Shayari is a beautiful and expressive form of poetry that originated in the Indian subcontinent, heavily influenced by Persian and Arabic literary traditions. It emerged during the medieval period, primarily as a part of Sufi culture, where poets used it to express divine love, mysticism, and human emotions. Over time, it evolved into a distinct poetic form in Urdu and Hindi languages.
Amir Khusro, a 13th-century poet, is often credited as one of the pioneers of early Shayari in Hindavi, the precursor to Urdu. During the Mughal era, Shayari flourished in royal courts and became a refined literary tradition. Great poets like Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Ghalib, and Allama Iqbal elevated Shayari with their profound thoughts, emotional depth, and linguistic beauty.
Shayari is often written in forms such as ghazal, nazm, rubai, and qawwali, and touches on themes like love,, longing, beauty, society. It is known for its rhythmic flow, metaphorical richness, and emotional resonance.
Even today, Shayari remains popular across South Asia, resonating through music, films, and spoken word performances, keeping alive the legacy of poetic expression and emotional storytelling.