The Diwan of Zeb-un-Nissa

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Diwan of Zeb-un-Nissa

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

A lyrical collection of Persian ghazals by Princess Zeb-un-Nissa, blending Sufi spirituality with poetic love. This translation offers timeless insight into the life of a distinguished poetess who navigated court intrigue, religious devotion, and deep personal longing, providing cultural depth for classic literature readers.

Summary up to 500 words

The Diwan of Zeb-un-Nissa stands as a profound testament to the literary and spiritual genius of Princess Zeb-un-Nissa, the eldest daughter of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Born in 1639, she was a woman of exceptional intellect, educated in Arabic, mathematics, and astronomy, and capable of composing verses in both Arabic and Persian. Despite her father's strict orthodoxy and initial opposition to poetry, she cultivated a vibrant circle of poets in Delhi, engaging in intellectual debates and refining her craft under the guidance of scholars like Shah Rustum Ghazi. Adopting the pen-name Makhfi, or 'the hidden one,' she symbolized her preference for a veiled existence, viewing it as a metaphor for the soul's concealed connection to the Divine Beloved. The collection explores themes of passionate love, often interpreted as a mystical union with God, and the acute pain of separation. The ghazals depict the lover's devotion, the tyranny of Love, and the acceptance of suffering as a path to spiritual enlightenment. Zeb-un-Nissa skillfully references historical and mythological figures such as Alexander, Job, and the lovers Ferhad and Shirin to illustrate the universality of human emotion. Her work reflects a Sufi spirituality that contrasted sharply with her father's cold religious views; she once famously altered a verse about worldly pleasures to emphasize prayer, fasting, and repentance when her father was nearby. Her life was marked by political turmoil and personal heartbreak, particularly following the poisoning of her cousin Dara Shikoh and the rejection of her marriage to Akil Khan. Yet, she found solace and strength in her art and faith. She used her substantial personal allowance to encourage men of letters, support widows and orphans, and maintain a fine library. Her legacy is one of poetic beauty and spiritual depth, leaving behind a body of work that transcends her time and offers a timeless exploration of the human condition through the lens of mystical love.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Poetry