Key Details About Nuskha-e-Berlin:
Discovery:
- The manuscript was unearthed in the Berlin State Library (Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin) during the early 20th century.
- It is thought to have been transcribed in 1821, making it one of the oldest extant manuscripts of Ghalib's Deewan.
Significance:
- Nuskha-e-Berlin holds considerable importance as it showcases an early version of Ghalib's Deewan, predating the more commonly recognized and published editions.
- It provides insight into Ghalib's creative process, featuring variations in verses, additional couplets, and differences in the arrangement of poems when compared to subsequent editions.
Content:
- The manuscript encompasses ghazals, qasidas, and various other poetic forms, highlighting Ghalib's early compositions.
- Certain verses in Nuskha-e-Berlin diverge from those found in later, more standardized versions of the Deewan, illustrating Ghalib's revisions throughout his career.
Scholarly Importance:
- The discovery of Nuskha-e-Berlin has proven invaluable for scholars and researchers examining Ghalib's poetry, aiding in the exploration of his stylistic and thematic evolution.
- The manuscript has been carefully edited and annotated by scholars, rendering it accessible to contemporary readers.
Publication:
- The manuscript was initially published in 1924 by Maulana Shibli Nomani and Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, both of whom were distinguished figures in Urdu literature.
- Subsequently, it underwent critical editing and publication by Dr. Kalb-e-Abid Khan and Dr. Ghulam Rasul Mehr, who provided comprehensive commentary and analysis.
Comparison with Later Editions:
Nuskha-e-Berlin features a smaller number of ghazals compared to the later, more extensive compilations of Ghalib's Deewan.Certain verses within this manuscript exhibit a more unrefined quality, showcasing Ghalib's initial explorations of language and thematic elements.
Example of Variations:
For example, one of Ghalib's renowned couplets is presented in Nuskha-e-Berlin with minor alterations:Standard Version:
ہزاروں خواہشیں ایسی کہ ہر خواہش پہ دم نکلے
Hazaaron khwahishen aisi ke har khwahish pe dam nikle.
(Thousands of desires, each worth dying for...)
Nuskha-e-Berlin Version:
ہزاروں آرزوئیں ایسی کہ ہر آرزو پہ دم نکلے
Hazaaron aarzooien aisi ke har aarzoo pe dam nikle.
(Thousands of wishes, each worth dying for...)
Availability:
Nuskha-e-Berlin has been published in book format and is accessible to scholars and admirers of Ghalib's poetry.It is frequently examined alongside other editions of Ghalib's Deewan to gain insights into the progression of his literary work.
Legacy:
Nuskha-e-Berlin stands as a testament to Ghalib's lasting influence and the international resonance of his poetry. The manuscript's discovery in Berlin underscores the universal significance of his contributions.It serves as a crucial resource for those wishing to delve into the formative phases of Ghalib's poetic evolution.
For those interested in experiencing Ghalib's poetry in its unrefined and early state, Nuskha-e-Berlin offers a captivating and essential resource.
