---
title: "Ghazal: Poetic Form and Musical Genre | Model Diplomat"
description: "The ghazal is a couplet-based lyric form in Urdu and Persian poetry, distinct from the nazm, set to Hindustani music. Key for UPSC GS-I art and culture."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/ghazal"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The ghazal is a lyric poetic form of rhyming couplets and a refrain, originating in Arabic, that became a major genre of Urdu and Persian poetry and Hindustani semi-classical music.
- How does a ghazal differ from a nazm in Urdu poetry?
- What are the essential structural elements of a ghazal?
- Is the ghazal classical or semi-classical music in the Hindustani system?
- Why is the ghazal relevant to UPSC General Studies Paper I?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The ghazal is a lyric poetic form of rhyming couplets and a refrain, originating in Arabic, that became a major genre of Urdu and Persian poetry and Hindustani semi-classical music.

Go beyond the definition

## Research Ghazal like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Ghazal

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Ghazal](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Ghazal%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In 2019 the Sahitya Akademi and cultural bodies across India marked the 150th year since Mirza Ghalib's death (1869) with mushairas and ghazal recitals celebrating his Urdu divan.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take Ghazal beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.