Contents<\/p>
- 1<\/span> 1. Mirza Ghalib<\/a><\/li>
- 2<\/span> 2. Sheik Ibrahim Zauq<\/a><\/li>
- 3<\/span> 3. Mir Taqi Mir<\/a><\/li>
- 4<\/span> 4. Amir Khusrau<\/a><\/li>
- 5<\/span> 5. Daagh Dehlvi<\/a><\/li>
- 6<\/span> 6. Faiz Ahmad Faiz<\/a><\/li>
- 7<\/span> 7. Firaq Gorakhpuri<\/a><\/li>
- 8<\/span> 8. Sahir Ludhianvi<\/a><\/li>
- 9<\/span> 9. Majrooh Sultanpuri<\/a><\/li>
- 10<\/span> 10.\u00a0 Jaun Elia<\/a><\/li>
- 11<\/span> 11. Muhammad Iqbal<\/a><\/li>
- 12<\/span> 12.\u00a0 Kaifi Azmi<\/a><\/li>
- 13<\/span> 13. Praveen Shakir<\/a><\/li>
- 14<\/span> 14. Ameer Minai<\/a><\/li>
- 15<\/span> 15. Ahmad Faraz<\/a><\/li>
- 16<\/span> 16. Akbar Allahabadi<\/a><\/li>
- 17<\/span> 17. Ibn-e-Insha<\/a><\/li>
- 18<\/span> 18. Ehsan Danish<\/a><\/li>
- 19<\/span> 19. Naseer Akbarabadi<\/a><\/li>
- 20<\/span> 20. Gulzar Dehlvi<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n
1. Mirza Ghalib<\/span><\/h2>\n
Obviously, this list had to begin with him! Does he even need an introduction? Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan, widely known as Ghalib, wrote in Urdu and Persian. He was one of the greatest poets of the Mughal Era. Bahadur Shah Zafar II had given him the title of Mirza Nosha. In addition to this, he was bestowed with the title ‘Dabir-ul-Mulk’ and ‘Najm-ud-Daula’ in the court of emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II. He had written his first verse at the ripe age of 11. Apart from being an incredible poet, he was also a remarkable conversationalist. For instance, when one of his pious friends told him that God won’t reply to prayers of a person who consumes alcohol, Ghalib replied- “Jis ke paas sharab ho, usey kis cheez ke liye dua karne ki zaroorat hai?”( The one who has alcohol, what else does he need to pray for?)<\/em>. His house in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk is famously known as ‘Ghalib ki Haveli’ which is a heritage site under the Archaeological Society of India. It gives a peek of the poet’s life and his work.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/tire-vaade-par-jiye-ham-to-ye-jaan-jhuut-jaanaa-couplets-mirza-ghalib_medium.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 2. Sheik Ibrahim Zauq<\/span><\/h2>\n
Zauq was a laureate poet in the royal court of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. His pen name was ‘Zauq’. He was bestowed with the title ‘Khaqani-e-Hind’ (The Khaqani of India) by the Emperor. Under the guidance of Shah Naseer, his poetry skills developed and he was praised in Mushairas. Sheik Ibrahim and Ghalib were considered as rivals. He was famous for writing a eulogy and using complex meters in his poetry. He was a religious man and hence his ghazals could come off as verses of a preacher. It can be witnessed in the following couplet:<\/p>\n
haq ne tujh ko ik zaban di aur diye hain kaan do<\/em>
\nis ke ye maani kahe ik aur sune insan do<\/em><\/p>\n(the lord did on our face one mouth and two ears array<\/em>
\nto listen twice as much as we are wont to say)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nHe was conventionally known for writing qasida. He used a polish language with an exquisite diction in his work. Today, the grave of Shiek Ibrahim Zauq lies in Paharganj, Delhi.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ab-to-ghabraa-ke-ye-kahte-hain-ki-mar-jaaenge-couplets-sheikh-ibrahim-zauq-1_large.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 3. Mir Taqi Mir<\/span><\/h2>\n
Mir Taqi Mir is yet another exceptional Urdu poet. Syed Amanullah Meer Taqi was a 18th century Urdu poet. He was known as Khuda-e-Sukhan (God of Poetry). He grew up in an environment where Sufism was practiced. Hence, his poetry reflects the significance of love and compassion. He was deeply distressed due to the invasions and looting that took place in Delhi during 1740s. Mir was a bold poet who frankly shared his opinion on religion. His couplet
\nbelow reflects his beliefs.<\/p>\n“Mir ke deen-o-mazhab ka, poonchte kya ho unne to,<\/em>
\nKashka khaincha dair mein baitha kab ka tark Islam kiya.”<\/em>
\n( What can I tell you about Mir’s faith or belief?<\/em>
\nA tilak on his forehead in a temple he resides, having abandoned Islam long ago.)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nFurthermore, Mirza Ghalib himself praised his poetry and called him the ‘Master of Urdu’. ‘Kulliaat’ is a compilation of his work consisting of 13,585 couplets.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/kyaa-kahuun-tum-se-main-ki-kyaa-hai-ishq-couplets-meer-taqi-meer_medium.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 4. Amir Khusrau<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
The father of Urdu literature, Amir Khusrau’s contribution to the language itself is magnificent. A Sufi musician, a disciple of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, born in 1253 A.D., gets the credit for the inception of qawwallis. His love and devotion for Nizamuddin Auliya is echoed in his couplets too. For example, his couplet, Bahut Kathin hai indicates his relationship with Nizamuddin Auliya.
