Famous Poets of Urdu list – lesser known and 2024

Here you will found list of best poets of Urdu language.Urdu poetry has long been a powerful medium of expression, embodying the emotions, struggles, and dreams of generations. In this article, we’ll explore not only the famous poets of Urdu but also the lesser-known voices and contemporary poets making waves in 2024.

Famous Poets of Urdu Literature:

Urdu literature is incomplete without the mention of its legendary poets. The following names have become synonymous with the Urdu language:

1. Mirza Ghalib

• Born: 1797, Agra
• Notable Works:Diwan-e-Ghalib, Ghazals
• Significance: Ghalib is often regarded as the most influential Urdu poet, known for his philosophical and emotional depth. His poetry reflects the complexities of love, loss, and the human condition, often employing intricate metaphors and a unique style. Ghalib’s life was marked by personal tragedy, which is echoed in his poignant verses.

“دلِ نادان تجھے ہوا کیا ہے

آخر اس درد کی دوا کیا ہے”

2. Allama Iqbal

• Born:1877, Sialkot
• Notable Works: Bang-e-Dra, Asrar-e-Khudi
• Significance: Iqbal is celebrated as a national poet of Pakistan, whose works inspired the movement for independence. He introduced the concept of selfhood (Khudi) in his poetry, encouraging self-discovery and empowerment. His writings often blend philosophy, spirituality, and social critique.

“سخی اگر مجھ سے نہ پوچھے کوئی بات

وہ مجھ سے پوچھتا ہے، خدا کیا ہے”

3. Meer Taqi Meer

• Born: 1723, Agra
• Notable Works: Diwan-e-Mir
• Significance: Meer is known for his mastery of the ghazal form, often exploring themes of love, separation, and longing. His works have a lyrical quality, and he is credited with shaping the emotional landscape of Urdu poetry. Meer’s personal life was often filled with sorrow, which deeply influenced his poetry.

“محبت میں نہیں ہے فرق جینے اور مرنے کا

اسی کو دیکھ کر جیتے ہیں، جس کو دیکھ کر مرتے ہیں”

 

4. Faiz Ahmed Faiz

• Born: 1911, Sialkot
• Notable Works:Nuskha-e-Wafa, Dard Ashob
• Significance: Faiz’s poetry is marked by its revolutionary spirit and focus on social justice. He wrote during tumultuous times, and his work reflects the struggles of the common man. Faiz’s use of romantic imagery alongside political themes makes his poetry powerful and relevant.

“مجھ سے پہلی سی محبت کا ذکر نہ کر

میں نے بھی خطرناک خودایاں دیکھی ہیں”

 

5. Josh Malihabadi

• Born: 1898, Malihabad
• Notable Works: Ghazals, Nazms
• Significance: Known as the “Shair-e-Inquilab” (Poet of Revolution), Josh’s poetry is characterised by its passionate language and fervent nationalism. He was a vocal critic of social injustices and used his poetry to inspire change.

“تو ساز ہے، تو آواز ہے، تو روشنی ہے

تو جذبات ہے، تو ارمان ہے، تو سچائی ہے”

 

6. Saadat Hasan Manto

• Born: 1912, Ludhiana
• Notable Works: Thanda Gosht, Toba Tek Singh
• Significance: Manto is renowned for his bold and unflinching exploration of human psychology and societal issues. His short stories and essays often tackle taboo subjects, making him a controversial yet crucial figure in Urdu literature.

“محبت میں نہیں ہے فرق جینے اور مرنے کا

اسی کو دیکھ کر جیتے ہیں، جس کو دیکھ کر مرتے ہیں”

 

7. Dagh Dehlvi

• Born: 1831, Delhi
• Notable Works: Diwan-e-Dagh
• Significance: Dagh is celebrated for his romantic ghazals, which are filled with emotion and sensitivity. He served as a court poet and had a profound influence on the development of Urdu poetry during his time.

