Ghalib's Love for Mangoes and Gin: A Taste of Summer

As summer unfolds, the fragrant allure of mangoes fills the air, reminding us of the legendary Urdu poet Ghalib. His profound love for mangoes and gin is celebrated in his poetry and anecdotes, revealing a man who embraced life's pleasures while reflecting on its deeper meanings. From tasting thousands of mango varieties to sipping perfumed gin, Ghalib's lifestyle intertwines with his literary legacy. Explore the fascinating stories that highlight his unique relationship with these summer delights.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 27, 2026, 16:43 IST

The Essence of Summer: Mangoes and Ghalib

As the vibrant Amaltas trees bloom and the air fills with the delightful aroma of mangoes, the Indian summer has officially arrived. The renowned Urdu poet Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib, who lived from 1797 to 1869, famously expressed his love for mangoes in his poetry, stating, “Mujhse poochho, tumheñ khabar kya hai, aam ke aage neyshakar kya hai...” This season evokes memories of Ghalib’s two great loves: mangoes and gin. His fascination with mangoes was so profound that he penned a masnavi titled Dar Sifat-e Ambaah, celebrating their qualities. It is said that he sampled nearly 4,000 different mango varieties, with patrons sending him fruits from distant regions. During a discussion on mangoes, Ghalib once remarked, “They should be sweet and they should be plentiful.”

Numerous stories about Ghalib's mango obsession are preserved in letters, memoirs, and literary tales. In his correspondence with friends, he mentioned a plethora of mango varieties, including Malda, Fasli, Chausa, Zard Aaloo, Jahangir, Dasehri, and many more. Ghalib is believed to have savored each one of them.

One notable anecdote recounts a stroll he took with Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar through the royal gardens of the Red Fort, known as Baagh-e Hayaat Bakhsh. As he gazed at the trees, which were off-limits to most, he explained that he was searching for the names of his ancestors inscribed on the mangoes, reflecting his deep connection to heritage.

Ghalib's lifestyle was also marked by his fondness for alcohol, particularly Old Tom gin mixed with gulab jal (rosewater). This unique blend became part of his legend, portraying him as a poet who sipped perfumed gin while crafting verses filled with themes of longing and existential reflection. For Ghalib, drinking was more than mere indulgence; it was integral to his worldview, allowing him to embrace life's pleasures while acknowledging its inherent absurdities. In William Dalrymple's book, The Last Mughal, he recounts how Ghalib's refined tastes helped him navigate the tumultuous aftermath of Delhi's fall, where he cleverly identified himself as “half Muslim” when questioned by an East India Company officer, stating, “I drink wine, but I don’t eat pork.”