For the Love of Mangoes: Akbar Allahabadi's poem, Aam-Nama
A whimsical poem-letter on the unparalleled pleasures of the mango fruit.
The mango season is upon us, and households across South Asia are fragrant with the sweet aroma of ripe mangoes! In this region, mangoes are more than just a fruit; they symbolize summer, evoke childhood nostalgia, and connect people to their cultural heritage. In fact, some of the greatest poets and writers from the subcontinent have penned delightful odes to the king of fruits.
Speaking of poetry, let’s dive into the charming world of Akbar Allahabadi (1846−1921), one of the foremost Urdu poets of our time, known for his wit, humour, and social critique. Born as Akbar Hussain in Allahabad, he gained prominence in the literary circles of British India, contributing significantly to the Urdu literary landscape. His wrote on the themes of love, politics and societal issues, blending traditional forms with contemporary concerns. Renowned for his light-hearted style, Allahabadi’s verses reflect the complexities of Indian society during a period of colonial rule, making him a beloved figure in Urdu literature.
In one of his lighter poems, “Aam Nama,” the poet whimsically requests his friend, Munshi Nisar Husain, to send him mangoes instead of love letters or messages from his beloved, prizing it as the most exalted form of pleasure. Read the full poem below.
Aam-Nama Akbar Allahabadinama na koi yaar ka paigham bhejiye
iss fasl mein jo bhejiye bas aam bhejiye
aisa zaroor ho ki unhein rakh ke kha sakun
pukhta agarche bees to das khaam bhejiye
maaloom hi hai aap ko bande ka address
seedhe Allahabad mere naam bhejiye
aisa na ho ki aap ye likhein jawaab mein
tameel hogi pahle magar daam bhejiye
Aam-Nama Akbar AllahabadiNeither letter nor message from my beloved send to me,
If you must send something this season, mangoes let them be.
Make sure there are some that I can keep to eat another day.
If twenty are ripe add another ten that can stay.
Your slave’s address you know, it remains the same
Dispatch them to Allahabad in a parcel in my name.
Whatever you do, in reply please be not brash:
‘Order for mangoes received, just send the cash’
Translation by Khushwant Singh