“آ تو مجھے دیکھا تو یہ خیال آیا

کیا خیال ہے، یہ کس کا ہے، کس کا ہے؟”

8. Hasrat Mohani

• Born: 1885, Mohan, India
• Notable Works: Ghazals, Nazms
• Significance: A freedom fighter and poet, Hasrat’s work reflects his commitment to social reform and political activism. His ghazals often explore themes of love intertwined with a sense of longing for freedom.

محبت میں نہیں ہے فرق جینے اور مرنے کا

اسی کو دیکھ کر جیتے ہیں، جس کو دیکھ کر مرتے ہیں”

 

9. Muhammad Husain Azad

• Born: 1830, Delhi
• Notable Works: Aab-e-Hayat
• Significance: Azad was not only a poet but also a critic and historian of Urdu literature. His writings provided a comprehensive analysis of Urdu poetry’s evolution and he played a significant role in its formalisation.

“درد دل کا اظہار کروں

یا خود کو بے گناہ کروں”

10. Altaf Hussain Hali

• Born: 1837, Panipat
• Notable Works: Musaddas-e-Hali
• Significance: Hali is credited with modernising Urdu poetry and was a proponent of realism. His works often reflect social and political themes, and he emphasised the need for social reform.

“زندگی سے زیادہ کچھ نہیں چاہیے

نہ دل کی خواہشیں، نہ نظر کی تاثیر”

11. Zauq (Sheikh Ibrahim)

• Born: 1789, Delhi
• Notable Works: Diwan-e-Zauq
• Significance: Zauq served as a court poet and was known for his elegant and sophisticated style. His ghazals often depict the beauty of love and the pain of separation.

“کسی کو یاد کر میں، کس کو بھلا دوں

اے دل، تیرے پاس، مجھ سے کیا ہے”

 

12. Momin Khan Momin

• Born: 1800, Delhi
• Notable Works: Diwan-e-Momin
• Significance: Momin’s poetry is marked by its romantic themes and intricate language. He is celebrated for his emotive expression and contribution to the ghazal form.

“کب تک خود کو چھپا کر رکھا ہے

زندگی میں جھوٹ بول کر رکھا ہے”

 

13. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

• Born: 1817, Delhi
• Notable Works: Asar-us-Sanadid
• Significance: A reformer and educator, Sir Syed played a crucial role in the modernisation of Urdu literature. His writings encouraged rational thinking and education, laying the groundwork for future generations.

“ہے نہ خوشی کسی میں، نہ کوئی افسوس ہے

ہر کوئی خود کو ہی سوچتا ہے”

14. Akbar Allahabadi

• Born: 1846, Allahabad
• Notable Works: Diwan-e-Akbar
• Significance: Known for his satirical and humorous poetry, Akbar used his wit to critique society and politics. His ability to blend humour with serious commentary made him a beloved figure.

“ہر ایک بات پہ کہتے ہو تم، تم کیا ہو

تم خدا ہو، خدا کا کیا ہوتا ہے؟”

15. Maulana Zafar Ali Khan

• Born: 1873, Amritsar
• Notable Works: Ghazals, Nazms
• Significance: A poet and journalist, Zafar Ali Khan’s work often reflected his commitment to social justice and national identity. He used poetry as a tool for political expression.

“قانون کی دھارا، معاشرت کی باتیں

ہر ایک پل میں چھپا ہے نیا زمانہ”

16. Bahadur Shah Zafar

• Born: 1775, Delhi
• Notable Works: Diwan-e-Zafar
• Significance: As the last Mughal emperor, Zafar’s poetry reflects his melancholic nostalgia for a lost empire. His works are steeped in themes of love, loss, and despair.

“تم آئے ہو نہ، تم آئے ہو

نہ ہم پہ الزام ہے، نہ تجھ پر”

17. Khwaja Haidar Ali Aatish

• Born: 1800, Delhi
• Notable Works: Diwan-e-Aatish
• Significance: Aatish is known for his expressive ghazals, often exploring themes of love and existential despair. His work has had a lasting influence on Urdu poetry.

