10 Influential Lucknow Poets and Their Iconic Verse

“Patta patta, boota boota, haal hamara jaane hai;
Jaane na jaane gul hi na jaane, baagh to saara jaane hai.”
— Mir Taqi Mir

Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, has long been a cradle of art, culture, and poetry. Its vibrant heritage has given the world some of the finest poets who not only defined the essence of Urdu literature but also reflected the ethos of their era. These Lucknow poets captured the soul of the city, immortalizing its beauty, pain, and pride.

Let’s delve into the lives of 10 legendary Lucknow poets, their most memorable couplets, and how they contributed to the city’s literary legacy.

1. Mir Taqi Mir (1723–1810)

Birth Date: 1723
Education: Mir received classical training in Persian and Arabic, forming the backbone of his poetic prowess.

Revered as the “God of Urdu Poetry,” Mir Taqi Mir’s work often mirrored his tumultuous life. His melancholic verses resonate deeply with readers across generations.

Famous Lines:
“Ishq ne ‘Mir’ ko nikamma kar diya;
Varna hum bhi aadmi the kaam ke.”
(Love has rendered ‘Mir’ useless; otherwise, I too was a man of worth.)

Mir’s legacy is intricately tied to Lucknow’s cultural evolution, cementing his place as one of its greatest poets.

2. Mirza Ghalib (1797–1869)

Birth Date: December 27, 1797
Education: Ghalib’s education in Persian and Arabic shaped his intellectual and poetic depth.

While Ghalib was born in Agra, his works were heavily influenced by the poetic circles of Lucknow. Known for his philosophical depth, his ghazals explore themes of love, existentialism, and human frailty.

Famous Lines:
“Hazaaron khwahishen aisi ke har khwahish pe dam nikle;
Bahut nikle mere armaan, lekin phir bhi kam nikle.”
(Thousands of desires, each worth dying for; many of my wishes were fulfilled, yet they were too few.)

Ghalib remains an iconic figure among Lucknow poets, whose timeless verses still inspire readers.

3. Hasrat Mohani (1875–1951)

Birth Date: 1875
Education: Mohani studied at Aligarh Muslim University, where he developed his unique style of poetic expression.

Hasrat Mohani is a celebrated name among Lucknow poets, blending romanticism with a fervent revolutionary spirit. He famously coined the slogan Inquilab Zindabad.

Famous Lines:
“Chupke chupke raat din aansu bahana yaad hai;
Hum ko ab tak aashiqui ka wo zamana yaad hai.”
(Silently, day and night, shedding tears is still remembered; I still remember that era of love.)

His work reflects the passion and resilience of the city of Lucknow.

4. Majaz Lakhnawi (1911–1955)

Birth Date: October 19, 1911
Education: Majaz graduated from Aligarh Muslim University, where his poetic journey began.

Known as the “Keats of Urdu,” Majaz Lakhnawi was a poet whose verses encapsulated the dreams and struggles of youth.

Famous Lines:
“Tere maathe pe ye aanchal bahut hi khoob hai lekin;
Tu is aanchal se ik parcham bana leti to achha tha.”
(This veil on your forehead is very beautiful, but it would be better if you made a flag out of this veil.)

Majaz’s rebellious tone made him a standout among Lucknow poets.

5. Mir Anees (1803–1874)

Birth Date: 1803
Education: Mir Anees was trained in Persian and Arabic, a foundation for his celebrated marsiyas.

A master of elegiac poetry, Mir Anees brought narrative brilliance to Lucknow’s poetic tradition.

Famous Lines:
“Woh ro rahe the shab-e-gham chaandni mein ‘Anees’;
Jab aa ke toot gayi chaand se kiran dil par.”
(They were crying in the moonlit night of sorrow, ‘Anees’; when a ray from the moon fell upon the heart.)

His marsiyas remain an integral part of Lucknow’s Muharram observances.

6. Josh Malihabadi (1898–1982)

Birth Date: December 5, 1898
Education: Josh studied at Aligarh Muslim University, where he nurtured his revolutionary zeal.

Known as the “Poet of Revolution,” Josh’s fiery verses symbolized resistance and change.

Famous Lines:
“Girti hui deewaron ko ek dhakka aur do.”
(Give a further push to the falling walls.)

Josh’s work reflects the rebellious spirit of Lucknow poets who sought to redefine societal norms.

7. Kaifi Azmi (1919–2002)

Birth Date: January 14, 1919
Education: Kaifi received his early education in Lucknow before moving to progressive literature.

A poet of the masses, Kaifi Azmi’s work championed the causes of equality and social justice.

Famous Lines:
“Aur bhi gham hain zamaane mein mohabbat ke siwa;
Raahatein aur bhi hain wasl ki raahat ke siwa.”
(There are other sorrows in the world besides those of love; there are other comforts besides the comfort of union.)

Kaifi’s revolutionary approach places him among the finest Lucknow poets.

8. Safi Lakhnavi (1862–1950)

Birth Date: 1862
Education: Safi was well-versed in traditional Persian and Urdu studies.

Safi Lakhnavi’s ghazals are celebrated for their lyrical quality, making him an iconic figure among Lucknow poets.

Famous Lines:
“Tabassum to kar lete hain, magar dil nahi hasta.”
(They smile, but their heart does not laugh.)

His work reflects the grace and sensitivity of Lucknow’s poetic legacy.

9. Harivansh Rai Bachchan (1907–2003)

Birth Date: November 27, 1907
Education: Bachchan earned a Master’s in English Literature from Allahabad University.

Though primarily associated with Hindi, Bachchan’s connection to Lucknow’s literary culture remains significant.

Famous Lines:
“Madhushala! Madhushala!”
(The Tavern! The Tavern!)

10. Arzoo Lakhnavi (1873–1951)

Birth Date: 1873
Education: Arzoo studied Persian and Urdu, becoming a prolific poet of his time.

Famous Lines:
“Rafta rafta wo meri hasti ka saamaan ho gaye.”
(Gradually, they became the essence of my existence.)

Arzoo’s poetry reflects the intricate beauty of human relationships, solidifying his place among Lucknow poets.

Conclusion
The legacy of Lucknow poets continues to thrive, showcasing the city’s unparalleled contribution to Urdu literature. Each poet brought unique perspectives, enriching Lucknow’s cultural tapestry. Their verses, imbued with timeless beauty, serve as a testament to the city’s enduring poetic heritage.

[Also Read: Guide to Lucknow Tourism]