Urdu Poets
Urdu poetry, with its lyrical beauty and profound expressions, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent. Rooted in a blend of Persian, Arabic, and indigenous languages, Urdu poetry has flourished over centuries, producing some of the most revered poets whose verses resonate with audiences worldwide. From the classical era to the modern age, Urdu poets have crafted timeless works that encapsulate the essence of love, spirituality, and the human experience.
One of the earliest and most influential figures in Urdu poetry is Mir Taqi Mir (1723-1810), often hailed as the Godfather of Urdu Ghazals. His poetry delves deep into the complexities of human emotions, particularly the agony of unrequited love and the ephemeral nature of life. Mir's verses are characterized by their simplicity yet profound philosophical insights, earning him a revered status among Urdu aficionados.
- Bohut Qareeb Se Uth Kar Bichhar Gia Koi - New!
- Hum Tum Se Pehly Bhi Yahan Mansoor Huey Farhad Huey - New!
Following Mir, the tradition of Urdu poetry saw the emergence of legendary poets such as Mirza Ghalib (1797-1869), whose mastery over language and unparalleled depth of thought revolutionized Urdu literature. Ghalib's ghazals are celebrated for their intricate wordplay, metaphorical brilliance, and existential themes. His poetry reflects a deep introspection into the human condition, exploring the duality of existence with unparalleled eloquence.
In romantic poetry, Allama Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938) remains a towering figure whose verses continue to inspire generations. Often referred to as the poet of the East, Iqbal's poetry transcends geographical boundaries, advocating for self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and societal reform. His poetic works catalyze introspection and social transformation, urging individuals to rise above their limitations and strive for excellence.
The 20th century witnessed the emergence of progressive Urdu poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz (1911-1984), whose revolutionary verses echoed the aspirations of the masses for justice and equality. Faiz's poetry is imbued with a sense of activism and empathy, championing the cause of the oppressed and marginalized. His stirring verses continue to inspire movements for social justice and human rights across the globe.
In contemporary times, Urdu poetry has evolved to encompass a diverse range of voices and themes. Poets like Ahmad Faraz, Jaun Elia, and Parveen Shakir have made significant contributions to the genre, exploring modern-day concerns with sensitivity and depth. Their poetry reflects the changing dynamics of society while retaining the timeless essence of Urdu literary tradition.
Urdu poetry's enduring appeal lies in its ability to transcend temporal and cultural barriers, resonating with audiences across generations and continents. Its beauty lies not only in the richness of language and imagery but also in its ability to capture the complexities of the human experience with profound simplicity. Whether celebrating love's ecstasy or lamenting the pains of separation, Urdu poets have painted a vivid tapestry of emotions that continues to captivate hearts and minds worldwide.
In conclusion, Urdu poetry stands as a testament to the enduring power of language and the human spirit. Through the verses of its poets, it offers solace, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. As we traverse through the annals of Urdu literary history, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom encapsulated in its verses, affirming its status as a cherished cultural legacy for generations to come.
- Dil Mein Tasveer-e-Rukh-e-Yaar Bsaa Rakhi Hai
- Har Baar Aa Geye
- Tu Pukary Humein Hum Tujh Se Kinara Kar Lain - New!
Brief introduction of Urdu Poets
Adil Mansuri
1936 -2008 Ahmedabad
One of
the leading modernist poets who broke many conventions. Wrote poetry in Urdu
and Gujarati. He was also a famous calligrapher and playwright
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Ahmad Faraz
1931 -2008 Islamabad
Pakistani
poet, only second to Faiz Ahmad Faiz in popularity. Rose to iconic stature
powered by his seductively romantic and anti-establishment poetry.
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Ahmad Mushtaq
1933 USA
One of
the leading and reputed Pakistani poets known for his neo-classical tone,
equally well-known in India, lives in Houston USA.
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Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi
1916 -2006 Lahore
Most
outstanding Pakistani, Progressive poet. Also counted among leading
fiction-writers. Edited an important literary magazine Funoon.
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Aitbar Sajid
1948 Islamabad
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Akbar Allahabadi
1846 -1921 Allahabad
The greatest
Urdu poet of humor and satire who was a Sessions judge at Allahabad.
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Akhtarul Iman
1915 -1996 Mumbai
One of
the pillars of modern Urdu Nazms & Dialogue writer. Wrote dialogues for
more than a hundred films including "Waqt" & "Qanoon".
(Jin ke ghar sheeshe ke hote hain wo doosron par pather nahin phenate- one of
his dialogues made famous by Rajkumar in Film Waqt).
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Ali Sardar Jafri
1913 -2000 Mumbai
One of
the most celebrated progressive poets, literary critics, public intellectuals, and
editors.Contemporary of Faiz Ahmad Faiz. Recipient of the Gyanpeeth Award. Produced
documentaries on Urdu poetry.
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Allama Iqbal
1877 -1938 Lahore
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'.
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Ameer Minai
1829 -1900 Hyderabad
Eminent
Urdu Poet and contemporary of Dagh Dehlvi. Famous for penning ghazal
"Sarakti jaye hai rukh se naqaab aahista aahista".