“پیار کی باتوں میں، خاموشیاں ہوتی ہیں

فاصلے بڑھتے ہیں، پھر بھی نزدیکییاں ہوتی ہیں”

Female Poets of Urdu:

While male poets of Urdu often dominate discussions of Urdu poetry, female poets have made equally significant contributions. Here are some notable female poets who have paved the way for future generations:

 

1. Parveen Shakir

• Born: 1952, Karachi
• Notable Works: Inkar, Khushbu
• Significance: Shakir’s poetry is celebrated for its fresh perspective on women’s issues and romance. She was the first woman to receive the Adamjee Literary Award, and her work is known for its lyrical beauty and emotional resonance.

“کتنی بےبس ہوں میں، قسمت پر روتی ہوں

تم جاؤ، میں اب تک بھی تم سے موڑتی ہوں”

2. Kishwar Naheed

• Born: 1940, Lucknow
• Notable Works: We Sinful Women
• Significance: Naheed is a prominent feminist voice in Urdu literature. Her poetry challenges societal norms and highlights the struggles of women, making her an important figure in contemporary literature.

“آزادی کی طلب ہو، تو خود سے سوال کر

میری آواز سنو، میں ہوں ایک عورت”

3. Ada Jafri

• Born: 1924, Jalandhar
• Notable Works: Ghazals, Nazms
• Significance: Jafri was one of the first female Urdu poets to gain recognition. Her work often explores themes of love and the female experience, contributing significantly to women’s voices in Urdu poetry.

“درد دل کا اظہار کروں، کہنے سے کیا ہوگا

جو بھی برا ہو رہا ہے، وہ بھی سننا ہوگا”

4. Fehmida Riaz

• Born: 1946, Meerut
• Notable Works: God Is Not Obliged, A City of Words
• Significance: Riaz’s poetry is known for its bold themes and engagement with social issues. She is an advocate for women’s rights and her work often reflects her commitment to activism.

“تم سے ملنا ہے مجھے، ایک خواب سا ہے

خدا سے باتوں میں جو بھی اثر ہے”

5. Ismat Chughtai

• Born: 1915, Badaun
• Notable Works: Lihaaf (The Quilt)
• Significance: Chughtai’s literary contributions go beyond poetry to include novels and plays. Her works often focus on female sexuality and societal restrictions, making her a pioneer in feminist literature.

“شاعری کی دنیا میں میں نے جو دیکھا ہے

وہی میری زندگی کا اصل رنگ ہے”

6. Zehra Nigah

• Born: 1928, Amroha
• Notable Works: Ghazals, Nazms
• Significance: Nigah’s poetry is known for its elegance and emotional depth. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to Urdu literature and is celebrated as a leading female poet.

“کشتی کا منظر عجیب ہوتا ہے

جب آنکھوں میں خواب ہوں، تو سب ٹھیک ہوتا ہے”

7. Azra Abbas

• Born: 1948, Karachi
• Notable Works: Bakhud ki Taraqqi
• Significance: Abbas is known for her contemporary style and themes, often reflecting on the experiences of women in modern society. Her poetry resonates with younger generations.

“خاموشی کی دنیا میں میری آواز ہے

لفظوں کی خوشبو میں میری شناخت ہے”

8. Fahmida Akhtar

• Born: 1950, Karachi
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Akhtar’s work often addresses themes of identity and cultural heritage, making her a significant voice in Urdu literature.

“ایک بار پھر سے خود کو سمجھانے کا

یہ سفر آسان نہیں، پر ایک راستہ ہے”

9. Shahida Hasan

• Born: 1950, India
• Notable Works: Ghazals, Nazms
• Significance: Hasan’s poetry often explores personal and emotional themes, resonating with readers through her lyrical style.

