Sahir Dehlvi: A Kashmiri Pandit Scholar of Sanskrit, Arabic

(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

Urdu literature has long celebrated the spellbinding brilliance of its “Sahirs”—poets whose words cast a timeless enchantment. Among them, Sahir Ludhianvi is a household name, revered for his lyrical genius and progressive ideals. However, few know of Pandit Amar Nath Madan `Sahir Dehlvi’, a poet whose life predates Ludhianvi’s and whose contributions to Urdu, Persian and Sanskrit literature laid a profound yet overlooked foundation.

Born in 1863 in Bareilly in a Kashmiri Pandit family, Pandit Amar Nath Madan adopted the pen name “Sahir” long before Sahir Ludhianvi (born in 1921) graced the literary world. Sahir Dehlvi was not only a poet but a scholar of remarkable depth, fluent in Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit. His life spanned nearly a century, ending in 1962 at the age of 99. This extraordinary longevity allowed him to witness a tumultuous era in Indian history, from the decline of the Mughal Empire to the socio-political transformations of the 20th century.

Pandit Amar Nath Madan’s life journey was steeped in both service and creativity. While serving as Tehsildar in Kaithal, District Karnal, Punjab Province, he undertook the monumental task of translating two volumes of the Vishnu Puran into Urdu in 1914 and 1915. This accomplishment was not only remarkable for its literary merit but also for its timing, as it preceded the birth of the celebrated Sahir Ludhianvi by several years. It was an extraordinary feat that bridged cultural and linguistic divides. This achievement underscores his scholarly dedication and his commitment to making Hindu scriptures accessible to Urdu readers.

Sahir Dehlvi’s early years were marked by intellectual rigor. Deeply influenced by Hindu spirituality and Islamic mysticism, his poetry reflected a synthesis of these traditions. His Urdu Diwan, Kufr-e-Ishq, and Persian collection, Chiragh-e-Maarfat, are masterpieces of philosophical and mystical thought. They delve into themes of divine love, human suffering, and the search for transcendence, blending Vedantic wisdom with Sufi ethos.

A Witness to Decline and Revival

Residing for much of his life at Lal Haveli in Mohalla Choodigiran, Delhi, Sahir Dehlvi lived through the decline of the Mughal Empire and the consequent deterioration of Delhi’s socio-cultural fabric. These changes deeply influenced his work, infusing his poetry with a sense of loss, reflection, and resilience.

Delhi’s cultural decline, however, did not deter Sahir Dehlvi’s creative spirit. Instead, it steered him towards a mystical outlook, where poetry became both a sanctuary and a vehicle for preserving a vanishing heritage.

Custodian of a Literary Legacy

Sahir Dehlvi’s role as a preserver of literary traditions is evident in his editorial work on Yaadgar-e-Sahiban. This monumental effort was dedicated to the legacy of Pandit Maharaj Kishan Razdan, known as “Maftoon,” another luminary of Urdu poetry. Maftoon’s works, spanning genres like Masnavi, Rubaiyat, and Qataat, were entrusted to Sahir Dehlvi, who painstakingly refined and published them in 1941.

This act of devotion was emblematic of Sahir Dehlvi’s broader mission: to ensure that the richness of Urdu literature endured, even in the face of historical upheaval.

A Legacy in Shadows

Despite his contributions, Sahir Dehlvi’s name remains overshadowed by later poets like Sahir Ludhianvi. Yet, his life and works offer a poignant reminder of the rich heritage of Kashmiri Pandits in Urdu literature. His poetic voice, steeped in mysticism and philosophy, stands as a bridge between traditions, embodying a timeless harmony of thought and expression.

In celebrating Pandit Amar Nath Madan Sahir Dehlvi, we honor not just a poet but a visionary whose words continue to resonate, reminding us that the true “Sahir” is one whose legacy transcends the limits of time and recognition.