The Durbeen was an Urdu newspaper published in Calcutta. It served as an important platform for the Muslim community during the 19th century. The paper focused on social, economic, and political issues affecting Muslims in Bengal and India. It provided a voice to articulate concerns, promote education, and encourage social reform among Muslims.
The editor Abul M’ Ali Muhammad Abdur Rauf Waheed, a noted poet and translator, was closely associated with the publication. Durbeen contributed significantly to Urdu literature and journalism in the region, addressing the challenges faced by the community during British colonial rule and fostering a sense of identity and awareness through its writings.
The paper was part of a broader rise of Urdu and Persian literary culture in Calcutta during this time, nurtured by Muslim elites and intellectuals who played key roles in shaping the socio-political discourse.