\nHe was a prolific poet who had served in the courts of Malik Chhajju to Alauddin Khilji and Mohammad Tughlaq. He is widely popular as a Rekta poet. Abul Hasan Yaneenuddin wrote on varied themes like patriotism, liberalism, folklife, and integration. Additionally, he has also written verses conveying his love for Delhi. ‘Tuhfat us-Sighr’ and ‘Ghurrat ul- Kamaal’ are a few of his works. His pahelis are intriguing and popular even to this date. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru had also mentioned Khusrau in his book ‘Discovery of India’ (1961). Khusrau was the mastermind behind the invention of Tabla and Sitar, instruments that characterize Indian Music. His crematory is placed next to Nizamuddin Auliya’s in Delhi.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/ze-haal-e-miskiin-makun-tagaaful-duraae-nainaan-banaae-batiyaan-couplets-ameer-khusrau-1_large.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 5. Daagh Dehlvi<\/span><\/h2>\n
Dehlvi’s real name was Nawab Mirza Khan. He belonged to the royal Mughal family and was interested in poetry since his early days. He lived in Hyderabad for a major part of his life. He wrote primarily on love. However, his description of love wasn’t based on philosophical lines solely, he wrote about the sensous side of it too.<\/p>\n
Vo qatl kar ke mujhe har kisi se puchhte hain<\/em>
\nYe kaam kis ne kiya hai ye kaam kis ka tha.<\/em><\/p>\n( After having slain me, she, from each one, seeks to know\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0who’s to blame for this dark deed, this blood is on whose brow?<\/em>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This is a couplet from Daagh’s ghazal ‘Tumhare khat mein naya ek salam kis ka tha’. His poems and ghazals were simple to comprehend and were admired by people from all walks of life. He impressive usage of words made him a distinct poet. Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Mahbub Ali, had bestowed Daagh with several titles prestigious titles like ‘ Dabeer-ud-Dawla’, ‘Faseeh-ul- Mulk’, and ‘Jahan Ustad’ among others. It’s awful to see that such brillant poets are remembered only by few now.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/naa-ravaa-kahiye-naa-sazaa-kahiye-ghazals-dagh-dehlvi_medium.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 6. Faiz Ahmad Faiz<\/span><\/h2>\n
Jab arz-e-Khuda ke kaabe se<\/em>
\nSab but uthwae jaenge<\/em>
\nHum ahl-e-safa mardood-e-harm<\/em>
\nMasand pe bethae jaenge<\/em>
\nSab taaj uchale jaenge<\/em>
\nSab takht girae jaenge.<\/em><\/p>\n( From the abode of God<\/em>
\nWhen icons of falsehood will be taken out,<\/em>
\nWhen we-the faithful- who have been barred out of sacred places<\/em>
\nWill be seated on high cushions<\/em>
\nWhen the crowns will be tossed<\/em>
\nWhen the thrones will be brought down.)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nDoes this ring a bell? Well, these are the lines from ‘Hum dekhenge’ written by Faiz Ahmad Faiz, which was sung all over India during the CAA protests in 2019. Faiz , a 20th century Urdu poet. He belonged to a privileged family and hence had exposure to literary works since childhood. Faiz was a prominent figure of the progressive writer’s movement. Apart from being a poet, he was a journalist, teacher, and an army officer. In his early days, he wrote simple poems based on love and beauty. However, later his poems were fierce. He combined romanticism with revolution. ‘Naqsh-e-faryadi’ and ‘Dast-e-saba are compositions of his poetry. His poetry remains immortal even today. His words have become a universal anthem of protest.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/dil-naa-umiid-to-nahiin-naakaam-hii-to-hai-couplets-faiz-ahmad-faiz_medium.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 7. Firaq Gorakhpuri<\/span><\/h2>\n
The real name of Firaq Gorakhpuri was Raghupati Sahay. He was born in Uttar Pradesh and was involved in the freedom struggle of India. His father, Munshi Gorakh Prasad, was a celebrated poet himself. Thus, his father played a vital role in his journey as a poet. Moreover, Firaq was an Englis professor at Allahabad University. Firaq Gorakhpuri had written more than 40,000 couplets in his writing career spanned over 60 years. He was felicitated with the prestigious ‘Padma Bhushan’ award. His loveless marriage reflected in his poetry. His pain and melancholy were visible in his couplets. For example,<\/p>\n
