By Mir Babar Ali Anis, David Matthews (Translator)
The Urdu marsiya, a long poem written on the subject of the Battle of Karbala and the martyrdom of Hussain, reached its highest stage of development in Lucknow during the first half of the 19th century. One of the finest exponents of the genre was Mir Babar Ali Anis, who came from a long line of distinguished Urdu poets.
In this book one of Anis's best-known marsiyas: Jab qata ki masafat-e-shab aftab ne has been translated in English verse. The poem presents an account of the events of the 10th day of the month of Muharram, beginning with Hussain's preparations for the final battle at Karbala, and culminating in his death and the capture of those who were left of his family.
Anis is regarded as one of the finest classical Urdu poets, and it is hoped that this translation goes some way at least in doing justice to his art and poetic skill.
