Yagaana Changezi

Biography

 Yagana Changezi, born Mirza Wajid Hussain in 1884 in Patna, was a poet who stood apart in the world of Urdu literature for his boldness and independence of thought. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Yagana did not confine himself to established traditions or follow the popular currents of the time. He created his own path, challenging conventions and writing with a fearless honesty that made him both admired and controversial.

He spent much of his life in Lucknow, where his sharp and outspoken style often clashed with literary orthodoxy. Yagana believed poetry should reflect truth rather than blindly imitate the classical forms and exaggerated romanticism of the past. His directness and criticism of established masters, including Ghalib, brought him notoriety, yet also secured his place as a strong and original voice.

His works, such as Aayat e Wajid, Ganjina e Ghaib, and Tarana e Yagana, reveal a poet unafraid to explore themes of individuality, selfhood, and skepticism. At a time when conformity was often rewarded, Yagana’s refusal to bend set him apart. He was sometimes marginalized by the literary establishment, but his originality made a lasting impact on Urdu poetry.

Personally, Yagana lived a quiet and modest life, removed from the glamour of courts or literary patronage. His rebellious tone was not only in his poetry but also in his way of life, as he chose independence over comfort.

Yagana Changezi passed away in 1956 in Lucknow. Though not celebrated as widely during his lifetime, his reputation has grown with time. Today he is remembered as a poet who gave Urdu literature one of its most distinct voices, a writer who proved that true poetry does not fear opposition when it speaks with authenticity.