ab to un k\u012b yaad bh\u012b aat\u012b nah\u012b\u00f1<\/em>
\nkitn\u012b tanh\u0101 ho ga.ii\u00f1 tanh\u0101.iy\u0101\u00f1<\/em><\/p>\n(Now they don’t even remember<\/em>
\nHow lonely have you been.)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nFiraq’s contribution to modern Urdu poetry was tremendous. One can also find traces of Vedanta philosophy in his work.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/aae-the-hanste-khelte-mai-khaane-men-firaaq-couplets-firaq-gorakhpuri_medium.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 8. Sahir Ludhianvi<\/span><\/h2>\n
Abhi na jaao chhod kar<\/em>
\nke dil abhi bhara nahi.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Abhi abhi to aayi ho\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Bahar ban ke chaayi ho\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 (Please don’t leave yet\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0my heart isn’t satiated yet,\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0you have just only arrived\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0you have spread like the spring)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nHave you started singing this song already? Is Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bosle’s voice playing in the background? Well, while most of us recall the singers, do you know who wrote this beautiful lyrics? It was Sahir Ludhianvi. We might know him as a Bollywood song writer but he was also a renowned Urdu poet. His real name was Abdul Hai Fazal Mohammad. While his pen name Sahir means magician. He has written the lyrics of popular songs like ‘Wada karo nahin chhodogi’, ‘Kabhi kabhi’ and ‘Mein pal do pal ka shaayar hoon’ amid others. He lived with his mother for a major part of his life. His poetry connected with the common man. It demonstrated their sorrows, joy, angst, and love. He was an active member of the Progressive Writer’s Movement too. ‘Talkhian’ ( bitterness), was the first published collection of his work. His poetry has definitely left a mark in all our hearts, perhaps, through his songs or his poetry.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/ye-mahlon-ye-takhton-ye-taajon-kii-duniyaa-ye-mahlon-ye-takhton-ye-taajon-kii-duniyaa-nazms-sahir-ludhianvi_medium.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 9. Majrooh Sultanpuri<\/span><\/h2>\n
His real name was Asrar-ul Hassan Khan. His takhallus name was Majrooh Sultanpuri, literally meaning ‘a wounded soul’. Majrooh Sultanpuri said he was a poet first and then a songwriter. Lovers of 90s song would definitely praise Majrooh’s writings. He has written exceptional Bollywood songs like ‘ Phela Nasha’, and ‘Papa kehte hain bada Naam Karega’ among many plenty of other melodies. He was the first lyricist to have received the Dadasaheb Phalke award. On the other side, Majrooh was even jailed for writing poetry against Nehru.<\/p>\n
‘Aman ka jhandaa is dharti pe<\/em>
\nKisne kaha lahrane na paaye<\/em>
\nYe bhi koi Hitler ka hai chela<\/em>
\nMaar le saathi, jaane ne paaye!<\/em>
\nCommonwealth ka das hai Nehru<\/em>
\nMaar le sathi jane ne paae!<\/em><\/p>\n(Such unease with our flag of peace! Is it some prot\u00e9g\u00e9 or Hitler, or a mere slave to the Commonwealth? It’s Nehru, my friends. Take him by the collar lest he gets away.)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
He was a revolutionary poet and worked persistently during the Progressive Writer’s poet. Truly, the diversity of his work will never be forgotten.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/bachaa-liyaa-mujhe-tuufaan-kii-mauj-ne-varna-couplets-majrooh-sultanpuri_medium.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 10.\u00a0 Jaun Elia<\/span><\/h2>\n