“چاندنی راتوں میں تمہاری یادیں بسی ہیں

ہر موڑ پر تمہارے خواب کھڑے ہیں”

10. Gulnar Afreen

• Born: 1960, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Known for her powerful imagery and themes of love and resistance, Afreen’s work has gained popularity in contemporary Urdu literature.

“زندگی  راہوں میں چھپی ہیں کہانیاں

ہرکی لفظ میں بسی ہیں میری داستانیں”

11. Sughra Mehdi

• Born: 1948, India
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Mehdi is celebrated for her contributions to Urdu poetry and her exploration of women’s experiences.

12. Bano Qudsia

• Born: 1928, Bano
• Notable Works: Raja Gidh
• Significance: Qudsia was a novelist and playwright as well as a poet. Her works often reflect themes of love and spirituality, and she is considered an influential figure in Urdu literature.

13. Mumtaz Shirin

• Born: 1955, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Shirin’s poetry often explores the complexities of human relationships and emotional depth.

 

14. Shabnam Shakeel

• Born: 1960, Karachi
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Shakeel is known for her lyrical style and themes of love and longing, making her a beloved poet.

 

15. Saliha Abid Hussain

• Born: 1953, India
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: A significant voice in Urdu poetry, her work often addresses social issues and women’s rights.

 

16. Tahira Naqvi

• Born: 1953, Karachi
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Naqvi’s poetry often reflects on personal experiences and societal challenges, resonating with a wide audience.

 

17. Anis Mooraj

• Born: 1955, India
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Mooraj is known for her emotive and expressive poetry, addressing themes of love and loss

 

Contemporary Poets of Urdu 2024:

Urdu poetry continues to evolve, with new voices emerging every day. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have allowed modern Urdu poets to reach younger audiences. In 2024, some of the most influential contemporary poets include:

1. Jaun Elia

• Born: 1931, Amroha
• Notable Works: Shayad, Ghazals
• Significance: Elia is celebrated for his unique voice and innovative style, often blending traditional and modern elements. His poetry is known for its philosophical depth and exploration of identity.

“کسی کو نہیں ملا جو اپنی باتیں کہ سکے

میں آج بھی اسی موڑ پر کھڑا ہوں”

2. Afzal Ahmed Syed

• Born: 1950, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Syed’s poetry often reflects on contemporary issues and personal experiences, resonating with younger audiences.

“زندگی کی کتاب میں ہر پنا نیا ہے

میں پڑھتے پڑھتے کہیں کھو گیا ہوں”

3. Abbas Tabish

• Born: 1970, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: A rising voice in contemporary Urdu poetry, Tabish explores themes of love, loss, and modernity.

“دل کے احساس کو سمجھنے کا وقت ہے

     تمہاری یادوں میں ایک نیا سویرا ہے”

4. Amjad Islam Amjad

• Born: 1939, Lahore
• Notable Works: Shayad, Ghazals
• Significance: A poet and playwright, Amjad’s work often explores romantic and philosophical themes, making him a significant figure in Urdu literature.

تمہارے بغیر یہ فضا، یہ رات، یہ سحر ہے”

     “کیا پیار میں کوئی خطا نہیں ہوتی؟

5. Zehra Nigah

• Born: 1928, Amroha
• Notable Works: Ghazals, Nazms
• Significance: Nigah bridges traditional and contemporary themes in her poetry, reflecting on personal and social issues.

کشتی کا منظر عجیب ہوتا ہے”

    “جب آنکھوں میں خواب ہوں، تو سب ٹھیک ہوتا ہے

6. Imran Shahid Bhinder

• Born: 1980, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Known for his contemporary style, Bhinder’s poetry resonates with modern audiences.

ہر خواب میں تمہاری جھلک ہے “

     ” ہر پل میں تیرا اثر ہے

7. Khalid Alig

• Born: 1965, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: His poetry often reflects modern societal issues, making him a relatable voice in Urdu literature.

