The works of Allama Iqbal, such as 'Bang - e - Dara', are also very important in Urdu literature. His poetry often focuses on themes like self - realization, the identity of the Muslim community, and the search for truth, which have had a profound impact on Urdu - speaking people and the development of Urdu literature.
One of the well - known Urdu literary works is 'Gulistan' by Saadi Shirazi. It contains a collection of moral stories and wise sayings. These stories are not only beautifully written but also carry important life lessons.
The poetry of Allama Iqbal can also be a great introduction. His works are not only beautiful in terms of language but also carry deep philosophical and nationalistic ideas. Even if you are just starting with Urdu, you can pick up some of his shorter poems to get a taste of the richness of the language.
The poetry of Allama Iqbal is also widely loved in Urdu - speaking families. His works are full of inspiration, national pride, and spiritual depth. Poems like 'Lab - pe - Aati Hai Dua Ban Ke Tamanna Meri' are not only beautiful but also carry positive messages.
Manto's short stories are also very well - known in Urdu literature. His works often touch on the darker and more real aspects of human nature and society during the partition era.
Poetry collections like the works of Kabir are also very popular. Kabir was a 15th - century Indian mystic poet. His poems are known for their simplicity and profound spiritual and philosophical insights. They often question the norms of society, religion, and caste, and are still widely read and recited today.
As mentioned before, Thirukkural by Thiruvalluvar is extremely popular. It consists of 1330 couplets that cover various aspects of life, including virtue, wealth, and love. It has been translated into many languages and is studied for its profound wisdom.
One of the most famous is the Ramayana in Hindi. It is an epic that tells the story of Lord Rama's journey. It is filled with moral values, loyalty, and the victory of good over evil. It has been passed down through generations and is a great source of cultural and moral education.
Hindi has a rich literary heritage. The works of Tulsidas, especially 'Ramcharitmanas', are extremely popular. In Punjabi literature, Shiv Kumar Batalvi's works are loved. His poetry is known for its deep emotions and vivid descriptions. Many of his works are based on Punjabi folklore and cultural elements.
One popular work is 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies'. It combines the classic story of 'Pride and Prejudice' with elements of a zombie apocalypse. Another is 'World War Z'. It presents a global perspective on a zombie war, with different characters' accounts. 'The Girl with All the Gifts' is also well - known. It has a unique take on zombies, following a young girl who is different in the midst of a zombie - infested world.
In the realm of Urdu literature, new translations of classic works from other languages are being made, which bring in new perspectives. Also, some Urdu writers are creating graphic novels which combine visual art with storytelling. In Hindi, there are new plays being written that are based on contemporary social problems, like gender inequality and caste discrimination, aiming to raise awareness and promote change.
One of the popular Kannada literary works is 'Mricchakatika' (The Little Clay Cart). It is a classic play that has elements of love, comedy, and social commentary. It gives a glimpse into the society during that time period.