Shubha Dwivedi’s translation of Jagdish Gupt’s poem: रूप-रेखा – A Blue Print (Hindi to English)


A Blue Print


In the murky depths of dawn,

The river holds a 

mirror to the sky

Inscribed upon the sable earth,

with ivory letters

The line of the poem 

hums to herself.

From the crucible of the goldsmith

Time and time again, 

electrified silver spills

Wherefore and how to conserve

This fluid form?

Upon which vast and boundless sea ought I bestow

This revered silhouette?

I am beholden to Him

who has bestowed me with an ‘eye’ to perceive beauty

Given such a vision to the eye

and to my gaze,

this river!


Dr. Jagdish Gupt (1924–2001) was an influential poet, painter, literary critic, archaeologist, and educator whose literary and artistic endeavours played a pivotal role in redefining the contours of the Nayi Kavita during the twentieth century. His contribution was of utmost importance in elucidating the theoretical underpinnings and core ideas of the movement. Dr. Gupt held a firm belief that “sentiments” and “rhythm” together formed foundational elements of both poetry and art and were imperative in crafting a harmonious aesthetic experience. His extensive literary corpus encompasses more than twenty-five books of poetry, literary essays, criticism, and the history of literature along with critical works on Indian Art, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to the arts and literature. His most well-known works include Bahulochana Nadi, Himviddha, Shabddansh, Kavitantar, Shambuk, Bodhivriksha, and others. His multifaceted personality added a new dimension to his creative output. He was conferred the Bharat Bharti Puraskar by the Uttar Pradesh Government and the Maithili Sharan Gupt Puraskar by the Madhya Pradesh Government for his invaluable contribution to Hindi Literature. He had the honour of serving in the Hindi department of Allahabad University, holding the esteemed positions of Professor and Head of the Department.
Shubha Dwivedi is a poet and translator. She teaches English Literature at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi, India.

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