Poets/Writers From India

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 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.

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)

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"

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 Qutub Shahi dynasty of South India. Founder of Hyderabad city

One of the greatest 18th century poets. Contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir

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

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

Trend setter classical poet who helped establish Urdu ghazal in Delhi by inspiring poets to write in Urdu

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

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

One of the most celebrated progressive poets, literary critic, public intellectual and editor.Contemporary of Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Recipient of 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.

Well-known Sanskrit scholar, Sahitya Academy award winner.

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.

Eminent Urdu Poet and contemporary of Dagh Dehlvi. Famous for penning 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 leading pre-modern poets known for the mystic content of his poetry, close associate of Jigar Moradabadi

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

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

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

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

Prominent Hindi poet and fiction writer of the twentieth century; wrote many popular poems and earned a name for his Hindi ghazal

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

One of the most prominent post-classical poets famous for his pessimistic view of life.

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

Prominent Contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir who had written a Masnavi called 'Khwab e Hasrat'.

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".