Introduction of Best Urdu Books to Read:
Best Urdu books to read are a great way to discover the rich tradition of Urdu literature. The Indian subcontinent is home to a diverse and vibrant literary tradition that offers something for every reader. Urdu literature is known for its deep insights into culture, history, and society. In this post, Team Urdu Nama Forum will explore the best Urdu books to read for those looking to dive into this fascinating literary tradition.
We will start with an overview of Urdu literature and its importance in reading, followed by a discussion of classic Urdu novels, contemporary Urdu fiction, Urdu poetry, and Urdu non-fiction with a recommendation of best Urdu books to read. We will also provide recommendations for some of the best Urdu books to read in each category.
Our aim is to provide a comprehensive guide for readers who are interested in exploring the world of Urdu literature. Whether you are a seasoned reader or new to the tradition, this post will offer something for everyone. So, if you want to know more about Urdu culture, history, and society, and discover the best Urdu books to read, then read on.
Background on Urdu literature
The background of Urdu literature is rooted in the Indian subcontinent and its rich cultural heritage. Urdu is a language that developed in the northern region of India and Pakistan, and it is written in the Perso-Arabic script. The literature that developed in this language is known for its beauty, elegance, and emotional depth.
The earliest forms of Urdu literature can be traced back to the 12th century, with the emergence of Sufi poetry. This poetry was written in a simple and direct style, and it was used to convey spiritual messages. As the language and literature developed, it began to incorporate elements of Persian, Arabic, and Turkish literature. The Mughal Empire, which ruled the Indian subcontinent for several centuries, also had a significant impact on the development of Urdu literature.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Urdu literature began to flourish with the emergence of new forms, such as the ghazal, which is a form of poetry that consists of rhyming couplets and a refrain. During this time, many poets, such as Ghalib, Mir, and Iqbal, made significant contributions to the development of Urdu literature. The 20th century saw the emergence of new forms of Urdu literature, such as the short story, the novel, and the play.
The best Urdu books to read are a reflection of the diverse and rich literary tradition of the Indian subcontinent. From classic novels to contemporary fiction, Urdu literature offers something for every reader. It provides a glimpse into the culture, history, and society of the region, and it is a treasure trove of stories, poems, and non-fiction. Whether you are a seasoned reader or new to the tradition, the best Urdu books to read are a great way to discover the beauty and depth of Urdu literature.
Importance of reading in Urdu
Reading in Urdu is not only important for understanding the literary tradition of the Indian subcontinent, but it also has many benefits for personal growth and development. One of the main benefits of reading in Urdu is that it helps to improve language skills. By reading in Urdu, readers can improve their vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills. This can be especially helpful for those who are learning the language or for those who want to improve their fluency.
Reading in Urdu is also important for understanding the culture, history, and society of the region. Urdu literature provides a window into the lives and experiences of people from the Indian subcontinent. By reading the best Urdu books to read, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the culture and society of the region, and they can learn about the history and customs of the people.
In addition, reading in Urdu can also be beneficial for personal growth and development. Urdu literature is known for its emotional depth and beauty, and it can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. By reading the best Urdu books to read, readers can gain insights into themselves and the world around them.
In conclusion, reading in Urdu is not only important for understanding the literary tradition of the Indian subcontinent, but it also has many benefits for personal growth and development. Whether you are learning the language, wanting to understand the culture, history and society of the region or are looking for self-reflection and personal growth, the best Urdu books to read is a great way to start.
Classic Urdu Novels
Urdu literature is home to some of the most celebrated and timeless novels in the Indian subcontinent. These classic novels have stood the test of time and continue to be widely read and admired by readers of all ages. Here are three of the best classic Urdu novels / Best Urdu Books to read:
A. "Godan” by Munshi Premchand
"Godan” is considered one of the greatest novels in Urdu literature. Written by Munshi Premchand, one of the most renowned Hindi and Urdu writers of the 20th century, the novel is set in rural India and it tells the story of Hori, a poor farmer who struggles to make ends meet. The novel is a powerful critique of the social and economic conditions of rural India, and it highlights the plight of the poor and the oppressed. Through Hori’s story, the novel also explores themes of poverty, exploitation, and the human condition.
B. "Aangan” by Khadija Mastoor
"Aangan” is a novel written by Khadija Mastoor, one of the most prominent women writers of Urdu literature. The novel is set in pre-partition India and it tells the story of the lives of women in a traditional Muslim household. The novel is a powerful exploration of the lives of women in the Indian subcontinent and it highlights the struggles of women to find their place in a patriarchal society. Through the story of the characters, the novel also explores themes of gender, tradition, and identity.
C. "Umrao Jaan Ada” by Mirza Hadi Ruswa
"Umrao Jaan Ada” is a classic novel written by Mirza Hadi Ruswa, one of the most celebrated Urdu writers of the 19th century. The novel is set in 19th-century Lucknow and it tells the story of Umrao Jaan, a courtesan and poet who is sold into prostitution as a child. The novel is a powerful exploration of the lives of courtesans in the Indian subcontinent and it highlights the struggles of women to find freedom and dignity in a society that oppresses them. Through the story of Umrao Jaan, the novel also explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition.
Each of these novels is a masterpiece of Urdu literature and they offer a glimpse into the rich literary tradition of the Indian subcontinent. They are must-reads for anyone interested in understanding the culture, history, and society of the region, and they are also great choices for readers who are looking for powerful and moving stories.
Contemporary Urdu Fiction
A. Overview of contemporary fiction
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Urdu literature, with a new generation of writers producing innovative and thought-provoking fiction. Contemporary Urdu fiction is marked by a diversity of voices and styles, and it reflects the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of the Indian subcontinent. These novels explore a wide range of themes, from identity and politics to love and relationships, and they offer a fresh perspective on the world. Here are The Best Urdu Books to Read in this category.
