DefinePK

Research Objective

To explain the basic principles of Urdu scansion (Taqti), focusing on the movement and quiescent of letters, the formation of metrical feet, and the identification of different meters.

Methodology

The paper outlines the fundamental steps and concepts required for scansion, including understanding Harf e Maktobi ghair Malfoze, Harf e Malfoze ghair Maktobi, acquaintance with simple and compound feet, recitation of couplets, and awareness of pauses and rhythm. It defines "meter" as the measurement of verse and the "foot" as the metrical unit composed of mutaharic and sakin Haroof.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Understand Principles of Taqti"] --> B["Identify Pronounced Letters"];
    B --> C["Analyze Letter Movement and Quiescence"];
    C --> D["Determine Metrical Feet Formation"];
    D --> E["Recite Verse and Identify Pauses/Rhythm"];
    E --> F["Classify Meter based on Foot Repetition"];
    F --> G["Conclusion on Verse Scansion"];                    

Discussion

The text emphasizes that only pronounced letters contribute to scansion. It introduces the concept of metrical feet as the building blocks of verse measurement and explains how these feet are constructed from specific letter combinations. The paper also touches upon the classification of meters into simple and compound types.

Key Findings

The core of Urdu scansion relies on the pronunciation of letters, not their written form. Metrical feet are formed by specific arrangements of mutaharic and sakin letters, exemplified by FAULUN. Different meters are named based on the repetition of these feet within a verse, such as Bahr-e-Mutqarib Musamman when FAULUN appears eight times. Meters can be simple (one foot) or compound (up to two feet of the same Bahr).

Conclusion

Urdu scansion is a systematic process of analyzing verse based on its phonetic structure, utilizing metrical feet and their arrangements to determine the meter. This understanding is crucial for the critical analysis of poetry.

Fact Check

- The word TAQTI is derived from and means "Literally cutting into pieces." (Confirmed by the text's definition).
- FAULUN is an example of a metrical foot consisting of five letters: three Mutaharic and two sakin. (Confirmed by the text's description: "There are five letters on this foot. Three Mutaharic () and two sakin i.e. ( ).").
- When FAULUN comes eight times in a verse, this meter is named Bahr-e-Mutqarib Musamman. (Confirmed by the text: "When FAULUN comes eight times in a verse, this meter is named Bahr-e-Mutqarib Musamman").

Mind Map