Abstract:

Mushfiq Khwaja’s essay offers a critical appreciation of Awaz Sayeed, a prominent Urdu writer known for his unique style in the genre of personal sketches (khake). Khwaja begins by distinguishing personal sketching from other literary forms, emphasising that it requires keen observation, psychological insight, realism, and the skill to convey maximum meaning with minimal words. He asserts that few Urdu writers meet all these criteria, but Awaz Sayeed stands out as an exception.

Khwaja highlights that Sayeed’s collection “Khake” vividly captures the cultural and literary milieu of Hyderabad Deccan through portraits of its notable literary figures. Sayeed’s sketches are praised for their authenticity, humour, and the ability to bring personalities to life without embellishment or distortion. The essay illustrates Sayeed’s approach through anecdotes about figures such as Makhdoom Mohiuddin, Qazi Saleem, Mughni Tabassum, and Waheed Akhtar, demonstrating his keen eye for character and subtle wit.

Khwaja concludes that Sayeed’s writing not only enriches readers’ understanding of Hyderabad’s literary scene but also exemplifies the art of sketching in Urdu literature. The essay positions Awaz Sayeed as an important voice whose works merit recognition for their literary merit and cultural insight.

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