Unlocking Human Imagination in South Asian Tangible Cultural Heritage: Analyzing Sahir Ludhianvi's "Taj Mahal"

Abstract

This research explores the relationship between human imagination and architecture through the depiction of the Taj Mahal in Sahir Ludhianvi’s Urdu poetry. It examines how the Taj Mahal, beyond its physical structure, represents human sensitivity, emotion, and cultural imagination. The central question focuses on how human feelings, intertwined with imagination, are reflected in Ludhianvi’s portrayal of the iconic monument. Architecture is viewed not merely as a physical creation but as a profound symbol of cultural identity and emotional depth, much like literature evokes feelings through words. The Taj Mahal, often symbolizing love and beauty is explored as a metaphor for deeper human relationships in Ludhianvi’s work. By employing a phenomenological and literary analysis, the research reveals how architecture influences human experiences and imagination. The findings show that the Taj Mahal, in Ludhianvi’s poetry, represents more than its aesthetic grandeur. It becomes a symbol of eternal love and emotional complexity, blending the tangible with the intangible. The study suggests that future research should delve further into how architectural heritage shapes cultural imagination and recommends interdisciplinary approaches that combine architecture, literature, and phenomenology to gain deeper insights into this relationship.