Ghazal

The ghazal ( ਗ਼ਜ਼ਲ, undefined, ग़ज़ल,, غزل, গজল, ગઝલ,) is a form of amatory poem or ode, originating in Arabic poetry.A ghazal may be understood as a poetic expression of both the pain of loss or separation and the beauty of love in spite of that pain. A ghazal commonly consists of between five and fifteen couplets, which are independent, but are linked – abstractly, in their theme; and more strictly in their poetic form.The structural requirements of the ghazal are similar in stringency to those of the Petrarchan sonnet.In style and content, due to its highly allusive nature, the ghazal has proved capable of an extraordinary variety of expression around its central themes of love and separation. The ghazal is one of the most widespread and popular poetic forms, especially across the Middle East and South Asia.In India, Jagjit Singh, popularly known as "The Ghazal King", popularizes ghazals and ghazal singing among scores of music lovers.Readings or musical renditions of Ghazals are well attended in these countries, even by the laity.In a similar manner to Haiku, the Ghazal is gaining popularity among western poetry readers.