The poets

1723–1810 · Classical (Delhi, then Lucknow) · 5 couplets

simplicity of diction · profound pathos (soz-o-gudaz) · short metres (chhoTii bahr) · the Hindi metre now called Bahr-e-Mir

1721–1785 · Classical (Delhi) · 2 couplets

Sufi mysticism (tasawwuf) · spiritual calm · brevity

1789–1854 · Late Mughal (Delhi) · 2 couplets

mastery of language · idiom and everyday speech (ruzmarra, muhavira) · rhetorical polish

1800–1852 · Late Mughal (Delhi) · 1 couplet

delicate romantic ghazal · subtle double meanings · refined imagery

1797–1869 · Late Mughal (Delhi) · 18 couplets

intellectual depth · philosophical paradox · Persianised syntax (Farsi-amez) · wordplay and meta-poetic wit

1831–1905 · Post-1857 (Delhi, Rampur, Hyderabad) · 3 couplets

purity of Delhi idiom · playfulness (shokhii) · ease of expression · conversational flirtation

1837–1914 · Reform movement (Aligarh) · 2 couplets

didactic and reformist poetry · natural poetry (necharal shairi) · clarity of expression

1877–1938 · Modern (Lahore) · 5 couplets

philosophical vigour · high-register Persianised diction · the concept of khudii (selfhood) · epic sweep and energetic metres

1911–1984 · Modern (Progressive Writers' Movement)

classical romantic imagery joined to political consciousness · lyrical cadence · symbolism

1931–2008 · Modern

modern romantic ghazal · accessible elegance · strong emotional resonance

1931–2002 · Modern

anarchic phrasing · unique diction · intellectual angst · conversational metres · raw emotional intensity

1952–1994 · Modern

a woman's voice in the ghazal · delicate imagery · modern sensibility