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Asrarul Haq Majaz
1911 -1955 Lucknow
One of
the most famous Progressive poets known for romantic & revolutionary
poetry. He was the maternal Uncle to film lyricist Jawed Akhtar.
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Bahadur Shah Zafar
1775 -1862 Delhi
Last
Mughal Emperor and contemporary of Ghalib and Zauq.
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Bashar Nawaz
1935 -2015 Aurangabad
One of
the prominent progressive poets, critics, and lyricists Known for writing lyrics
‘karoge yaad to har baat yaad…’ for ‘Bazaar’.
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Faiz Ahmad Faiz
1911 -1984 Lahore
One of
the most celebrated and popular poets. Faced political repression for his
revolutionary views.
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Firaq Gorakhpuri
1896 -1982 Allahabad
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 the Gyanpeeth
Award.
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Gulzar
1936 Mumbai
Film-maker,
lyricist, and fiction writer. Famous for his tele-serial on Mirza Ghalib.
Recipient of Sahitya Academy and Dada Sahab Phalke Award.
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Hasrat Mohani
1878 -1951 Delhi
Freedom
fighter, a member of the constituent assembly that drafted the Indian Constitution. He
gave the slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" during the freedom movement. He was a
devotee of Shri Krishna. He wrote the famous ghazal "Chupke Chupke Raat Din".
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Jaun Eliya
1931 -2002 Karachi
One of
the most prominent modern Pakistani poets, popular for his unconventional ways.
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Jigar Moradabadi
1890 -1960 Moradabad
One of
the most prominent pre-modern poets who enjoyed stunning popularity and fan following.
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Kaifi Azmi
1918 -2002 Mumbai
One of the prominent progressive poets with popular appeal. Also a film lyricist famous for
his lyrics in films like Heer Ranjha, Kaghaz ke Phool etc.
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Khumar Barabankavi
1919 -1999 Barabanki
The popular poet who also penned film lyrics.
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Majrooh Sultanpuri
1919 -2000 Mumbai
One of
the most lyrical of ghazal poets associated with the progressive
movement.Outstanding film lyricist. Recipient of Dada Sahab Phalke award.
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Meer Taqi Meer
1723 -1810 Delhi
One of
the greatest Urdu poets. Known as Khuda-e-Sukhan (God of Poetry)
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Mirza Ghalib
1797 -1869 Delhi
Great
Urdu poet occupying a place of pride in world literature. Also one of the most
quotable poets has shers for almost all situations of life.
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Momin Khan Momin
1800 -1852 Delhi
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".
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Munawwar Rana
1952 -2024 Lucknow
Popular
poets have a dominating presence in mushairas.
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Muneer Niyazi
1928 -2006 Lahore
One of
the most outstanding modern poets who wrote both in Urdu and Punjabi. Also a
film lyricist.
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Nasir Kazmi
1925 -1972 Lahore
One of
the founders of the modern ghazal. Born in Ambala in India, he migrated to Pakistan
and wrote extensively on the pain and suffering of partition.
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Nida Fazli
1938 -2016 Mumbai
One of
the most prominent modern poets with wide popular appeal. Well-known film
lyricist, and prose writer. Famous for his ghazal 'Kabhi kisi ko mukammal Jahan
nahin milta…'.
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Noon Meem Rashid
1910 -1975 United Kingdom
One of
the founding fathers of modern Urdu poetry.
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Parveen Shakir
1952 -1994 Karachi
One of
the most popular woman poets who gave expression to feelings and experiences
specific to women.
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Pirzada Qasim
1943 Karachi
Pakistani
poet known for the ghazals laced with social and political satire
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Qateel Shifai
1919 -2001 Lahore
One of
the most popular poets ever and a film lyricist. Famous for his ghazal
'Garmi-e-hasrat-e-nakaam se jal jate hain'.
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Rahat Indori
1950 -2020 Indore
Popular
poet and film lyricist.
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Sahir Ludhianvi
1921 -1980 Mumbai
One of
the leading Progressive poets and film lyricist.
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Saleem Kausar
1947 Karachi
The well-known poet from Pakistan is famous for his ghazal "main khayaal hoon kisi aur
ka…"
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Sauda Mohammad Rafi
1713 -1781 Delhi
One of
the greatest 18th-century poets, a contemporary of Mir Taqi Mir.
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Shad Azimabadi
1846 -1927 Patna
One of
the most prominent pre-modern poets.
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Shahryar
1936 -2012 Aligarh
One of
the most prominent modern Urdu poets and lyricist. Wrote songs for the movie
"Umrao Jaan". Recipient of the Bhartiya Gyan Peeth Award.
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Shakeel Badayuni
1916 -1970 Mumbai
Famous
poet and film lyricist
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Waseem Barelvi
1940 Bareilly
Popular
poet having a vast mass following.
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Zafar Iqbal
1933 Lahore
One of
the most prominent and trend-setter poets of the new Urdu ghazal has a vast following.
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