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.

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

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 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.

Most prominent linguist and lexicologist, mentor of Mir and Mir Dard.

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

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 earliest poets at Delhi who laid the foundations of Urdu poetry. He witnessed the destruction of Delhi during Nadir Shah's invasion.

Prominent 18th-century Delhi poet.

Poet laureate of the Mughal Court and mentor of Bahadur Shah Zafar. His 'poetic' rivalry with Ghalib is well known.

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

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

Former President of India, eminent scientist, and the "Missile Man of India.".

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

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

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.

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

Popular poetess-writer of Punjabi. Bharatiya Jnanpeeth Awardee.

One of the prominent 18th-century poets / contemporary to Mir Taqi Mir.

Last Mughal Emperor and contemporary of Ghalib and Zauq.

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

Disciple of Dagh Dehlvi.

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.

One of the most prominent faces of post-modern Urdu poetry.

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".

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

Distinguished Urdu novelist, and short story writer. The English translation of his celebrated novel 'Nemat Khana', 'The Paradise of Food' won the JCB Prize for Literature 2022, marking the first time an Urdu novel received this prestigious award.

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

Prominent later classical poet and a beloved disciple of Ghalib.

Prominent contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir, who migrated to Lucknow where Nawab Asifuddaula became his disciple. Known for his unique way of reciting poetry.

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

One of the prominent poets of the classical age.

One of the most powerful voices of the post-independence Urdu ghazal.