
Imtiaz Ali Taj
Author
Shafiq Naz
Editor
Anarkali
A Tragedy in Three Acts
Introduction to Imtiaz Ali Taj’s three act tragedy Anarkali. This book is in Urdu
Anarkali is one of the most iconic works of modern Urdu drama, written by Imtiaz Ali Taj in 1922. A three-act tragedy set against the opulent yet politically tense backdrop of the Mughal court, the play masterfully blends legend with literary craft to create a poignant meditation on love, power, and sacrifice. While the historical accuracy of the tale remains debated, its emotional truth and symbolic resonance have secured its place as a timeless classic of Urdu literature.
At its heart, Anarkali dramatizes the tragic love story between Prince Salim, later Emperor Jahangir, and the courtesan Anarkali, whose very name evokes the fragrance of spring and the doom of beauty in the grip of empire. Their love, portrayed with emotional intensity and poetic restraint, stands in direct opposition to the unyielding authority of Emperor Akbar, a figure who represents imperial order, discipline, and patriarchal control. The resulting clash between personal longing and political power forms the play’s tragic core.
Bibliography
Publisher : Alhamra Publishing
Published : May 1, 2025
Language : Urdu
ISBN : 978-94-645-9338-9
Format : Hardback - Paperback
Pages : 300
Dimensions : 140 x 215 mm