the poem will be enhanced by listening
simultaneously to Malika Pukhraaj’s magical rendition.
Piya Baaj
Piya baaj pyala piya jaaye na
Piya baaj ek til jiya jaye na
Nahin ishq jis vo bada kood hai
Kadi us se mil besiya jaye na
Kahe the piya bin saboori karoon
Kahaa jaaye lekin kiya jaye na
Qutub Shah na de mujh deevane ko pand
Deevane ko kuchh pand diya jaye naa
Without
My Love
I cannot quaff the goblet without my love.
Nor can I live a moment without my love.
Crude is the one who does not feel
Love’s power
I just cannot stand such a heel
He’s no lover.
‘Be patient without your love, this
moment too will pass’
Such counsel to follow is impossible,
alas!
Qutub Shah your guidance to the madman,
although wise
Has no effect, for his love is beyond
your advice.
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