Sadriddin Aini’s Engagement with the Indian Style in Pre-Revolutionary Poetry

This study examines Sadriddin Aini’s adherence to and utilization of elements characteristic of the Indian style (sabk-i hindī) in his poetry, focusing specifically on his pre-revolutionary creative period. While Aini introduced contemporary themes using simpler language, his work from this era demonstrates significant influence from the Indian style and Bedil studies, aligning him with contemporaries. The research identifies several key modes of engagement: the composition of mukhammas based on the works of prominent Indian style poets, particularly Mirzo Abdulqodir Bedil and Soib Tabrezi; the compilation of their poetry; the use of complex poetic meters (bahr); and the adoption of specific poetic expressions and interpretations associated with the style. Drawing on evidence, including analysis by Shukurov and Baqozoda regarding Aini’s early recognized expertise in Bedil’s work, the study concludes that Aini was an active participant in this literary tradition, positioning him as a key figure who continued and adapted the Indian style tradition before the revolution.