The Poet · 1927 – 1978
इब्ने इंशा
Ibn-e-Insha
Region
Punjab
Language
urdu
Signature rasa
Shringara
Works · archive
46
Sher Muhammad Khan, immortalized under the pen name Ibn-e-Insha, was a literary wanderer who observed the world with a brilliant mix of deep melancholy and razor sharp wit. Born in 1927 in the Jalandhar district of Punjab, he migrated to Pakistan and became one of the most beloved Urdu poets and travelogue writers of his generation.
His most famous ghazal Insha Ji Utho Ab Kooch Karo carries an overwhelming sense of world weariness and final departure, sung beautifully by generations of classical vocalists. Yet, alongside this intense sorrow, he authored travelogues filled with hilarious, biting satire that dissected human follies across the globe.
He served in the United Nations, traveling extensively before his premature death in London in 1978. He remains the poet of the restless soul, wrapping profound existential grief inside breathtaking lyrical beauty.
Chronology
A life, paced like a poem.
1927
Born as Sher Muhammad Khan in Kartarpur, Punjab
1947
Migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India
1960s
Worked for Radio Pakistan and various literary bodies
1970s
Wrote his famous ghazal 'Insha Ji Uttho Ab Kuch Karo'
1978
Passed away in London while undergoing medical treatment
Essential
Start with these.
Three doorways into Ibn-e-Insha, chosen for how quickly they show you what this voice sounds like.
Karuna
01एक छोटा सा लड़का था मैं जिन दिनों
Ek Chhota Sa Ladka Tha Main Jin Dinon
The clearest statement of karuna in this catalogue, begin here.
Read the poem →6 verses
Shringara
02हम घूम चुके बस्ती-वन में
Hum Ghoom Chuke Basti-Van Mein
A shorter turn in shringara, 12 verses long.
Read the poem →12 verses
Karuna
03एक लड़का
Ek Ladka
A shorter turn in karuna, 2 verses long.
Read the poem →2 versesFull Catalogue
Every composition, by mood.
46 entries · 3 rasas
View full catalogue →शृंगार
Shringara
26 compositions
- 016 versesRead →
अच्छा जो ख़फ़ा हम से हो तुम ऐ सनम अच्छा
Achha Jo Khafa Hum Se Ho Tum Ae Sanam Achha
- 026 versesRead →
देख हमारी दीद के कारण कैसा क़ाबिल-ए-दीद हुआ
Dekh Hamari Deed Ke Karan Kaisa Qabil-E-Deed Hua
- 0312 versesRead →
हम घूम चुके बस्ती-वन में
Hum Ghoom Chuke Basti-Van Mein
- 044 versesRead →
इक बार कहो तुम मेरी हो
Ik Bar Kaho Tum Meri Ho
- 054 versesRead →
कबित्त (कवित्त)
Kabitt (Kabitt)
- 061 verseRead →
इंतज़ार की रात
Intezar Ki Raat
- 074 versesRead →
ख़याल कीजिये क्या काम आज मैं ने किया
Khayal Kijiye Kya Kaam Aaj Maine Kiya
- 085 versesRead →
रात के ख़्वाब सुनाएँ किस को रात के ख़्वाब सुहाने थे
Raat Ke Khwab Sunaye Kis Ko Raat Ke Khwab Suhane The
करुणा
Karuna
11 compositions
- 015 versesRead →
और तो कोई बस न चलेगा हिज्र के दर्द के मारों का
Aur To Koi Bas Na Chalega Hijr Ke Dard Ke Maron Ka
- 025 versesRead →
और तो कोई बस न चलेगा
Aur To Koi Bas Na Chalega
- 032 versesRead →
लोग पूछेंगे
Log Poochhenge
- 0411 versesRead →
शाम-ए-ग़म की सहर नहीं होती
Shaam-E-Gham Ki Sahar Nahin Hoti
- 055 versesRead →
दिल ने हमारे बैठे बैठे कैसे कैसे रोग लगाये
Dil Ne Hamare Baithe Baithe Kaise Kaise Roga Lagaye
- 066 versesRead →
एक छोटा सा लड़का था मैं जिन दिनों
Ek Chhota Sa Ladka Tha Main Jin Dinon
- 075 versesRead →
सब को दिल के दाग़ दिखाए एक तुझी को दिखा न सके
Sab Ko Dil Ke Daag Dikhaye Ek Tuzhi Ko Dikha Na Sake
- 082 versesRead →
एक लड़का
Ek Ladka
शान्त
Shanta
9 compositions
- 015 versesRead →
राज़ कहाँ तक राज़ रहेगा मंज़र-ए-आम पे आएगा
Raaz Kahan Tak Raaz Rahega Manzar-E-Aam Pe Aaega
- 027 versesRead →
जोग बिजोग की बातें झूठी सब जी का बहलाना हो
Jog Bijog Ki Baatein Jhoothi Sab Ji Ka Bahalana Ho
- 036 versesRead →
फ़क़ीर बन कर तुम उनके दर पर हज़ार धुनि रमा के बैठो
Faqeer Ban Kar Tum Unke Dar Par Hazar Dhuni Rama Ke Baitho
- 044 versesRead →
इंशाजी उठो अब कूच करो
Inshaji Utho Ab Kooch Karo
- 058 versesRead →
‘इंशा’ जी उठो अब कूच करो इस शहर में जी को लगाना क्या
Inshaji Utho Ab Kooch Karo Is Shahar Mein Ji Ko Lagana Kya
- 067 versesRead →
चल इंशा अपने गाँव में
Chal Insha Apne Gaon Mein
- 075 versesRead →
कमर बांधे हुए चलने पे यां सब यार बैठे हैं
Kamar Bandhe Hue Chalne Pe Yan Sab Yar Baithe Hain
- 082 versesRead →
साए से
Saaye Se