Brij Mohan Dattatriya ‘Kaifi’

Biography

Brij Mohan Dattatriya, better known by his pen name Kaifi, was an Urdu poet active during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Born in 1866 in Moradabad, he became part of the rich literary tradition that flourished in North India during the colonial period. His early education included studies in Urdu and Persian, which provided the foundation for his poetry.

Kaifi is often mentioned in literary circles for his ghazals, a poetic form deeply cherished in Urdu literature. His works drew from themes of love, human emotion, and the delicate interplay between longing and fulfillment. Like many poets of his era, Kaifi was influenced by the classical masters while also shaping his own distinct voice. He contributed to the culture of mushairas (poetic gatherings), where poets tested their verses before a live audience, gaining appreciation and critique from peers and connoisseurs alike.

Although detailed accounts of his personal life are not widely available, his reputation rests on his literary expression and dedication to Urdu poetry at a time when India was witnessing both social change and the growth of modern literary currents. His writings were shaped by the traditions of Persianized Urdu poetry but also reflected the evolving tastes of readers in the early 20th century.

Kaifi lived a long life and passed away in 1955 in Lucknow, a city renowned for its cultural and literary heritage. His poetry continues to be noted in anthologies and references that document the contributions of poets beyond the most celebrated names, serving as a reminder of the many voices that sustained and enriched Urdu literature during a crucial era.