In the heart of Delhi, nestled opposite the majestic Jama Masjid, lies Urdu Bazar – a once-thriving center of Delhi’s literary community, now struggling to preserve its heritage amid shifting societal trends and technological advancements. Just about 40 years ago, Urdu Bazar boasted nearly 80 bookstores lining the streets from Jagath Cinema to the entrance of Matia Mahal Road. Today, only six bookstores remain, echoing a poignant decline in the city’s literary vibrancy.
The aroma of freshly brewed tea mingles with a sense of nostalgia in the air of Urdu Bazar on a quiet Saturday morning. Booksellers, waiting patiently for customers, watch as tourist buses pass by, their collections yearning for the touch of passionate readers. What was once a hub of discussions on Ghalib and Faiz’s poetry now grapples with the lure of sizzling kebabs, the symphony of literary exchange fading into the background.
Sohail Hashmi, a history enthusiast, reflects on the shifting fortunes of Urdu Bazar, attributing the decline to the waning demand for Urdu literature – a consequence, he suggests, of the language’s perceived neglect and diminishing societal appreciation. “If you wanted to pick up a book in Urdu during the 1970s and 80s, you came here,” remarks Hashmi, highlighting the market’s erstwhile prominence.
The origins of Urdu Bazar trace back to Emperor Shahjahan’s reign, deriving its name not from the Urdu language but from the Turkish word “Ordu,” meaning ‘army,’ owing to the Mughal army’s stationing in the area.
Amidst the backdrop of dwindling footfalls and vanishing bookstores, a deeper concern emerges – the erosion of traditional literary pursuits in the wake of modern technology. The accessibility of e-books, audiobooks, and digital platforms has transformed reading habits, diverting attention from physical bookstores and traditional languages.
However, amidst this narrative of decline, the enduring significance of language and literature shines through. Maulana Maududi, a noted Islamic scholar, emphasized the importance of regional languages, stating, “The linguistic division of people is one of the signs of the Divine. God did not think it fit to impose a single language and a single way of life on mankind.”
Similarly, Urdu, with its rich poetic legacy and cultural heritage, has garnered admiration from luminaries across generations. Prominent poet and philosopher Allama Iqbal extolled the virtues of Urdu, envisioning it as a unifying force, “The power of a language lies in its literature, and Urdu literature is the quintessence of our cultural identity.”
As we navigate the digital age, let us not forget the intrinsic value of languages and the irreplaceable joy of turning physical pages. Urdu Bazar’s plight serves as a poignant reminder that the legacy of languages and literary traditions must be safeguarded and cherished, transcending technological shifts to enrich our collective cultural tapestry. Through concerted efforts to promote linguistic diversity and preserve literary heritage, we honor the profound wisdom encapsulated in our languages and pave the way for a future where Urdu Bazar and its counterparts thrive once more as vibrant hubs of intellectual exchange and cultural celebration.