Jagan Nath Azad’s Understanding Iqbal: A Research Study

Abstract

Jagan Nath Azad remains a canonical critic in the field of Urdu
literary and linguistic studies, especially on Iqbal. He played a
significant role in canonization of Iqbal’s poetic and philosophical
contribution. He endeavored to strengthen Iqbal’s stature in academia
when the great poet was being shown indifference. He contributed to
the biographical discussions and philosophical debates vis-à-vis the
poet. The works produced by the critic have won wide acclaim.
Moreover, his works on Iqbal are marked by passionate intensity. It
further enhances the importance of his critical work for Iqbal that it
was produced in a context that demanded the intellectual struggle in
this regard. He identified and explained new vistas with reference to
Iqbal Studies. The honour of his appointment as the professor
emeritus has won him an applause across the literary circles.
However, his critical works were denied the status they deserved. The
article covers his contribution, and also acclaim of it, in the field. It
has been argued that his work may be taken up critically to produce
doctoral level theses.