Singh, Takhat, an eminent poet, was born in 1914 and died in 1990. He entered the field of Punjabi poetry via Urdu in which he commands a considerable reputation. As a consequence of his training in Urdu, he has written mostly ghazals. In fact, he has brought the ghazal form in Punjabi to maturity. His thinking is influenced mostly by the progressive poets of Urdu and by Mohan Singh.
He has published half a dozen collections of ghazals in Punjabi entitled Vangar (Challenge), Kav Hilune (Swings of Poetry), Hambule (Flourishes), Anakh de Phul (Flowers of Pride) and Lishkaran (Flashes). Takhat Singh is like the progressives an optimist in his social attitudes, and his proficiency in Urdu has added a varied aesthetic dimension to his verse.
References :
1. Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature, 6 Vols., Delhi, 1995.
2. Sekhon, S.S. and K.S. Duggal, A History of Punjabi Literature, Delhi, 1992.
3. Singh, N.K., Encyclopaedia of Indian Biography, Delhi, 2000.
Takhat Singh, often recognized as “Principal Takhat Singh,” has played a pioneering role in adapting and enriching the ghazal form within Punjabi literature. His work contributed to transforming a style that originally flourished in Urdu and Persian into a vibrant Punjabi idiom. By retaining the classic structural elements of the ghazal—such as the refrain (radif) and rhyme scheme (qafia)—while infusing it with local imagery and contemporary sentiments, Takhat Singh has enabled the genre to speak directly to Punjabi audiences. His verses often blend themes of romantic longing, mysticism, and subtle social commentary, making his ghazals resonate on both emotional and intellectual levels .
Beyond stylistic innovations, Takhat Singh’s impact lies in his ability to bridge traditional poetic aesthetics with modern literary sensibilities. His reinterpretation of the ghazal form not only honored the classical heritage but also addressed the evolving cultural landscape of his time. This creative hybridization helped establish the ghazal as a living, dynamic form of expression in modern Punjabi literature—one that continues to inspire emerging poets and engage thoughtful readers. His work stands as a benchmark for leveraging the ghazal’s inherent lyricism to reflect the beauty and complexity of Punjabi life .
Moreover, his contributions have been foundational in broadening the scope of the ghazal beyond mere expressions of romanticism. By engaging with themes of introspection, existential inquiry, and even social nuances, Takhat Singh expanded the ghazal’s narrative possibilities. His innovative use of language and adaptation of traditional forms paved the way for a new generation of Punjabi ghazal poets who draw on his legacy to explore contemporary issues while staying rooted in classic poetic traditions .