B. Recommended contemporary fiction
Aaina Maah o Saal, Dr. Inam ul Haq Javed
"Aaina Maah o Saal” is a book written by Dr. Inamul Haq, one of the most acclaimed contemporary Urdu writers. The novel is set in the Indian subcontinent and it tells the story of a young man who struggles to find his place in the world. The novel is a powerful exploration of identity, memory, and the human condition, and it offers a fresh perspective on the world.
"Bahaao” by Mustansar Hussain Tarar
"Bahaao” is a novel written by Mustansar Hussain Tarar, one of the most popular Urdu writers of the contemporary era. The novel is set in Pakistan and it tells the story of a young girl who struggles to find her place in the world. The novel is a powerful exploration of identity, memory, and the human condition, and it offers a fresh perspective on the world.
Qissa Kotah By Intizar Hussain, Asif Farrukhi
"Qissa Kotah” is a novel written by Intizar Hussain & Asif Farrukhi, the most acclaimed contemporary Urdu writers. The novel is set in Pakistan and it tells the story of a young man who struggles to find his place in the world. The novel is a powerful exploration of identity, memory, and the human condition, and it offers a fresh perspective on the world.
Each of these novels is a masterpiece of contemporary Urdu fiction and they offer a glimpse into the rich literary tradition of the Indian subcontinent. They are must-reads for anyone interested in understanding the culture, history, and society of the region, and they are also great choices for readers who are looking for powerful and moving stories.
Urdu Poetry
A. Overview of Urdu poetry
Urdu poetry is an integral part of the Urdu literary tradition, and it has a rich history dating back several centuries. Urdu poetry is known for its emotional depth, imagery, and musicality, and it explores a wide range of themes, from love and longing to social and political issues. Urdu poetry is widely read and loved in the Indian subcontinent, and it continues to be an important part of the Urdu literary landscape. Here are the Best Urdu Books to Read under this category.
B. Recommended Urdu poetry
"Diwan-e-Ghalib” by Mirza Ghalib
"Diwan-e-Ghalib” is a collection of poems written by the legendary Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib. The poems are known for their lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and philosophical insights, and they are considered some of the greatest works of Urdu poetry.
"Kalam-e-Faiz” by Faiz Ahmed Faiz
"Kalam-e-Faiz” is a collection of poems written by the renowned Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. The poems are known for their political and social commentary, and for their powerful use of imagery and metaphor.
"Khushboo” by Parveen Shakir
"Khushboo” is a collection of poems written by the celebrated Urdu poet Parveen Shakir. The poems are known for their emotional intensity and their exploration of love and loss, and they are considered some of the most powerful works of Urdu poetry.
These collections of poetry are considered some of the best works of Urdu poetry, and they offer a glimpse into the rich literary tradition of the Indian subcontinent. They are must-reads for anyone interested in understanding the culture, history, and society of the region, and they are also great choices for readers who are looking for powerful and moving poetry.
Urdu Non-Fiction
A. Overview of Urdu non-fiction
Urdu non-fiction is an important part of the Urdu literary tradition, and it covers a wide range of subjects, from history and politics to science and philosophy. Urdu non-fiction is known for its clarity, precision, and depth, and it provides readers with a wealth of information and insights on a wide variety of topics. Here under is 3 Best Urdu Books to Read under this category.
B. Recommended Urdu non-fiction
"Tehreek e Azadi” by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
"Tehreek e Azadi” is a book written by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a renowned Muslim leader and philosopher, which provides an in-depth analysis of the Indian freedom movement. The book is considered a classic in Urdu non-fiction, and it is widely read and studied in the Indian subcontinent.
"Hayat-e-Javed” by Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali
"Hayat-e-Javed” is a biography written by Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali, a renowned Urdu poet and literary critic. The book provides an intimate look at the life and thought of the poet, and it is widely considered to be one of the best biographies of the poet.
"Pakistan Askari Riyasat” by Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed
"Pakistan Askari Riyasat” is a book written by Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed, a well-known historian. The book provides a detailed account of the military history of Pakistan, and it is widely considered to be one of the best books on the subject.
These books are considered some of the best works of Urdu non-fiction, and they offer readers a wealth of information and insights on a wide variety of topics. They are must-reads for anyone interested in understanding the culture, history, and society of the Indian subcontinent, and they are also great choices for readers who are looking for informative and thought-provoking books.
Conclusion
A. Recap of recommended books
In this blog post, we have discussed some of the best Urdu books to read across various genres including classic novels, contemporary fiction, poetry and non-fiction. The books recommended in this post are "Godan” by Munshi Premchand, "Aangan” by Khadija Mastoor, "Umrao Jaan Ada” by Mirza Hadi Ruswa, "Tehreek e Azadi” by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, "Hayat-e-Javed” by Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali, and "Pakistan Askari Riyasat” by Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed.
B. Encouragement to explore more Urdu literature
These books are just a small selection of the many great works of Urdu literature available, and we encourage readers to explore more of this rich literary tradition. Whether you’re a student of literature or simply someone who loves to read, there is something for everyone in the world of Urdu literature.
C. Final thoughts on the value of reading in Urdu
Reading in Urdu is an incredibly valuable experience, as it provides a window into the culture, history, and society of the Indian subcontinent. The books recommended under the title Best Urdu Books to Read, in this post are not only entertaining, but also informative and thought-provoking and they offer readers a wealth of information and insights on a wide variety of topics. Reading in Urdu not only improves your language skills but also helps in gaining a better understanding and appreciation of the culture and literature of the region.
