8 Interesting Facts About Mirza Ghalib on his 155th Death Anniversary

1. Real name

Mirza Ghalibs offical name is Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan. He chose to be called Ghalib which translates to dominant.

2. Young Talent

Ghalib penned his first poem when he was just 11 years old. He was a personality with an inborn talent for literature and the arts.

3. Ghazal Legend

Ghalib is not only a shayar or poet who wrote masnavis, in fact, his ghazals are considered to be more popular. In his ghazals, he usually reflected on loss, philosophical questions, lifes uncertainties, and love.

4. Finances funded

Although Ghalib was renowned for his work even when he was alive, he was not generating a sustainable profit from his work. His friends helped him out financially and he also depended on royal patronage.

5. Mirza Ghalib's Residence

He resided in Delhi for the majority of his life. He lived in Ghalib ki Haveli which is located in Old Delhi and is a popular visitors point.

6. Awarded by emperor

Ghalib was presented with an award by Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. He was given the titles Najm-ud-Daula and Dabir-ul-Mulk.

7. Writing Style

He blended modern sensibilities with classical Persian and mystic influences. Be broke traditional styles by introducing innovative imagery and metaphors. One of the most interesting points is that he did not use gender specifications by including ambiguous pronouns in his love-themed poetry.

8. Mazar-e-Ghalib Tomb

Mirza Ghalib passed away at the age of 71 on 15 February 1869. His grave Mazar-e-Mirza Asad Ullah Khan Ghalib Tomb is located in west Delhi and is still visited by people who pay their respect to the legend.