تم سے ملنا تو ایک خواب ہے “

    ” جو ہر پل دل میں بسا ہے

8. Anwar Masood

• Born: 1935, Mandi Bahauddin
• Notable Works: Ghazals, Nazms
• Significance: Known for his humorous and satirical poetry, Masood’s work often critiques social norms.

“ہنستے ہیں ہم، پر دل میں غم ہے

     یہ زندگی کا رنگین سفر ہے“

9. Iftikhar Arif

• Born: 1943, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: A prominent poet and cultural figure, Arif’s work often reflects on tradition and modernity.

“ہر ایک لفظ میں چھپا ہے ایک راز

     جسے صرف سمجھنے والے ہی جانیں“

10. Wasi Shah

• Born: 1970, Lahore
• Notable Works: Ghazals, Novels
• Significance: Known for his romantic and youth-oriented poetry, Shah appeals to younger readers.

“تو ہی تو ہے، جو دل کو خوش کرتا ہے

      تجھ سے پہلے اور کوئی نہیں تھا“

11. Khalid Ahmad

• Born: 1975, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: A contemporary voice, Ahmad’s unique perspective resonates with readers.

 

12. Irfan Siddiqui

• Born: 1968, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: His engagement with social themes and contemporary style makes Siddiqui a relevant voice in Urdu poetry.

 

13. Syed Mazhar-ul-Hasan Barq

• Born: 1965, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: A significant figure in contemporary Urdu poetry, Barq’s work often explores emotional themes.

 

14. Sabir Zafar

• Born: 1970, Pakistan
• Notable Works:Ghazals
• Significance: Known for innovative themes and style, Zafar is a prominent contemporary poet.

 

15. Tehzeeb Hafi

• Born: 1990, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: A youthful voice known for impactful poetry that resonates with younger audiences.

 

16. Sarfraz Shahid

• Born: 1985, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: His work often reflects contemporary issues, making him a relatable poet.

 

17. Riaz Majeed

• Born: 1980, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: A rising star in contemporary Urdu poetry, Majeed’s work is gaining recognition.

 

Lesser-Known Urdu Poets:

Beyond the famous poets, there are countless lesser-known poets Of Urdu who have left a profound impact on Urdu literature:

1. Noon Meem Rashid

• Born: 1910, Aligarh
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: A modernist poet, Rashid’s work often challenges traditional norms and explores existential themes.

“دل کی گہرائی میں چھپا ہے درد

     ہر لفظ میں میری کہانی ہے”

2. Saghar Siddiqui

• Born: 1928, Lahore
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Known for his poignant poetry that reflects his troubled life, Siddiqui’s work resonates with themes of despair and longing.

“خود کو بیگانہ پا کر میں کھو گیا

     کیا کروں، کیا کہوں، میں تنہا ہوں”

3. Ahmad Faraz

• Born: 1931, Kohat
• Notable Works: Ghazals, Dard Ashob
• Significance: Celebrated for his romantic and passionate poetry, Faraz’s work often explores the depths of love and heartache.

Also read more Ahmed Faraz poetry here.

“رنجش ہی صحیح، دل ہی دکھانے کے لیے آ

     آ پھر سے مجھے چھوڑ کے جانے کے لیے آ”

4. Jamiluddin Aali

• Born: 1931, India
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: A versatile poet, Aali’s work reflects modern themes and experimentation with form.

“زندگی کے سفر میں، پیار ہی سب کچھ ہے

     اور کوئی خواب نہیں، بس تیرا انتظار ہے“

5. Majrooh Sultanpuri

• Born: 1919, Sultanpur
• Notable Works:Ghazals, Film Songs
• Significance: A prominent film lyricist, Sultanpuri’s poetry blends popular culture with artistic expression.

“تم سے ملا، تو احساس ہوا

     کیا ہوتا ہے محبت میں پیار کا“

6. Raees Warsi

• Born: 1926, India
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Known for his romantic poetry, Warsi’s work captures the nuances of love.

