Prominent poet of classical mould from Nengal, known for his 'Tazkira 'Sukhan-e-Shoara'.

An important classical poet and a disciple of Abru.

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

Mughal emperor, who introduced Urdu poetry in the Red Fort and his court.

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

Prominent and technically proficient poet from Hyderabad, Deccan; wrote poetry in difficult metres, also known for his Rubais.

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

Famous for his musical play 'Inder Sabha', contemporary of the last Nawab of Avadh, wajid Ali Shah.

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.

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

Prominent later classical poet and disciple of Zauq & Ghalib, who had written many oft-quoted shers.

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

Nawab of Awadh.

Last Mughal Emperor and contemporary of Ghalib and Zauq.

Parsi religious scholar who deeply absorbed Urdu literary traditions and wrote poetry in Urdu and Persian.

A poet-mentor, favourite disciple of Mirza Ghalib.

Prominent classical poet of South India.

A later descendant of Delhi’s poetry tradition, known for his play 'Krishna Avataar'.

Prominent literary figure known for his monumental book on Delhi's history.

Barrister-at-law practising at Hyderabad, disciple of Jalil Manikpuri. Wrote many Thumris.

Leading classical Urdu poet. Contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir.

Prominent 19th-century poet, disciple of Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali and Daagh Dehelvi, served as a magistr.

One of the most powerful campaigners of Hindi revivalism, who wrote Urdu ghazals in classical style.

European poet of the classical period whose father adopted the Indian way of life. Published a divan containing ghazals and poems in other poetical genres.

One of the most prominent Urdu poets of the pre-Mir era, who laid the foundation of Urdu poetry.

Prominent Sufi poet for whom Mirza Ghalib had great devotion.

Prominent disciple of Nasikh who served in the armies of Maratha ruler Yashwant Rao Holkar at Indore and Ghaziuddin Haider, Nawab of Awadh.

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

The first Rekhti poet (a form of Urdu poetry written in the language of women) and author of the masnavi ‘Yusuf Zelkha’.

Prominent contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir who had written a masnavi called 'Khwab-e-Hasrat'.

Prominent contemporary poet and a friend of Mirza Ghalib. He was also a high court lawyer who also served as honorary magistrate at Agra.

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