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 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.

Mughal crown prince and Sufi scholar celebrated for his syncretic vision; translated the Upanishads into Persian and authored Majma-ul-Bahrain to bridge Islamic and Hindu thought.

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.

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

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.

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.".

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.

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.

Popular poetess-writer of Punjabi. Bharatiya Jnanpeeth Awardee.

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

A disciple of Dagh Dehlvi, he was brought to Delhi by Altaf Hussain Hali,' where he soon rose to prominence.

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

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

A renowned classical poet, religious scholar of Sufistic temperament, who was assassinated due to religious reasons.

Pandit Amar Nath Sahir, one of the most prominent poets of the Kashmiri Pandit community in Delhi, is famous for combining Sufi and Vedantic mysticism in his poetry.

Most distinguished among the classical poets, a pioneer of linguistic reform in Urdu, and a poet known for the style of Iham-Goi.

One of the earliest short story writers of Urdu, a contemporary of Premchand, is known for his representation of rural life and facets of love.

One of the most outstanding modern poets and critics.

One of the founders of modern Urdu criticism.

One of the front-rank leaders of the Indian freedom movement and a well-known scholar.

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

A leading judge of the Allahabad High Court. Member of the 4th Lok Sabha.

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

Son of famous poet Josh Malsiyani.

Prolific Urdu humour poet of classical mould with a perfect command of language and medium.

Well-known poet of classical style / Disciple of Seemab Akbarabadi.

A distinguished humorist of Urdu literature.

Eminent Urdu writer and aunt to lyricist Javed Akhtar, first woman graduate of Aligarh Muslim University.

Prominent journalist and poet.

Prominent modernist poet who also edited a literary magazine, 'Satoor'.

A renowned figure of Urdu poetry and culture, and a traditional-style poet, who also served in the Indian administrative services.