Matla: Meaning and Significance
Definition of Matla:
Matla (مطلع) is an Arabic and Urdu term that means “opening” or “beginning”. In the context of Urdu poetry, it refers to the first sher (couplet) of a ghazal, which sets the tone and theme of the entire poem.
Importance of Matla in Ghazal:
- First Impression:
- The matla introduces the theme, mood, and subject of the ghazal.
- It captures the reader’s or listener’s attention.
- Radif and Qafiya Introduction:
- The matla establishes the rhyme scheme (qafiya) and the repeated refrain (radif).
- Example:
- Dil hi toh hai na sang-o-khisht, dard se bhar na aaye kyun
- Roiye kis liye ki pyaar ki rasm hai, nibhaye kyun
- A Strong Connection to the Poet’s Style:
- Many famous poets are recognized by the strength of their matla.
- It reflects their thought process, emotions, and poetic brilliance.
Matla in Different Languages:
| Language | Translation |
|---|---|
| Arabic | مطلع (Matla) |
| Bengali | সূচনা (Suchana) |
| Chinese | 开头 (Kāitóu) |
| Danish | Indledning |
| Dutch | Inleiding |
| English | Opening Verse |
| French | Ouverture |
| German | Anfang |
| Greek | Έναρξη (Énarksi) |
| Gujarati | પ્રારંભ (Prarambh) |
| Hebrew | פתיחה (Pticha) |
| Hindi | मतला (Matla) |
| Indonesian | Pembukaan |
| Italian | Inizio |
| Japanese | 冒頭 (Bōtō) |
| Kannada | ಆರಂಭ (Aarambha) |
| Korean | 시작 (Sijak) |
| Latin | Initium |
| Malay | Pembukaan |
| Marathi | प्रारंभ (Prarambh) |
| Persian | مطلع (Matla) |
| Portuguese | Abertura |
| Russian | Начало (Nachalo) |
| Spanish | Inicio |
| Turkish | Açılış |
Famous Examples of Matla in Urdu Poetry:
- Mirza Ghalib:
- Hazaron khwahishein aisi ke har khwahish pe dam nikle,
- Bahut nikle mere armaan, lekin phir bhi kam nikle.
- Allama Iqbal:
- Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle,
- Khuda bande se khud pooche, bata teri raza kya hai.
- Faiz Ahmed Faiz:
- Mujhse pehli si mohabbat mere mehboob na maang,
- Maine samjha tha ke tu hai to zindagi roshan hai.
Conclusion:
The matla is the most crucial part of a ghazal, providing the foundation for the poet’s expression. A well-crafted matla leaves a lasting impact, making the poem memorable and meaningful.