Delhi University to Teach Kabir Das Couplets in MA Urdu Syllabus

Delhi University plans to introduce couplets of mystic poet Kabir Das to MA Urdu students as part of a proposed syllabus revision. The Faculty of Arts has recommended including 'Kabir Bani' in the first-year coursework. The changes, if approved, will be implemented in the 2024-25 academic session.

Delhi University is set to introduce the couplets of mystic poet and saint Kabir Das into the Master's degree syllabus for Urdu students. This change comes as part of proposed revisions to the first-year syllabus, pending approval from the university's Executive Council.

The new curriculum plans to incorporate 40 couplets from 'Kabir Bani' in the first semester. The Faculty of Arts recommended these revisions, suggesting readings from 'Kabir Bani' by Ali Sardar Jafri and 'Kabir' by Prabhakar Manchve.

If greenlit, the rollout of this updated syllabus will commence in the 2024-25 academic session starting in August. The revisions, part of a paper titled 'Basic Text: Early Urdu Literature,' were discussed in a faculty meeting on February 19 and subsequently tabled for approval by the Executive Council, which will convene on July 27.

This move aims to acquaint students with the early literary traditions of the Deccan and North India. According to the Department of Urdu's programme brochure, the course will help students appreciate classical poetry and prose within the context of early literary Urdu traditions.

The revised syllabus proposes starting Unit-1 with 'Kabir Ke Muntakhab Dohe'—a selection of 40 couplets from Kabir Bani. Previously, the unit included 'Sub-Ras' by Mulla Wajhi. The changes have already received the Academic Council's endorsement, following their meeting on July 12.