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Abul Lais Siddiqui

1916 - 1994 | Karachi, Pakistan

Linguist, researcher, critic, and author of 'Lucknow ka Dabistan-e-Shairi'

Linguist, researcher, critic, and author of 'Lucknow ka Dabistan-e-Shairi'

Profile of Abul Lais Siddiqui

Pen Name : 'Abul Lais Siddiqui'

Real Name : Abul Lais

Born : 15 Jun 1916 | Agra, Uttar pradesh

Died : 07 Sep 1994 | Karachi, Sindh

Identity: Eminent linguist, researcher, critic, and former Director of the Urdu Lughat Board

Abul Lais Siddiqi was born on 15 June 1916 in Agra, India. He received his early and higher education in Agra, Badaun, and Aligarh. He was the first scholar to earn a PhD in Urdu literature from Aligarh Muslim University. In 1943, under the supervision of Rashid Ahmad Siddiqi, he completed his doctoral dissertation on Lucknow ka Dabistan-e-Shairi, which later became an important reference in Urdu literary research.

After completing his education, he initially remained associated with Aligarh Muslim University. In 1948, he went to the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, where he conducted research on the Indo-Aryan languages of North India. After the Partition of India, he migrated to Pakistan and settled first in Lahore and later in Karachi.

Dr. Abul Lais Siddiqi served at Oriental College Lahore and the Urdu Department of the University of Karachi. At the University of Karachi, he also served as Head of the Urdu Department. During this period, he worked as Director of the Urdu Lughat Board, Karachi. In recognition of his scholarly stature, he was invited as a Visiting Professor to Columbia University in the United States.

Dr. Siddiqi held a distinguished position in Urdu criticism, linguistics, literary research, and literary history. His major works include Lucknow ka Dabistan-e-Shairi, Ghazal aur Mutaghazzileen, Aaj ka Urdu Adab, Tarikh-e-Zaban wa Adabiyat-e-Urdu, Tarikh-e-Usul-e-Tanqid, Jadeed Urdu Adabiyat, and Beesween Sadi ka Urdu Adab. He also produced valuable studies on classical poets, including Mushafi aur Unka Kalam, Jur’at: Uska Ahd aur Shairi, and Nazeer Akbarabadi: Uska Ahd aur Shairi.

His contributions to linguistics and grammar were equally significant. Works such as Jame-ul-Qawaid and Urdu mein Sainsi Adab ka Ashariya reflect his scholarly depth and research-oriented approach. His autobiography Raft-o-Bood is also regarded as an important account of literary and social life.

Death: Dr. Abul Lais Siddiqi passed away on 7 September 1994 in Karachi.

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