Origins & Early Life

Syed Imtiaz Ali Taj (Urdu: سیّد امتیاز علی تاؔج; Sayyid Imtiyāz ʿAlī Tāj; 1900–1970) was a Pakistani dramatist who wrote in the Urdu language. He is best known for his 1922 play Anarkali, based on the life of Anarkali, that was staged hundreds of times and was adapted for feature films in India and Pakistan, including the Indian film Mughal-e-Azam (1960). Born Syed Imtiaz Ali in Lahore (then in British India) on 13 October 1900, he was the son of Sayyid Mumtaz Ali (1860 – 1935), who was also known as Shams-ul-Ulema (Sun of the Scholars), in recognition of his pioneering contribution to Urdu drama. His mother Muhammadi Begum lovingly nicknamed him 'Mera Taj' (my crown).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His forefathers had moved to Lahore following the 1857 Indian revolt in Delhi. When Imtiaz started writing, he adopted the literary pseudonym "Taj". During his student days, his literary skill came to the fore as he translated and directed many English plays, sometimes acting in female roles at a time when girls were not encouraged to act. After studying in Lahore, he first worked in his father's publishing house, Dar-ul-Ishaat Punjab (lit: "Punjab publishing house"). He then contributed to the children...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aaron Copland — Contemporary (Born in 1900) (1900): Pioneering American composer, conductor, and critic, known as the "Dean of American Music".
• Adolf Dassler — Contemporary (Born in 1900) (1900): Pioneering German cobbler and inventor who founded the sportswear giant Adidas.
• Amadou Hampâté Bâ — Contemporary (Born in 1900) (1900): Malian writer, historian, and ethnologist championing Africa's oral traditions.
• Abraham Maslow — Contemporary (Died in 1970) (1970): Pioneering American psychologist known for the Hierarchy of Needs and self-actualization theory.
• Alan Shearer — Contemporary (Born in 1970) (1970): English football legend, record goalscorer, and respected pundit.
• Allen Lane — Contemporary (Died in 1970) (1970): Pioneering British publisher who founded Penguin Books, bringing literature to the masses.
• Al Martino — Shared historical date (10-13 · Died) (2009): Iconic Italian-American crooner, celebrated for standards and his role in The Godfather.
• Alexander Yegorov (general) — Shared historical date (10-13 · Born) (1883): Soviet military leader and one of the original Marshals of the Soviet Union.
• Anthony van Diemen — Shared historical date (04-19 · Died) (1645): Dutch colonial governor whose career spanned the East Indies and marked early Australian encounters.
• August Wilhelm Iffland — Shared historical date (04-19 · Born) (1759): Prominent German actor and dramatic author, celebrated for his roles in Schiller's works.
• 1900 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1900
• October 13 (10-13) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 13
• 1970 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1970
• April 19 (04-19) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 19