Akbar Allahabadi and Allama Iqbal’s Poetry: Social and Political Consciousness

Abstract

This study explores how social and political consciousness finds expression in the poetry of Akbar Allahabadi and Allama Iqbal against the backdrop of colonial India. At a time when British rule disrupted political autonomy, cultural values, and collective identity, poetry became more than an artistic form; it served as a voice of concern, resistance, and guidance. The importance of this topic lies in understanding how Urdu poetry responded to colonial modernity and social change by engaging directly with issues of cultural imitation, moral decline, and political awareness. By examining these two poets together, the study highlights literature’s role in shaping public consciousness and addressing the intellectual challenges faced by Muslim society during a period of profound transition.       The research is based on a qualitative and comparative reading of selected poems, supported by historical and socio-political context. Akbar Allahabadi’s poetry is examined for its sharp use of satire and irony, through which he comments on Westernisation, social hypocrisy, and the everyday realities of colonial life. His humour serves not merely to entertain but to provoke reflection and criticism. In contrast, Allama Iqbal’s poetry is approached through its philosophical and ideological depth, particularly his emphasis on selfhood (khudi), spiritual awakening, and collective responsibility. This method allows the study to appreciate the distinct styles of both poets while recognising their shared commitment to social reform. The study finds that although Akbar Allahabadi and Allama Iqbal differ in tone and poetic strategy, both play a crucial role in developing socio-political awareness in Urdu literature.