Ibn-e-Insha Biography

Ibn-e-Insha (Punjabi, Urdu: ابن انشاء) (b. 15 June, 1927 d. 11 January, 1978) was an eminent Pakistani Leftist Urdu poet, humorist, travelogue writer and columnist. Along with his poetry, he was regarded one of the best humorists of Urdu. His poetry has a distinctive diction laced with language reminiscent of Amir Khusro in its use of words and construction that is usually heard in the more earthy dialects of the Hindi-Urdu complex of languages, and his forms and poetic style is an influence on generations of young poets.

Life

He was born on June 15, 1927 as Sher Muhammad Khan (شیر محمد خان) in Phillaur tehsil of Jalandhar District, Punjab, India. His father hailed from Rajasthan. He did B.A. from Punjab University in 1946 and M.A. from University of Karachi in 1953. He was associated with various governmental services including Radio Pakistan, Ministry of Culture and National Book Centre of Pakistan. He also served UN for some time and this enabled him to visit a lot of places and was the reason of his subsequent travelogues. Some of the places that he visited includes Japan, Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Afganistan, Iran, Turkey, France, UK and US. Insha got the mentors like, Habibullah Ghazanfer Amrohvi, Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Khan and Dr. Abdul Qayyum. Insha spent much of his time in Karachi. He died of Hodgkin's Lymphoma on January 11, 1978 in London and was buried in Karachi.

Contribution to literature

He is considered as one of the most versatile poets and writers of his generation. His most famous ghazal Insha Ji Utthoo (انشاء جی اٹھو) (Get up Insha Ji, Let's leave from here) is a modern day Classic. His other works include a number of travelogues recorded with a distinguished touch of humour.

Major Works

• Is Basti Key Ik Koochey Main-Poetry- First edition was published in Aug 1976 and till 2003, 22 more editions have been published
• Chand Nagar-Poetry
• Dil-e-Wehshi- Poetry
• Awara Gard Ki Diary-Travelogue
• Dunya Gol Hey-Travelogue
• Ibn Battuta Kay Taqub Main-Travelogue
• Chaltay Ho To Cheen Ko Chaliye-Travelogue
• Nagri Nagri Phira Musafar-Travelogue
• Khumar e Gandum-Humor
• Urdu Ki Aakhri Kitaab-Humor- First edition was published in Jul 1971 and till 2003, 33 more editions have been published
• Khat Insha Jee Kay-Collection of letters