Generally Hindi poetry is divided into four prominent styles being Bhakti (devotional- Raskhan); Veer-Gatha (extolling brave warriors); Shringar (beauty- Keshav, Bihari); and Adhunik (modern). 

The Hindi literature was quite developed in the states of Delhi, Kannauj and Ajmer during the ancient period of Hindi or Adi Kaal. During that period Prithviraj Chauhan ruled Delhi and Chand Bardai was his court poet. There also belonged some Siddha and Nathpanthi poets. The Siddhas usually belonged to a later Buddhist cult known as Vajrayana. While the Nathpanthis were yogis and they practiced Hatha yoga.

The medieval Hindi literature is marked by the Bhakti movement and includes long, epic poems. Great theoretical development was marked in poetry forms during the Bhakti period. It includes Verse patterns like Doha (two-liners), Chaupaya, Sortha (four-liners) etc. The Bhakti Poetry had two schools which named as the Nirguna School and the other one is Saguna School. The Nirguna School belonged by great men like Kabir and Guru Nanak. Their philosophy was greatly influenced by the Adi Sankaracharya’s philosophy.

The long run of Indian poetry has been good from a very long time. It was Munshi Premchand who brought realism in the Hindi prose literature. He is considered as one of the most revered figure in the world of Hindi fiction. Fairy or magical tales, religious themes and entertaining stories were usually revolved the Hindi literature before Premchand. The novels of Premchand have been translated into many other different languages. Beside these there are also some valuable works by Indian poets in Urdu poetry and Punjabi poetry too.