What Is Takhmis? A Simple Guide to the Classic Poetic Form

If you’ve ever come across the word “Takhmis” and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. It’s a traditional style of poetry that started in Arabic, later adopted by Urdu and Hindi poets. In plain terms, a Takhmis takes a short poem – usually a couplet – and expands it into a five‑line stanza, keeping the original rhyme and rhythm while adding three new lines.

How Takhmis Works: The Basic Rules

First, start with a short couplet called the matla. The poet then writes three fresh lines that fit the same meter and rhyme scheme. Those new lines are placed between the original two, so the final structure looks like: line 1, new line 1, new line 2, new line 3, line 2. The result feels like the original couplet has been “stretched” without losing its flow.

To keep the poem smooth, you need to match the original meter (the beat pattern) and the rhyme sound. Most Takhmis in Urdu follow the same aa‑baa‑aa pattern as the original, but poets sometimes play with it for effect. The key is that the added lines should enhance the theme, not just fill space.

Tips for Writing Your Own Takhmis

1. Pick a strong couplet. Choose one with a clear idea or emotion. The better the base, the easier it is to build on.

2. Stick to the meter. Count the syllables or use a traditional meter guide. If you’re unsure, read the couplet out loud and feel the beat.

3. Keep the rhyme. The last word of the original line sets the rhyme. Your new lines need to end with words that rhyme with that.

4. Add depth. Use the three extra lines to explore the image, give a twist, or deepen the feeling. Think of them as a mini‑story that supports the original thought.

5. Read it aloud. If it sounds clunky, adjust the words or the rhythm. A good Takhmis flows like a conversation.

Many Indian poets love Takhmis because it lets them showcase skill while paying homage to classic verses. You’ll find it in “Marsiya” (elegiac poems) and “Ghazals” where writers turn a two‑line thought into a richer expression.

For example, take the famous couplet: "Dil ki baat kaun sunega, tanha rah gaye hain hum". A Takhmis might add three lines about the night, the moon, and the hope of a new dawn, ending back on the original line. The expanded stanza feels like a journey that circles back to the first feeling.

Want to practice? Grab a couplet you like, count its beats, and write three lines that rhyme and match the rhythm. Don’t worry if the first attempt feels forced – keep tweaking until it sounds natural.

Remember, Takhmis isn’t just a technical exercise; it’s a way to honor the past while adding your own voice. When you get the hang of it, you’ll see how easy it is to turn any short poem into a mini‑masterpiece.

So next time you see a couplet that strikes a chord, try stretching it into a Takhmis. You’ll impress friends, deepen your poetry skills, and keep a centuries‑old tradition alive.