Studies on Sabk-i Hindi
The phrase Sebk-i Hindi (Indian style) is used to denote the poetic style developed by dominantly Persian poets in India from the XVIth century to the XVIIIth century (from Örfi to Bidil). The most significant characteristic of this style is the usage of original meanings and unusual new images. In the XVIth century, some poets who were troubled by the pressures of the Iranian government fled to India. These poets were influenced by the richness and depth of Indian thought. Under this influence, they developed a new poetic style comprising original meanings in India. In this style, antitheses and hyperboles were much used, and novel images were preferred to traditional meanings. This movement, which evolved out of the marriage of Indian thought with Persian poetry, was influential in a large area spanning from India and Afghanistan to Iran and Turkey.
ALİ FUAT BİLKAN
