Poets/Writers From Delhi

One of the founding fathers of Urdu poetry, contemporary of Meer Taqi meer.

First Poet of Rekhta/Hindvi. Musician and Disciple of Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia. Known for his "pahelis", which form part of Indian folklore. He is famous for inventing two most important musical instruments tabla & sitar. Wrote "Ze-hal-e-miskin…" one of the earliest prototypes of Urdu ghazal written in Persian & Hindvi.

Last of classical poets who celebrated life and love. Famous for his playfulness of words (idioms/ phrases).

One of the most influential Pre-modern poets who paved the way for the modern Urdu ghazal. Known for his perceptive critical comments. Recipient of Gyanpeeth award.

One of most firebrand poets of Lucknow. Contemporary of Meer Taqi Meer. His rivalry with Mushafi is well-recorded. He had also written rekhta poetry and 'Raani Ketki ki kahani" in prose.

Most prominent linguist and lexicologist, mentor of Mir and Mir Dard

Sufi poet, contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir, known for his deep knowledge of Indian music.

Prominent contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir, younger brother of Mir Dard.

Considered to be the foremost poet of mathnawi.

One of the greatest Urdu poets. Known as Khuda-e-Sukhan (God of Poetry)

Great Urdu poet occupying a place of pride in world literature. Also one of the most quotable poets having shers for almost all situations of life.

The most prominent stylist of Urdu prose and author of "Aab-e-Hayaat". Himself a poet, he was a major force behind the movement for the new Nazm in Urdu.

Contemporary of Ghalib and Zauq. He was also a physician, astrologer and chess player. Mirza Ghalib is said to have offered his complete diwan for his sher "tum mere paas hote ho goya, Jab koi doosra nahin hota".

One of the earliest poets at Delhi who laid the foundations of Urdu poetry. He witnessed the destruction Delhi during Nadir Shah's invasion.

One of the most prominent classical Urdu poets who wrote extensively on Indian culture & festivals. Contemporary of Miir Taqi Miir.Famous for his poems on Holi, Diwali and other festivals.

One of the greatest 18th century poets, contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir.

Prominent 18th century Delhi poet

Poet laureate of the Mughal Court and mentor of Bahadur Shah Zafar. His 'poetic' rivalry with Ghalib is well known.

Famous for his good looks apart from poetry. Died at a young age.

One of the most vocal critics of Ghalib's poetic style.

One of the founders of Urdu criticism. Outstanding pre-modern poet. Famous for writing Yaadgar-e-ghalib the first biography of Mirza Ghalib.

One of the most prominent modern poets and also a critic. He had deep interest in Indian philosophy and music. He was also a broadcaster associated with All India Radio.

Well-known and popular Urdu poet. Also a film lyricist, famous for his lyrics in films like Prem Rogand Ram Teri Ganga Maili.

One of the prominent 18th Century poets / Contemporary to Mir Taqi Mir

Last Mughal Emperor and contemporary of Ghalib and Zauq.

One of the leading modern poets and short story writer, who made outstanding contribution to modern Urdu Nazm in India.

Disciple of Dagh Dehlvi.

Considered by some critics as the first Urdu novelist

One of the most prominent Urdu poets of pre-Mir era, who laid the foundation of Urdu poetry

Prominent post modern poet.

Freedom fighter, member of constituent assembly which drafted Indian Constitution. He gave the slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" during freedom movement. He was a devotee of Shri Krishna. He wrote the famous ghazal "chupke chupke raat din".

Known as a rival to Mir Taqi Mir. His father killed him for unknown reasons.

Famous for writing Dohas.

One of the important progressive poet, famous for his ghazals in bollywood films like 'Baazaar' and 'Gaman'.

Religious scholar of Sufistic temperament who was assassinated due to religious reasons

Prominent later classical poet and a beloved desciple of Ghalib.

Prominent contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir who had deep involvement with Sufism. Died and buried at the shrine of Sheikh Saleem Chishte, Agra

Prominent contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir, who migrated to Lucknow where Nawab Asifuddaula became his desciple. Known for his unique way of reciting poetry

Notable author associated with the prestigious Fort William College, also laid the foundation of modern Urdu Prose

Chief Mufti of Delhi and a close friend to Mirza Ghalib who was imprisoned for anti-British activities with his entire property confiscated

One of the most prominent modern poets with wide popular appeal. Well-known film lyricist, prose writer. Famous for his ghazal 'Kabhi kisi ko mukammal Jahan nahin milta…'.

One of the most powerful voices of the post-independence Urdu ghazal