History of Indo-Persian literature

An exhibition titled Qand-e-Farsi wa Tootiyaan-e-Hind Of Persian Candy and Indian Parrots and an evening of Indo-Persian poetry in Dastan-Goi style is being hosted by the India International Centre in the national Capital this month.

Farsi verse and prose have been immensely popular in India. Till very recently, Farsi was a language of choice for many Indian writers and poets and Farsi was the language of the court and high society. Starting with Amir Khusro, Bedil Azimabadi Meer and Ghalib scores of Indian writers and poets have written in Farsi. 

Several Indian classics have also been translated into Farsi over the centuries and Farsi writers have written volumes about India. The literary interaction starts with the translation of the Vedic Sanskrit Panchtantra into early Farsi or Pehlavi. 

Then on, from Rumi’s poetry being relished in Farsi and translated into Indian languages to the Bhagwat Gita and the Upanishads in Farsi, to Farsi Ash’aar and Farsi travelogues; and tomes like Baburnama and Akbarnama – the list is comprehensive. Each display comes with an information brief in Farsi and English which tells the viewer about the selected item. 

The cultural evening showcases the best of Farsi poetry in India through the ages in Dastan-goi style. A selection from indo-Persian poetry through the centuries would be read by performers with a narrator providing interesting facts and background of the works being read. 

The passages have been selected to represent a historical chronology of the influence of the Persian language in Indian literary writing. The poetry recitation programme is scheduled to take place on September 28 at 6:30pm. 

When: Ongoing till October 1 

Where: India International Centre 

Timings: 11AM – 7PM