Akbar Allahabadi

Akbar Allahabadi was one of the most celebrated Urdu poets of humour and satire. Born in Bara near Allahabad, he received his early education in Arabic and Persian before entering professional life at a young age. He initially worked in the Railway Engineering Department and later studied law. He served as a lawyer, Munsif, Subordinate Judge and eventually as a Sessions Judge, retiring in 1905. His poetry reflected the social, cultural and political changes of colonial India. Through wit, humour and satire, he commented on Westernisation, politics, education, social customs and changing cultural values. His distinctive use of everyday language and sharp observation made him one of the most influential satirical voices in Urdu literature. Kulliyat-e-Akbar Allahabadi Ganj-e-Pinhan Rooh-e-Akbar Qatat-o-Rubaiat