The word ghazal (Arabic ) means a “discourse” or “talk to women”. There was an Arabic form of poetry called qasida which came to Iran in about the 10th century which dealt with the themes of the greatness of kings but it was often 100 couplets or more. Therefore, a portion of the qasida, known as the tashib was detached and this became the ghazal. The ghazal soon became the most popular form of poetry in Iran.
Ghazal’s was introduced to India in the 12th century. The ghazals got a new colour while it was adopted to the Indian scenario. The process of converting this poetic form into a musical form was a slow one. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the ghazal became associated with the courtesans or tawaifs. They were unparalleled in art, literature, dance, music, etiquette, and in short, all of the high culture. Ghazals are widely acclaimed for their musicality. It touches hearts with its soulful rendering.