Poets/Writers From Uttar pradesh

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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 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 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.

Well-known Sanskrit scholar, Sahitya Academy award winner.

Eminent Urdu Poet and contemporary of Dagh Dehlvi. Famous for penning ghazal "Sarakti jaye hai rukh se naqaab aahista aahista".

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

Prominent Pakistani exponent of new Urdu ghazal, famous for his ghazhal 'Wo ishq jo hum se rooth gaya' sung by many singers.

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

Prominent contemporary Hindustani poet. Recognized for his simplistic yet unique diction

Sufi poet famous for his devotional poetry

Considered by some critics as the first Urdu novelist

Renowned Urdu poet of humour and satire.

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 popular poets in the fourth and fifth decades of 20th century, contemporary of Faiz Ahmad Faiz.

Renowned Pakistani poet known for strong feminist and anti-establishment views

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

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

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

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".

One of the most prominent Pakistani poets, famous for his cultural romanticism.

One of the most prominent and trend-setter classical poets from Lucknow. Contemporary of Mirza Ghalib.