تاریخ گوئی کا مختصر تعارف

Abstract

This essay offers a concise introduction to Tareekh Goi—the traditional art of assigning numerical values to letters to record dates poetically, known as Ilm-ul-Jumal. It explores the historical, philosophical, and technical dimensions of this practice.

Beginning with a reference to a letter by Mirza Ghalib, the essay highlights the belief in the inherent influence (asar) of words, linking Tareekh Goi to ancient traditions of astrology and mysticism. Tracing its roots from Mesopotamian and Judaic practices—especially Jewish Gematria—the art evolved through Arabic Abjad system and was later expanded in Persian and Urdu with numerical values assigned to additional letters.

The essay outlines the symbolic connections between letters, numbers, and natural elements (fire, air, water, earth), and demonstrates practical examples from poetic verses marking the death years of poets like Ghalib and Mir. It also serves as a technical guide, explaining key orthographic rules including treatment of diacritics, tashdeed, hamza, and noon ghunnah.

Ultimately, Tareekh Goi is shown not merely as a poetic device but as a systematic blend of linguistic precision, cultural depth, and mystical symbolism..