Poets/Writers

One of the founding fathers of Urdu poetry. Contemporary of Meer Taqi Meer

Widely celebrated and sung Urdu poet. Rose to iconic stature through his seductively romantic and anti-establishment poetry

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 jahaan se achha hindostaan 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 widely celebrated and popular Urdu poets. Equally sung in romance and rebel. Faced political repression against 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.

Famous Pakistani ghazal singer belonging to the Patiala gharana. They have a unique style of blending Hindustani classical music with ghazals. Also sung for a number of Indian and Pakistani films.

Celebrated poet, novelist, song and scriptwriter. Acclaimed for directing tele-serial on Mirza Ghalib. Recipient of Sahitya Academy and Dada Sahab Phalke awards

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 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.

One of the most prominent modern Urdu poets. Popular among masses for his unconventional ways

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.

Considered to be the foremost poet of masnavi

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

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.

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 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 Mir Taqi Mir. Famous for his poems on Holi, Diwali and Lord Krishna

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.