Poets/Writers From Lucknow

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.

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).

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

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

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

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

One of the most famous Progressive poets known for romantic and revolutionary poetry. He was the maternal uncle to film lyricist Jawed Akhtar.

A prominent poet of Lucknow, son of Mirza Dabeer, is also known for his book on 'Arooz' called 'Miqyas-ul-Ashaar'.

Contemporary of Mirza Ghalib, Aatish was one of the shining stars of 19th-century Urdu Ghazal.

Freedom fighter, member of the Constituent Assembly which drafted the Indian Constitution. He gave the slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" during the freedom movement. He was a devotee of Shri Krishna. He wrote the famous ghazal "Chupke Chupke Raat Din".

One of the most prominent and trend-setting classical poets from Lucknow. Contemporary of Mirza Ghalib.

One of the most prominent modern poets, famous for his neo-classical poetry.

Known for depicting romantic encounters with the beloved in lurid details, he lost his eyesight in the prime of youth.

Prominent 19th-century poet at Lucknow.

Most prominent Urdu poet writing elegies.

One of the most celebrated 19th-century Lucknow poets, author of the renowned masnavi Gulzaar-e-Naseem.

One of the representative poets of the Lucknow school and a disciple of Aatish.

One of the most inspiring pre-modern poets who laid foundations for the modern ghazal. Known for his sustained denunciation of Mirza Ghalib and contemporary poetry in Lucknow.

A prominent poet and scholar of Lucknow, a disciple of Dagh and Natiq Gulawathhi, known for his annotations of Ghalib and Hafiz, and editing the works of the earliest women poets of Urdu.

Well-known poet and critic known for his book 'Do Adabi School'.

Famous for his musical play 'Inder Sabha', contemporary of the last Nawab of Avadh, wajid Ali Shah.

Nawab of Awadh.

One of the most prominent contemporary ghazal poets in India.

Prominent pre-modern poet generally known for children's poetry.

Prominent biographical anthologist (Tazkira writer), author

One of the most prominent later classical poets at Lucknow who was associated with Rampur State.

A fiction writer who portrays women’s issues and the changing social and cultural values

Son of the legendary poet Mir Taqi Mir.

One of the most prominent masters of classical ghazal from Lucknow.

Popular poet having a dominating presence in mushairas.

Renowned progressive poet and social activist

One of the most important Urdu short story writers, known for writing stories about Partition, migration, and other human tragedies

A distinguished poet of Marsiya, Ghazal, and Rubaai. Grandson of Mir Anees.

Prominent later classical poet who enjoyed wide popularity.

Prominent later-classical poet / known for his couplet - ‘Bade ghaur se sun raha tha zamana….

Indian poet and freedom fighter, celebrated as the "Nightingale of India" for her lyrical poetry.

Critic, researcher, linguist, renowned for his book 'Hamari Shairi'

Eminent historian and a leading scholar of the Shibli school

One of the distinguished poets of ghazal and marsiya from the Lucknow school.