“دل کی ہر دھڑکن میں تیرا نام ہے

     تیری ہی وجہ سے یہ زندگی کا سفر ہے“

7. Majaz Lakhnawi

• Born: 1911, Lucknow
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: His poetry often reflects his tumultuous life, capturing themes of love and despair.

“کہتا ہوں میں جو بھی، وہ صرف تیرا ہی ہے

     میری زندگی میں کوئی اور نہیں ہے“

8. Khumar Barabankvi

• Born: 1919, Barabanki
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Known for his romantic verses, Khumar’s work resonates with themes of love and beauty.

“بچھڑ جانے پر بھی میں تجھ سے جڑا ہوں

     کیا کروں، یہ دل بھی تیرا دیوانہ ہے”

9. Jigar Moradabadi

• Born: 1890, Moradabad
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: His poetry often explores themes of love and existential despair, marking him as a significant voice in Urdu literature.

“تجھ سے ملکر میں نے جینا سیکھا ہے

     تیرے بغیر یہ زندگی ادھوری سی لگتی ہے“

10. Mir Dard

• Born: 1720, Delhi
• Notable Works: Diwan-e-Mir Dard
• Significance: Dard’s poetry is characterised by its mysticism and philosophical depth, often reflecting on the nature of existence.

“دل کی باتیں میں کیسے کہوں

      میری خاموشی بھی اب مجھ سے کہتی ہے“

11. Siraj-ud-Din Ali Khan Arzu

• Born: 1686, India
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Arzu’s contributions to Urdu poetry laid the groundwork for future generations, blending Persian and Urdu styles.

“میری تنہائی میں بھی تیرا سایہ ہے

      کیا کروں، یہ دل بھی تیرا دیوانہ ہے“

12. Shad Azimabadi

• Born: 1900, Azimabad
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Known for his emotive poetry, Shad’s work often explores themes of love and heartache.

“تجھ سے ملنا ایک خواب سا ہے

      تیرے بغیر یہ زندگی ادھوری سی ہے“

13. Firaq Gorakhpuri

• Born: 1896, Gorakhpur
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Firaq’s poetry reflects a blend of traditional and modern themes, earning him acclaim in Urdu literature.

“تُم سے مل کر میرا دل خوش ہو جاتا ہے

      تیرے بغیر ہر لمحہ اداس سا ہے“

14. Khwaja Mir Dard

• Born: 1720, Delhi
• Notable Works: Diwan-e-Dard
• Significance: A significant figure in Urdu poetry, Dard’s work often explores mystical themes and the nature of love.

“دل کی حالت میں میری ہر بات ہے

      جو میں کہتا ہوں، وہ صرف تیرا راز ہے”

15. Saleem Ahmad

• Born: 1928, India
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Ahmad’s poetry often addresses personal and political themes, making him a notable figure in contemporary Urdu literature.

 

16. Mohsin Naqvi

• Born: 1947, Lahore
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: His emotive poetry often reflects personal experiences and societal issues.

 

17. Munir Niazi

• Born: 1928, Pakistan
• Notable Works: Ghazals
• Significance: Niazi’s work is known for its romantic and reflective quality, exploring themes of love and nostalgia.

 

The Influence of Urdu Poets in 2024 :

Poets of Urdu continue to inspire millions of people worldwide. In 2024, poetry slams, YouTube recitations, and Instagram poetry have brought Urdu poetry into the digital age. Poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz have become international symbols of resistance, while modern poets like Jaun Elia and Parveen Shakir find new audiences every day.

With poetry continuing to evolve, the future of Urdu literature looks bright. Whether through traditional mediums or social media, the poets of Urdu will always have a significant cultural and emotional impact on society.

 

Conclusion:

Urdu poetry is more than just a form of literature; it’s a way of life. While famous names like Ghalib and Iqbal will always have a place in the hearts of readers, exploring lesser-known and contemporary poets provides a fresh perspective on this rich tradition.

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