Farigh Bukhari in the Context of Sketch Writing

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Abstract

Farigh Bukhari was a prominent poet, prose writer, and literary critic of the subcontinent who remained closely associated with the Progressive Writers’ Movement. His literary thought, expressed through his distinctive poetry and refined prose, reflects the intellectual and ideological objectives of the progressive literary tradition. In addition to his achievements as a poet and critic, Bukhari demonstrated considerable skill in the genre of sketch writing, producing insightful and memorable sketches of prominent literary personalities of his time. This study examines Farigh Bukhari’s contribution to Urdu sketch writing, with particular emphasis on his celebrated collections Album and Dūsra Album. His sketches transcend mere biographical description and provide perceptive portrayals of the personalities, habits, intellectual orientations, and ideological perspectives of the individuals he encountered. Through vivid characterization, keen observation, engaging narration, and an effective combination of literary and critical elements, Bukhari succeeds in presenting both the public and private dimensions of his subjects. The study further explores how his progressive intellectual outlook influenced his approach to sketch writing and shaped his representation of contemporary literary figures. His sketches serve not only as valuable examples of Urdu prose but also as important documents of the literary and intellectual environment of his era. The research concludes that Farigh Bukhari occupies a significant position in Urdu sketch writing, as his works combine artistic expression, critical insight, historical documentation, and personal observation. His contribution considerably enriched the genre and continues to hold value for readers and researchers of Urdu literature.