Jaun Elia is one of the most googled Pakistani Urdu poet. His birth name was Syed Sibt-e- Asghar Naqvi. His father himself was involved in art and literature and perhaps, this could have modeled his personality. Jaun Elia started writing at the age of eight, howbeit, his first poetry collection ‘Shayad’ was published when he was 60. He was a well-read man. Generally, people regarded his poetry full of pain and suffering. Nonetheless, his writings also reflect his communist and Marxist views. For instance, the following couplet reflects the class consciousness<\/p>\n
‘Kal ek qasr-e-aish me bazm-e-sukhan thi Jaun<\/em>
\nJo kuch bhi tha wahan wo ghareebo ka maal tha.’<\/em><\/p>\n(Yesterday there was a poetry symposium at a royal palace,<\/em>
\nEverything there belonged to the poor.)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nSuch writings make us realize that beyond the beautiful pieces a writer can present, they also feel the misery of the world and that demands equal attention from the readers.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/aaj-bahut-din-baad-main-apne-kamre-tak-aa-niklaa-thaa-couplets-jaun-eliya_large.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 11. Muhammad Iqbal<\/span><\/h2>\n
Alama Iqbal, a lawyer, scholar, politician and poet-philosopher known for promoting the philosophy of self-hood. He is regarded as the ‘Spiritual Father of Pakistan’ and also the writer of ‘Saare Jahan Se Achaa Hindustan Hamara’. The poetry and philosophy of Manwala Rumi, Alfred North Whitehead, Goethe, and Friedrich Nietzsche influenced him. Most of his works are written in Persian where he has written about ‘khudi’ (self). Bang-i-Dara ( The Call of the Marching Bell) was his first published work in Urdu. His religious passion for Islam can be felt through his ghazals, Poems and Shayris.<\/p>\n
b\u0101\u0121h-e-bahisht se mujhe hukm-e-safar diy\u0101 th\u0101 kyuu\u00f1<\/em><\/p>\n
k\u0101r-e-jah\u0101\u00f1 dar\u0101z hai ab mir\u0101 intiz\u0101r kar<\/em><\/p>\n
(Why did you bid me leave from paradise for now,<\/em>
\nMy work is yet unfinished here so you will have to wait.)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nHe is not only known regarded as an incredible poet in India and Pakistan but also in Iran and other Muslim nations in the Middle East.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/dil-se-jo-baat-nikaltii-hai-asar-rakhtii-hai-couplets-allama-iqbal-1_large.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 12.\u00a0 Kaifi Azmi<\/span><\/h2>\n
Athar Husain Rizvi, aka Kaifi Azmi, was a remarkable Urdu poet of the 20th century. He was a principal figure in the Progressive Writers Association who had quit his formal education during the Quit India Movement. Initially, when he moved to Mumbai in 1943, he worked with ‘Qaumi Jung’, an Urdu newspaper by Communist Party. At the age of 11, he wrote his first ghazal ‘ Itna to zindagi mein kisi ki khalal pade’.<\/p>\n
Itna to zindagi mein kisi ke khalal pade\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Hansne se ho sukun na rone se kal pade<\/em><\/p>\n
(There should be a hindrance in one’s life<\/em>
\nWhen laughter will not bring peace, crying will not solve ills.)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nHis work ranges from love poems to activist verses which call for an egalitarian society. Kaifi Azmi had done a great deal of work for the development of his village Mijwan. Besides, writing the lyrics of famous movies like ‘Kaagaz ke Phool’, ‘Bawarchi’ and ‘Razia Sultan’, he was the subject of the documentary film ‘Diksha’. ‘Yadon ki Rahguzar’ is a play based on his life, written and performed by contemporary Urdu poet Javed Akhtar and his daughter Shabana Azmi.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/daaera-roz-badhtaa-huun-jahaan-se-aage-nazms-kaifi-azmi_medium.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 13. Praveen Shakir<\/span><\/h2>\n
Praveen Shakir, a renowned Shaira from Pakistan was a teacher, news correspondent, and civil servant. At the youthful age of 24, she had published her first collection of poetry ‘Khushbu’. Her poetry threw light on the women’s world. She wrote extensively on pregnancy, marital problems, sexuality, and love.<\/p>\n
Kaise Kah duun ki Mujhe chhod diya hai us ne<\/em>
\nbaat to sach hai Magar Baat hai rusvai ki<\/em><\/p>\n(How can I say that I have been deserted by my beau<\/em>
