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More Than a Name: The Tradition of Takhallus

Published on September 05, 2025

In the rich tapestry of Urdu poetry, the poet's presence is often felt most directly in the final couplet. This is achieved through a beautiful and powerful tradition known as the Takhallus (تخلص). A Takhallus is a pen name, or nom de plume, adopted by a poet, which they weave into the Maqta (the final couplet) of their ghazals.

Famous Poets and Their Takhallus

Many of the greatest poets are known to the world by their Takhallus rather than their birth names. For example:

  • Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan is known as Ghalib ( غالبؔ).
  • Mir Taqi was known simply as Mir (میرؔ).
  • Faiz Ahmad was known as Faiz (فیضؔ).

The Art of Using the Takhallus

The Takhallus is more than just a signature. Great poets choose a pen name whose literal meaning can be played upon within the Maqta. 'Ghalib', for instance, means "dominant" or "victorious," a meaning he often used with deep irony when writing about his hardships.

bekhudi le gai kahan hum ko 'Mir'
der se intizar hai apna

In this Maqta, Mir Taqi Mir addresses himself by his Takhallus, creating a sense of intimate, personal reflection. This technique allows the poet to switch from a general observation to a direct, first-person commentary, giving the ghazal a powerful concluding touch. It is the final bridge between the artist and their art.