Do you follow literature and think both Shayari and Poetry are the same? If yes, then rethink because they are not the same, there is a lot of difference between the creative art from which you need to know. However, at the first sight both Shayari and poetry appear similar as they both express feelings, emotions, and thoughts. In this article, we are going to have a look at the difference between Shayari and Poetry
What is Shayari?
Shayari is an art from which is used to express hard emotions. It has a very strong connection with the emotions. Shayari has its origin from Urdu literature, and it originated from Persian. Mainly, shayari is written in the form of couplets called sher, and in every sher, a complete thought or emotion is held.
Shayari is basically a form of couplets which is called a sher, and Sher is often build with heavy words to build the emotions. It uses metaphors, symbols, and artistic language.
Example of a Shayari:
“Dil ke afsaane sunaoon kaise,
Har waqt tumhe yaad karoon kaise.”
This couplet shows deep love and longing in just two lines.
What is Poetry?
Poetry is the general term for any creative expression in writing. It is visible in languages and cultures everywhere. In poetry, it can take many shapes, styles, and formats.
Poetry is not limited to any specific language or country. It can be short verses, free verse, sonnets, or even long epics. Poetry usually deals with themes such as nature, life, society, and human emotions.
Example of Poetry (English):
“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both.”
Robert Frost
Here, the poet explores choices in life and their consequences.
Key Differences Between Shayari and Poetry
Origin and Language:
Shayari is generally a part of Urdu literature. Mostly it contains Persian and Arabic influence. Poetry is however, worldwide art, which can be noticed in every culture and language.
Form:
Shayari is mainly composed of couplets, which is also known as sher. Several couplets can form a ghazal or nazm. Sometimes the poem is written in various other forms like rhyming or free verse.
Shayari often focuses on love, heartbreak, beauty, and emotions. Poetry encompasses a wider range of topics, including nature, philosophy, society, and life.
Tone and Style:
Shayari has a musical quality with artistic language. It is often full of metaphors, similes, and wordplay. Poetry is rhythmic but has more scope for experimentation and freedom in the tone.
Performance:
Shayari is generally presented or recited in mushairas (poetry gatherings). It survives on oral presentation and emotional delivery. Poetry can be presented, read silently, or academically analyzed.
Shayari vs. Poetry
Although Shayari and poetry are different, they also share some common characteristics:
Expression of Emotions:
Both are works of art that expressively display human emotions and feelings of life.
Use of Imagery and Symbols:
Both put to use the aesthetics device of metaphor, symbol and image to generate full sense.
Cultural Value
Both portray values prevalent in those societies. Shayari brings out beauty in language via Urdu culture; while poem brings out universalistic value.
Artistic Value:
Both last for eternity and do not seem confined to generations.
Why the Confusion?
It is controversial because both Shayari and poetry are forms of poetic expression. Moreover, Urdu poets like Mirza Ghalib and Allama Iqbal are famous worldwide which affected world poetry.
Lines are getting fuzzy when poetry lovers read translations of Shayari. They feel similar to the readers because both use rhythm and emotions.
Conclusion: Are They Same?
Lastly, we have found that both Shayari and Poetry are not the same. The origin of both the art forms is different, while Shayari is from Urda literature and poetry is a very universal art form.
Even though they are different, both are equally beautiful in expressing the rhythm of emotions.
All in all, shayari can be Poetry but all poetry cannot be Shayari. And, hence both deserve the appreciation because they possess the power to move and inspire.