\nIt is true but his will cause me to be shamed forevermore.)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nShe was a single mother even during conservative times. She was indeed a strong woman who had received prestigious awards for her poetry. Her notable works include’ Sad barg’ (Marsh Marigold), ‘ Inkaar’ (Denial), and ‘Mah-e-Tamaan’ (Full Moon). After her tragic demise in a car accident, the ‘Praveen Shakir Urdu Literature Festival’ has been held every year in Islamabad.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/dushmanon-ke-saath-mere-dost-bhii-aazaad-hain-couplets-parveen-shakir_medium.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 14. Ameer Minai<\/span><\/h2>\n
Ameer Ahmad Minai wrote under the nom de plume of ‘Ameer’. He was multi-talented and wrote proses along with poetry. Additionally, he was a Sufi, lexicographer, musicologist, and studied Islamic law and philosophy. He was well versed with Urdu, Persian, and Arabic and would write in all the three languages. First, he had served in the royal court of Awadh but later, after the revolt of 1857, he moved to Rampur, where he was at the court of Nawab Yusuf Ali Khan. He had published an Urdu Dictionary ‘Ameer-ul- Lughaat’ before his death. Though only two volumes of this doctionary could be published. He recognized himself as a member of the Mushafi’s school of poetry. He is also considered as the pioneer of ‘naat’ poetry ( poetry in praise of Prophet Muhammad) . His famous ghazal ‘sarakatee jaayey hai rukh se naqab ahista ahista’ was sung by Jagjit Singh. Here are a few lines from the famous ghazal:<\/p>\n
sarakti jaae hai rukh se naqab ahista ahista<\/em>
\nnikalta aa raha hai aftab ahista ahista<\/em><\/p>\njavan hone lage jab vo to ham se kar liya parda<\/em>
\nhaya yak-lakht aai aur shabab ahista ahista<\/em><\/p>\n(the veil slips from her visage at such gentle pace,<\/em>
\nAs though the sun emerges from a cloud’s embrace<\/em><\/p>\nAs she came of age she started to be veiled from me<\/em>
\nShyness came to her at once, beauty then slowly)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nHe is buried in the city of Hyderabad.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/khanjar-chale-kisii-pe-tadapte-hain-ham-amiir-couplets-ameer-minai_medium.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 15. Ahmad Faraz<\/span><\/h2>\n
ranjish hi sahi dil hi dukhane ke liye aa<\/em>
\naa phir se mujhe chhod ke jaane ke liye aa<\/em><\/p>\nkuchh to mire pindar-e-mohabbat ka bharam rakh<\/em>
\ntu bhi to kabhi mujh ko manane ke liye aa<\/em><\/p>\n(Even if you are annoyed, come just to give me pain,<\/em>
\nCome even if you have to then leave me yet again<\/em><\/p>\nThe notion of my love’s self-pride please do pacify,<\/em>
\nYou should surely come one day and try to mollify)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\nIf you follow coke studio, this song would play in the melodious voice of Ali Sethi. Isn’t it? The irresistible lyrics of ‘Ranjish Hi Sahi’ were penned down by none other than Ahmad Faraz. His real name was Syed Ahmad Shah. He was strongly against the autocratic rule and was jailed for criticizing the government in a mushaira. He was a radio producer in Radio Pakistan, a lecturer, and a natural poet. While he was alive, he wanted a peaceful relationship between India and Pakistan. On one hand, he was considered as a rebellious poet, while, on the other hand, he wrote romantic and lyrical poems that are engraved in the hearts and minds of the reader.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/172.105.37.82\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/sunaa-hai-log-use-aankh-bhar-ke-dekhte-hain-couplets-ahmad-faraz_medium.png\")
Picture Credits: Rekhta.org<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n 16. Akbar Allahabadi<\/span><\/h2>\n
‘Akbar’ was the pen name of distinguished Urdu poet ‘Syed Akbar Hussain’. He had worked as a clerk in the railway department and became a sessions court judge. He was an outspoken poet who used satire to criticize the hypocrisy of Indian political leaders. Interestingly, he used English words in his Urdu poetry. The following lines depict it:<\/p>\n
coat aur patlun jab pahna to mister ban gaya<\/em>
\nJab koi taqrir ki jalse men leader ban gaya<\/em><\/p>\n - 2<\/span> 2. Sheik Ibrahim Zauq<\/a><\/li>