Poets/Writers

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.

One of the greatest Urdu Poets.National poet of Pakistan who penned 'Saare jahan se achaa hindustaan hamara', and 'Lab pe aati hai dua ban ke tamanna meri'.

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 celebrated and popular poets. Faced political repression for his revolutionary views.

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 most read fiction and travelogue writers from Pakistan; known for his unique creativity and appeal.

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.

Patras Bokhari was an Urdu humourist, educator, essayist, broadcaster and diplomat from Pakistan. He is best known for his humorous writings in Urdu literature.

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.

Popular Poet with dominant romantic shades celebrating love and life.