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The Echo of Emotion: Exploring the Power of Radif

Published on September 27, 2025

If the Qafiya is the rhyming backbone of a ghazal, then the Radif (ردیف) is its soulful echo. It's the word or phrase that is repeated at the end of the second line of every couplet, creating a hypnotic and unifying effect that is central to the ghazal's identity.

Radif in Action: An Example

Unlike the Qafiya, which changes but rhymes, the Radif must be repeated exactly. Let's take one of the most famous opening couplets (matla) from Ghalib:

dil-e-nādāñ tujhe huā kyā hai?
āḳhir is dard kī davā kyā hai?

Here, the phrase "kyā hai?" is the Radif. It appears identically at the end of both lines. The rhyming words before it, "huā" and "davā", are the Qafiya. Every couplet in this ghazal will end with "kyā hai?".

The Artistic Role of the Radif

The Radif is not just a rule; it's a powerful creative tool. It serves several purposes:

  • Musicality: It creates a recurring chorus that gives the ghazal its distinct musical and rhythmic flow.
  • Emotional Anchor: By repeating a phrase, the poet centers the entire ghazal on a single mood or question, exploring it from different angles in each sher.
  • Creative Constraint: It challenges the poet to find new and meaningful ways to arrive at the same concluding phrase, showcasing their literary skill.

Mastering the interplay between a flexible Qafiya and a rigid Radif is the hallmark of a great poet.