Poetry is an art that touches deep and hard; it reflects the passion, pain, happiness, and every other emotion we humans can ever face. India has had a string of great poets whose poetry has carved a special place in our hearts. Indian poets, through their works, always tried to enlighten the people.
The history that the line of poetry holds is so ancient that many in our age do not give it the respect it deserves. Here are the 15 Indian poets who have chiseled their place in heart of every individual who has read about them and their works.
Top 15 Indian Poets One Must Try To Read
1. Kabirdas
A 15th-century poet and a great influence on the bhakti movement in India. His poetry touches your heart; the dialects, emotions, and truly give you a sense of freedom. Of all his works, “Kabir’s Dohas” is the most famous; his work is mainly about equality among people and how there should be no boundaries of religion or caste between people. His work also includes – Bijak (the most sacred book of the Kabir panth sect), jinhi – jinhi, Kabir granthavali (book of all of Kabir’s creation), etc.
2. Mirabai
Another saint from the 16th century is famous for her bhakti towards Lord Krishna and her role in India’s bhakti movement. The stories about her life are as interesting as her poetry for the lord. Her work shows her love and devotion toward her lord, some of her prominent works include – paayo ji maine, hari tum haro, & pug ghungroo etc.
3. Kalidas
An ancient gem of India who has always been considered a great poet and writer. His works have survived the rush of time and are relevant even today. His works are mainly based on the Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, etc. Some of his prominent works include – Abhijñānaśākuntalam, Raghuvaṃśa, and Meghadūta, etc.
4. Tulsi Das
A poet who composed the Ramcharitrmanas has been acclaimed as “The tallest tree in the magic garden of medieval Indian poetry”. What else can be said about his talent? He is considered the reincarnation of Valmiki; his works include – Dohavali, Krishnavali, & Hanuman chalisa etc.
5. RamdhariSingh Dinkar
Born in 1908, he is considered as one of the best poets of the modern period. He is also known as the national poet due to his works like – Rashmirathi and Urvashi etc. His work was mainly influenced by the pressures of India’s struggle for freedom, and he wrote to motivate people.
6. HarivanshRai Bachchan
The Bachchan family is very famous; everyone is aware of the family name… he is the father of Amitabh Bachchan and a great poet in Indian literature. He was a rebellious poet who romanticized life with his work; some of his work includes poems like – Madhushala, Agnipath & Ruke na tu etc.
7. Maithili Sharan Gupt
He received the ‘Padma Bhushan’ award for his work in Indian literature and is considered as one of the most important poet of the modern period. He composed works like – Panchavati, Yashodhara, Bharat – Bharati and many others.
8. Jaishankar Prasad
Prasad was his pen name, a famous personality in modern literature and theater. He was born in Banaras in 1889. The Vedas and feelings of nationality influenced his works; his works include – Himadri tung, Kamayani, jharana etc.
9. Suryakant Tripathi
Also known as Nirala, he was a poet, novel writer and story writer. His works has been also translated by a late scholar named – David Rubin. His work include – Parimal, Bella, Anamica etc. He is considered as one of the pillars of the “chayavadi yug of Indian literature.
10. Rabindranath Tagore
He is the first Non- European to receive a Nobel Prize in literature (1913); that’s something to be proud of. His works were influenced by the cultures all over the world. Examples of his works are – Jan gan man, Phule phule dhole dhole, Purano shei diner kotha, etc.
11. Mirza Ghalib
He was a poet at the time when the Mughal Empire was counting its last years as rulers. His work is available in Urdu, Hindi, and Roman scripts. He wrote Shayari, Dhohas, ghazal poems, etc. His work includes – Dil – e – nadan tujhe hua kya h, Unko dekhne se jo etc.
12. Gulzar
He is in one of the best lyricists alive in the Indian subcontinent and has many hits on his name … his writings are truly beautiful. He was a film director, author, screenwriter, and lyricist with an overall package of talent. He has written many songs for the Bollywood industry; his works include – Humko man ki Shakti, Jungle jungle pata chala hai, Pukhraj, Ek imarat and Jai ho etc.
13. Sarojini Naidu
The Nightingale of India, she is another gem that the country has produced… her work in poetry got her the tittle. She was a political activist and was essential to India’s struggle for independence. She wrote for children, love, tragedy, patriotism, and other serious topics. Her most acclaimed work includes – The golden threshold, The Feather of the dawn and The bazaars of Hyderabad, etc.
14. Mahadevi Verma
She is regarded as the “modern Mira”. Her work is a part of the literary movement regarding romanticism. Yama mera parivar path ke saathi, Swapn se ksne jagaya? , & Nihar etc.
15. Kamala Das
She was an Indian English poet and, due to her work, had earned the title –The mother of modern Indian English poetry. Her work includes – The Testing of the Sirens, In Love, Relationship, The play house & Summer in Calcutta, etc.
These are a few of the gems in the line of poetry. Many have done some remarkable work and have left their mark on history. Many of today’s poets are also doing a great job. Maybe we can’t get in the same field as the legends, but we can try to keep the tradition alive for future generations.
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