Love poetry, a timeless expression of human emotion, has flourished across cultures, shaping and reflecting the values, aesthetics, and philosophies of diverse literary traditions. Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Urdu-Persian stand out as rich reservoirs of love poetry, each offering unique perspectives. 

Join us for an enchanting discussion as we unravel the world of Love Poetry across the cultures of Sanskrit, Prakrit and Urdu-Persian. 

In Sanskrit literature, love poetry reaches its zenith in works by celebrated writers like Kalidasa and Banabhatta. Buddhist scholars, emperors, and modern-day poets enriched it. Sanskrit poets often depicted love as a cosmic force, exploring its many facets — yearning, separation, union, and divine devotion. 

Prakrit, a group of Middle Indic languages, on the other hand presented the art of love poetry, bringing it closer to everyday life. The Gaha Sattasai, a collection of short Prakrit poems, captures love’s intimacy, humour, and sensuality with remarkable simplicity. This immediacy gave Prakrit poetry a universal appeal, celebrating the beauty of human relationships.

In Urdu and Persian literary cultures, love poetry attained unparalleled elegance and depth. Persian poets like Hafiz and Rumi wove themes of mystical love, where the beloved symbolised the divine. Urdu poetry, influenced by Persian traditions, added a layer of refinement, blending romantic and spiritual longing with intricate wordplay. The ghazal, a hallmark of Urdu poetry, epitomises this blend, with its couplets exploring love’s dualities — ecstasy and pain, fulfillment and loss. Poets like Mir Taqi Mir and Ghalib elevated the genre with their emotive intensity and philosophical nuance.

Discussants: 

• Anusha Rao & Suhas Mahesh (Scholars of Sanskrit and Prakrit and authors of ​“How to Love in Sanskrit”)
• Amit Basole (Professor of Economics, Azim Premji University, and connoisseur of Urdu poetry)

Moderator: Vanamala Viswanatha, bilingual scholar and translator and former Professor of English Studies, Azim Premji University.

The discussion will feature readings of beloved verses and include time for audience Q&A.