India has a poetic legacy that spans centuries, which sees the coming together of emotion, philosophy and culture into what has become classic verse. From the ancient mystical chants of our poets to the modern takes on love and identity, we see the country’s journey play out through its art and thought. We present to you the top 10 Indian poets of all time till 2025, which include poets whose work still stirs hearts around the world.
- Rabindranath Tagore (1861- 1941).
Rabindranath Tagore is a giant of modern literature. In 1913, he became the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize in Literature, which he did for Gitanjali, which is but one of his beautiful poetic works along with Sonar Tari. What comes through in his verses is a unique look at spirituality, human issues, and the natural world. Also a prolific writer, Tagore had a great love for painting, gardening, and music. It was his practice to walk in nature, which in turn gave life to the rich imagery present in his poems.
- Mirza Ghalib (1797–1869).
Mirza Ghalib is the heart of Urdu poetry; he is known for his great ghazals, which play with themes of love, loss and existence. Although his works are from the 19th century, they still speak to us today. Also a student of chess and calligraphy, Ghalib had a large interest in philosophy and literature, which in turn defined his which was already very reflective and probing style.
- Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949).
A poet, freedom fighter, and orator, Sarojini Naidu was known as the Nightingale of India. In her poetry, which includes The Golden Threshold and The Broken Wing, Naidu put forth musical rhythm along with patriotic fire. Her works are a celebration of nature, womanhood and India’s spirit. In her free time, Naidu enjoyed sketching, painting and writing songs arts which in turn fed into the lyrical quality of her poetry.
- Harish Chandra Bachchan (1907-2003).
Harivansh Rai is known for his great work Madhushala, which is a metaphor for life’s pleasures and pains. In his poetry, you see the pulse of Hindi literature and the theme of perseverance. Also, he was a professor of poetry, a reciter, and a listener of classical music, which in turn shaped the meter of his verses.
- A. K. Ramanujan (1929-1993).
A. K. Ramanujan did wonderfully at combining the past and present in his poetry, which is a duel of cultures, that of the Indian and the modern. He put out works like The Striders and Relations, which looked at family, memory, and tradition. Also an anthropologist at heart, Ramanujan’s research in old Indian poetry and folklore added to his body of work, which in turn enhanced his craft of language and storytelling.
- Kamala Das (1934-2009).
Kamala Das, who is also known to have used the pen name Madhavikutty, was a fearless and emotional voice in Indian poetry. She put forth works like My Story and The Descendants, which dealt with love, womanhood and individuality. Also a journalist and gardener at heart, which in turn were the wells from which she drew inspiration for what made up that very raw and honest poetry of hers.
- Gulzar.
Gulzar is a master of simple yet powerful poetry. He is known to put into words the transient feelings of everyday life. He has authored works for stage and screen, which are loved by large audiences. Also an amateur at sketching and a reader of the great literary works, Gulzar finds inspiration in the peace of his garden, which in turn feeds his creativity.
- Javed Akhtar.
Javed Akhtar, known for his unique mix of intellect and emotion in his work, his a poet who ranges over love, humanity and social justice. In his book Tarkash, we see the great range of his literature. Also, he is a great fan of music, philosophy and Indian mythology, which in turn inspire his poetry.
- Vikram Seth.
Vikram Seth, who wrote The Golden Gate and Mapping, is a world stage Indian poet and novelist. In his work, you see themes of harmony, empathy, and cross-cultural sensitivity. Also an amateur musician, traveller, and calligrapher, Seth’s hobbies inform and infuse his poetic style with rhythm and precision.
- Rupi Kaur.
Rupi Kaur, although based out of Canada, is from India and is also one of the most influential poets of our generation. In her works Milk and Honey and Home Body, she looks at themes of love, healing, and womanhood. Also a poetess that is into illustration and photography; also into journaling and sketching, which is also a way for her to combine art with poetry to present emotion visually.
Conclusion
From the classical divine verses of Tagore to Rupi Kaur’s modern take, we see the poets who have defined India’s literary identity for generations. Each of them brought in their own unique rhythm, emotion and vision, which still today inspire our readers and which form the base of India’s rich literary heritage.
