Asar Lakhnavi

Mirza Jafar Ali Khan – 6 June 1967), better known as Asar Lakhnavi, was an Urdu poet, civil servant, critic, scholar, writer, translator who belonged from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He wrote Urdu ghazals and nazms under the pen name (takhallus) "Asar".

Biography

Early life and education Asar Lakhnavi was born on 12 July 1885, in the neighborhood of Katra Abu Tarab in Lucknow. His ancestor, Hakim Muhammad Shafi, a physician, came to Akbarabad from Isfahan. After staying for a while, Shafi moved to Faizabad and served as a physician in the court of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. Lakhnavi birth name was Mirza Jafar Ali Khan. He completed his early education at home. After passing the entrance examination in 1902, he got admission in Canning College Lucknow and he received his B.A. degree from Canning College in 1906.

Career

In 1909, he was appointed deputy collector in the United Provinces served till 1935 and after that he was promoted as collector from 1937 to 1940. Lakhnavi worked on many important government positions including deputy collector. He retired in 1940 from civil service. After the retirement, he held the posts of Home Minister and Education Minister of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

He was felicitated by Uttar Pradesh government with Ghalib award for his Urdu dictionary Farhang e Asar.

Writings He wrote several books in Urdu language.

He has three Diwans of Ghazals in his name

1.Asaristan

2.Baharan

3.Nau Baharan

In Urdu criticism, his collection of essays 'Chhan been', 'Anees Ki Marsiya Nigari', 'Farhang - e - Asar' and 'Mutala e Ghalib'.

Death He died on 6 June 1967 in Lucknow at the age of 81.