Poets/Writers From India

One of the founding fathers of Urdu poetry, contemporary of Meer Taqi meer.

The greatest Urdu poet of humour and satire who was a Sessions judge at Allahabad.

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.

Film-maker, lyricist and fiction writer. Famous for his tele-serial on Mirza Ghalib. Recipient of Sahitya Academy and Dada Sahab Phalke award.

One of most firebrand poets of Lucknow. Contemporary of Meer Taqi Meer. His rivalry with Mushafi is well-recorded. He had also written rekhta poetry and 'Raani Ketki ki kahani" in prose.

Most prominent fiction writer, known for his stories woven around the experience of Partition and for his individual style of telling tales. The first Urdu writer to have been shortlisted for Man Booker prize.

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.

A contemporary of Manto, associated with the Progressive Writers Movement, known for his stories of romance and social realism.

One of the most prominent classical poets at Lucknow, who excelled in Mersia poetry. Contemporary of Mirza Ghalib.

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)

Great Urdu poet occupying a place of pride in world literature. Also one of the most quotable poets having shers for almost all situations of life.

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.

Contemporary of Ghalib and Zauq. He was also a physician, astrologer and chess player. Mirza Ghalib is said to have offered his complete diwan 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 earliest poets at Delhi who laid the foundations of Urdu poetry. He witnessed the destruction Delhi during Nadir Shah's invasion.

One of the most prominent classical Urdu poets who wrote extensively on Indian culture & festivals. Contemporary of Miir Taqi Miir.Famous for his poems on Holi, Diwali and other festivals.

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 the city of Hyderabad.

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

Prominent 18th century Delhi poet

One of the leading poets of new Urdu ghazal.

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

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

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

Prominent post-modern poet who went missing in 1996

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

One of the leading modernist poets who broke many conventions. Wrote poetry in Urdu and Gujarati. He was also a famous calligrapher and playwright

One of the leading Pakistani poets known for his layered poetic expression.

Prominent Lucknow poet who was very close to the royal family. Moved to Kolkota and stayed with Hamid Ali Kaukab, the Crown prince of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah in exile.

Prominent modernist poet, story writer, one of the first poets to write prose poems; also edited important journal "Tashkeel".

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

One of the most popular Urdu poets ever, known for his intense romantic poetry.

One of the pillars of modern Urdu Nazms & Dialogue writer. Wrote dialogues for more than hundred films including "Waqt" & "Qanoon". (Jin ke ghar sheeshe ke hote hain wo doosron par pather nahin phenkte-One of his dialogues made famous by Rajkumar in Film Waqt).

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.