The Role of Poetry Readings in Dispelling the Notion that Urdu is a Muslim Language
Hiba Mirza

Abstract
community (i.e., Muslims) have indeed contributed in creating a narrow image of sectarian interests. However, the concern of the intellectuals about its declining trend, seems to be melting, if we take the case of Mushaira (poetic symposium). Through interviews with both the organisers and the attendees of Delhi Mushairas I collected a serious of impressions that speak to the role of a Mushaira in advancing a cosmopolitan, rather than a communal image of Urdu. Uniting people through poetry, mushairas temporarily dissolve differences of caste, creed and religion.

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