Poets/Writers From Delhi

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

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

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.

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.

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 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 Delhi poet.

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

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

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

Well-known and popular Urdu poet. Also a film lyricist, famous for his lyrics in films like Prem Rog and 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.

Chandan Dass is an Indian ghazal singer trained by Ustad Moosa Khan. He received classical music training from Pandit Mani Prasad.

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

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

Iqbal Bano was a much-admired ghazal singer from Pakistan. She learnt all forms of classical singing from Ustad Chaand Khan of the Delhi Gharana. The Pride of Performance Award was bestowed upon her.

Famous for writing Dohas.

Kavita Krishnamurthy is a playback singer of Indian origin. A winner of the Padma Shri, she is trained in Rabindra Sangeet and Hindustani classical music.

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

Prominent contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir, who migrated to Lucknow where Nawab Asifuddaula became his disciple. 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.

A humorist, sketch writer, and a true reflector of Dehlavi language and culture

Most prominent Urdu poet writing elegies.

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

Mukesh was an Indian playback singer. He had been bestowed with the National Award for the best playback singer (male).

Historian, translator, mathematician, and an architect of modern prose

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

One of the prominent poets of the classical age.

One of the earliest prose writers in Urdu whose works made way for fictional narratives; also known as a portrayer of pain and suffering.

Former IPS officer, who had quit service in the midst of his career.

Eminent intellectual, statesman, and educationist. Founder of Aligarh Muslim University.

An important poet of the Delhi school, renowned for his book "Dastan-e-Ghadr."

A noteworthy poet of classical temper, nephew of Ghalib's wife, whom Ghalib had adopted as a son after the premature demise of all his seven children. Ghalib was one of the admirers of his poetry.

Mughal emperor, who introduced Urdu poetry in the Red Fort and his court.

One of the prominent later classical Delhi poets. Disciple of Dagh Dehlavi.

Prominent later classical poet and disciple of Zauq & Ghalib, who had written many oft-quoted shers.

A later descendant of Delhi’s poetry tradition, known for his play 'Krishna Avataar'.

Freedom fighter, journalist, writer, and public leader

Prominent Delhi poet known for his sher 'Mohabbat ke liye kuch khaas dil makhsus hote hain…'.

Crown Prince of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam, who migrated to Lucknow and then to Varanasi due to political turmoil at the Delhi Court.