I grew up reading a lot about Mirza Ghalib. His couplets were often quoted by people around and when I started writing, I too got to learn about him. During the Jashn-e-Rekhta event of 2017, Neelesh Misra did storytelling on the life of Mirza Ghalib. I too wrote a small poem dedicated to Mirza Ghalib.
Read Here – Chor Minar, Hauz Khas
However, when I visited the tomb of Mirza Ghalib, I was left surprised. I love visiting ancient, historic monuments. What I love about Delhi is that this city is full of such monuments and sites that contribute a lot to the culture and heritage. That day, I was on my Delhi expedition along with a friend whom I met on Instagram. Together, we first visited Old Fort. From there, we headed to Mazar-e—Ghalib.
I wasn’t expecting such a small monument dedicated to such a wonderful personality. Not only I but we all have known Mirza Ghalib all through our life and when I got to visit his grave, I was just in shock. I sat there on a bench and wondered how a man, who shook the world with his poetry, was made to rest in such an ordinary tomb. I have seen tombs of famous emperors, tombs of noblemen, courtmen, etc. They are massive, opulent, and are fine examples of architecture. On the other side, such a famous poet rests in a small place, surrounded by shops and neighboring locality.
This reminds me, no matter how long and influential is your life; ultimately, this is fate in the end. I was expecting a nice monument. There is another monument next to Mirza Ghalib’s tomb, Chausath Khamba 64 Pillars). This monument is a piece of architecture, made up of white marble with beautiful latticework. I had never heard of the name of Mirza Aziz Koka who built it and is buried here.
