Hafijer Kabita

• Author: Subhash Mukhopadhyay
• Genre: Poetry
• Binding: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789354258046
• Pages: 200
• Weight: 379 grams

About the Book:

"Hafizer Kabita" is a collection of Hafiz's iconic ghazals, masterfully translated into Bengali by Subhash Mukhopadhyay. Hafiz, the 14th-century Persian poet, is known for his profound spiritual poetry, primarily his ghazals, which blend the themes of divine love, philosophy, and life’s mysteries. Mukhopadhyay’s translation captures the emotional depth and lyrical beauty of Hafiz’s work, bringing it to Bengali readers in a form that is both faithful to the original and deeply resonant.

The book offers not only a linguistic translation but a cultural one, bridging the poetic traditions of Persian and Bengali literature. In this collection, Mukhopadhyay reflects on Hafiz's creative genius, emphasizing his mastery of expression and the revolutionary nature of his work. Hafiz's ability to merge opposing concepts into a harmonious whole is highlighted, providing readers a profound understanding of his unique approach to poetry.

In the words of the poet himself, "If Hafiz's ghazal dances with the stars, if Christ himself dances to its tune, what is so astonishing about it?" This captures the transcendent quality of Hafiz’s work, and Mukhopadhyay’s translation amplifies this sense of the sublime, making it accessible and moving for Bengali readers.

About the Author:

Subhash Mukhopadhyay (13 February 1919 – 8 July 2003) was an eminent Bengali poet, known for his modernist approach to poetry and his translation works. Born in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Mukhopadhyay’s literary journey was deeply influenced by the socio-political changes of his time. His first poetry collection Padatik (1940) established him as a leading figure in Bengali literature.

Mukhopadhyay’s work spanned various genres, including children’s literature, travelogues, and novels, but he is particularly renowned for his translations of foreign works into Bengali. His translation of Hafiz’s ghazals is one of his crowning achievements. He also received numerous accolades, including the Akademi Award in 1964, and was honored with the Lotus Award in 1977.

An active political figure, Mukhopadhyay spent time in prison for his involvement in the independence movement. Despite his involvement in politics, he is best remembered for his contributions to Bengali poetry, where his works reflect both the personal and the universal in a lyrical, compassionate voice.