The Creative Presentation of Antiquities in Iqbal's Poetry: An Aesthetic Analysis

اقبال کی شاعری میں آثار قدیمہ کی تخلیقی پیشکش: ایک جمالیاتی تجزیہ

الملخص

Iqbal’s Urdu poetry intricately weaves together antiquities with profound historical insight, reflecting his deep engagement with the past through a poetic lens. Central to his works is the theme of Aasar e Qadeema (آثارِ قدیمہ), which symbolizes the relics, monuments, and lost grandeur of bygone civilizations. Iqbal’s verses traverse a vast array of historical sites, from the ruined Islamic heritage in Sicily to the splendid Qutb Shahi monuments of Hyderabad, the revered Mosque of Cordoba, and Napoleon’s mausoleum. Each of these relics serves as a symbol of cultural achievement and decline, with Iqbal mourning the loss of past glories while urging contemporary Muslims to reconnect with their rich heritage. His poetry reflects not only a lament for the fading splendor of empires but also an awakening call to revitalize a sense of pride and purpose. The ruins and monuments he references are not mere physical structures; they are powerful metaphors for the transience of empires and the enduring spirit of history. Through his elegant and poignant verses, Iqbal captures the essence of these ancient legacies, reminding his audience of the cyclical nature of history and the lessons embedded in the past. His work offers a timeless reflection on the importance of cultural continuity and the need for present generations to engage with their historical roots to reclaim the glory that once was.