Poets/Writers From India

The foremost exponent of the Sabk-e-Hindi (Indian Style) and a renowned Sufi thinker

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 of the most important musical instruments, tabla and sitar. Wrote "Ze-hal-e-miskin…" one of the earliest prototypes of Urdu ghazal written in Persian and Hindvi.

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

Considered by some critics as the first Urdu novelist.

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 the Gyanpeeth Award.

One of the most firebrand poets of Lucknow, contemporary of Meer Taqi Meer. His rivalry with Mushafi is well-recorded. Also wrote Rekhti poetry and "Raani Ketki ki Kahani" in prose.

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

A contemporary of Manto, associated with the Progressive Writers' Movement, known for his stories of romance and social realism.

One of the most prominent classical poets at Lucknow, who excelled in Mersia poetry, was a contemporary of Mirza Ghalib.

Immensely successful poet, particularly renowned for his Masnavis, whose most celebrated work is Sihar-ul-Bayan. His other notable contributions include his Diwan of Ghazals and Tazkira-i-Shora-i-Urdu, a biographical compendium of Urdu poets written in Persian.

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

Legendary Urdu poet occupying a place of pride in worldwide literature. One of the most quotable poets, having couplets for almost all situations of life.

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

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

One of the most prolific 18th-century poets, contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir.

One of the most prominent classical Urdu poets who wrote extensively on Indian culture & festivals, contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir, famous for his poems on Holi, Diwali, and Lord Krishna.

Prominent 18th-century poet, contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir.

First Urdu poet to have compiled and published a Divan. King of the Qutub Shahi dynasty of South India. Founder of Hyderabad city.

Bengali poet, dramatist, and the only Indian litterateur to win the Nobel Prize in Literature

One of the most prominent short story writers and novelists of Urdu, a contemporary of Manto, is known for his narratives representing Indian ethos and use of mythological references. He also wrote plays and penned dialogues and stories for films.

Poet, fiction writer, and one of the leading Urdu critics.

Sufi poet known for his widely sung ghazal 'Khabar-e-tahayyur-e-ishq'.

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

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

Trendsetter classical poet who helped establish Urdu ghazal in Delhi by inspiring poets to write in Urdu.

A prominent scholar, author, translator, and novelist of the twentieth century had a keen eye on the socio-cultural life of Lucknow.

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

The greatest Urdu poet of humour and satire, who was a Sessions judge at Allahabad.

One of the pillars of modern Urdu Nazms & dialogue writer. Wrote dialogues for more than a hundred films. "Jinke apne ghar sheeshe ke hon vo doosron par patthar nahin phenka karte" - one of his dialogues made famous by Rajkumar in the film Waqt.

Well-known story writer, playwright, and critic, known for his story 'Mela Ghoomani'

One of the most celebrated progressive poets, literary critics, public intellectuals, and editors. Contemporary of Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Recipient of the Gyanpeeth Award. Produced documentaries on Urdu poetry.

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

Prominent poet, well-known Sanskrit scholar, and Sahitya Academy award winner.

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

Eminent Urdu poet and contemporary of Dagh Dehlvi. Famous for penning the ghazal "Sarakti jaye hai rukh se naqaab aahista aahista.".

Popular poetess-writer of Punjabi. Bharatiya Jnanpeeth Awardee

Leading poet who taught Urdu literature at AMU, Aligarh, also published a literary magazine 'Daairay'.

One of the leading pre-modern poets known for the mystic content of his poetry, close associate of Jigar Moradabadi.