Sare Jahan Se Achcha – Lyrics – With English Translation

Sare Jahan Se Achcha – Lyrics – With English Translation

Sare Jahan Se Achchha  is one of the enduring patriotic poems of the Urdu language. Written originally for children in the ghazal style of Urdu poetry by poet Muhammad Iqbal, the poem was published in the weekly journal Ittehad on 16 August 1904.

Recited by Iqbal the following year at Government College, Lahore, now in Pakistan, it quickly became an anthem of opposition to the British rule in India.

The poem’s central theme revolves around the idea of unity and the greatness of India, highlighting its cultural diversity and vastness. It envisions an inclusive India that rises above religious, social, and regional differences.

The first two lines of the poem are widely recognized and have become a popular slogan for national unity:

सारे जहाँ से अच्छा, हिन्दोस्ताँ हमारा
हम बुलबुलें हैं इस की, यह गुलिस्ताँ हमारा

Transliteration:
Sare Jahan Se Achcha, Hindostan Hamara
Hum Bulbulein Hain Iski, Ye Gulsitan Hamara

Translation:
Better than the entire world, is our Hindustan (India)
We are its nightingales, and it is our garden.

Muhammad Iqbal

The song, an ode to Hindustan—the land comprising present-day Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan—both celebrated and cherished the land even as it lamented its age-old anguish.

Also known as Tarana-e-Hindi (“Anthem of the People of Hindustan”), it was later published in 1924 in the Urdu book Bang-i-Dara.

सारे जहाँ से अच्छा हिन्दोसिताँ हमाराहम बुलबुलें हैं इसकी यह गुलसिताँ हमारा
ग़ुर्बत में हों अगर हम, रहता है दिल वतन मेंसमझो वहीं हमें भी दिल हो जहाँ हमारा
परबत वह सबसे ऊँचा, हम्साया आसमाँ कावह संतरी हमारा, वह पासबाँ हमारा
गोदी में खेलती हैं इसकी हज़ारों नदियाँगुल्शन है जिनके दम से रश्क-ए-जनाँ हमारा
ऐ आब-ए-रूद-ए-गंगा! वह दिन हैं याद तुझको?उतरा तिरे किनारे जब कारवाँ हमारा
मज़्हब नहीं सिखाता आपस में बैर रखनाहिंदी हैं हम, वतन है हिन्दोसिताँ हमारा
यूनान-ओ-मिस्र-ओ-रूमा सब मिट गए जहाँ सेअब तक मगर है बाक़ी नाम-ओ-निशाँ हमारा
कुछ बात है कि हस्ती मिटती नहीं हमारीसदियों रहा है दुश्मन दौर-ए-ज़माँ हमारा
इक़्बाल! कोई महरम अपना नहीं जहाँ मेंमालूम क्या किसी को दर्द-ए-निहाँ हमारा !

Saare Jahaan Se Achcha
Hindostaan Hamaraa Hamaraa
Saare Jahaan Se Achcha
Hindostaan Hamaraa Hamaraa

Hum BulBulain Hai Iss Ki,
Ye Gulsitan Hamaraa Hamaraa

Parbat Ho Sabse Unchaa
Hum saya aasman kaa
Parbat Ho Sabse Unchaa
Hum saya aasman kaa

Vo Santaree Hamaraa,
vo Paaswaan hamaraa hamaraa

Godee mein kheltee Hain
Is kee hazaaron nadiya

Gulshan Hai Jinke dam se,
Rashk-e-janna hamaraa hamaraa

Mazhab nahin Sikhataa
Apas Mein Bayr Rakhnaa

Hindee Hai Hum
Hindee Hai Hum
Hindee Hai Hum
Vatan hai
hindostaan hamaraa

Saare Jahaan Se Achcha
Hindostaan Hamaraa Hamaraa
Hum BulBulain Hai Iss Ki,
Ye Gulsitan Hamaraa Hamaraa

Saare Jahaan Se Achcha
Hindostaan Hamaraa Hamaraa
Saare Jahaan Se Achcha


English Translation of Sare Jahaan Se Achha

Better than the entire world, is our Hindustan,
We are its nightingales, and it (is) our garden abode

If we are in an alien place, the heart remains in the homeland,
Know us to be only there where our heart is.

That tallest mountain, that shade-sharer of the sky,
It (is) our sentry, it (is) our watchman

In its lap frolic those thousands of rivers,
Whose vitality makes our garden the envy of Paradise.

O the flowing waters of the Ganges, do you remember that day
When our caravan first disembarked on your waterfront?

Religion does not teach us to bear ill-will among ourselves
We are of Hind, our homeland is Hindustan.

In a world in which ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome have all vanished without trace
Our own attributes (name and sign) live on today.

Such is our existence that it cannot be erased
Even though, for centuries, the cycle of time has been our enemy.

Iqbal! We have no confidant in this world
What does any one know of our hidden pain?

 

The poem has been an inspiration for generations of Indians, fostering a sense of national pride and the desire for independence. It was also sung during India’s struggle for freedom from British colonial rule and continues to be cherished as an essential part of India’s patriotic literature and cultural heritage. It remains an enduring symbol of unity, diversity, and pride for the nation.

FAQs for Sare Jahan Se Achcha :

  1. What is “Sare Jahan Se Acha”?
    • “Sare Jahan Se Acha” is a patriotic song in Urdu that celebrates the beauty and diversity of India. It’s often considered an unofficial national anthem of India.
  2. Who wrote the lyrics of “Sare Jahan Se Acha”?
    • The lyrics of “Sare Jahan Se Acha” were written by the renowned Urdu poet Muhammad Iqbal in 1904.
  3. What is the significance of “Sare Jahan Se Acha”?
    • The song holds immense cultural and patriotic significance in India. It invokes a sense of unity, diversity, and pride among Indians, celebrating the country’s rich heritage and spirit of togetherness.
  4. Can you provide some background on Muhammad Iqbal, the poet of “Sare Jahan Se Acha”?
    • Muhammad Iqbal, also known as Allama Iqbal, was a prominent philosopher, poet, and politician in British India who is widely regarded as having inspired the Pakistan Movement. He wrote extensively on philosophy, politics, and spirituality, and his works continue to influence people across South Asia.
  5. What is the melody or tune associated with “Sare Jahan Se Acha”?
    • The melody commonly associated with the lyrics of “Sare Jahan Se Acha” is from the song “Tarana-e-Milli” composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar. It is a soulful and stirring tune that complements the patriotic lyrics.
  6. Is “Sare Jahan Se Acha” officially recognized as the national anthem of India?
    • No, “Sare Jahan Se Acha” is not the official national anthem of India. The official national anthem is “Jana Gana Mana,” composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
  7. Are there any particular occasions when “Sare Jahan Se Acha” is commonly sung or played?
    • The song is often sung during patriotic events, cultural gatherings, and national holidays in India. It’s a popular choice for celebrating the spirit of the nation.
  8. Are there any variations or alternate versions of “Sare Jahan Se Acha”?
    • Over the years, various renditions and interpretations of the song have emerged, including different musical arrangements and vocal performances. However, the essence and message of the lyrics remain consistent across these versions.
  9. Is there any controversy surrounding “Sare Jahan Se Acha”?
    • While the song is widely celebrated, there have been occasional controversies regarding its usage and interpretation. Some debates have arisen regarding its relevance in contemporary India’s diverse social and political landscape. However, it continues to be cherished by many as a symbol of national unity and pride.

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