Akbar Ilahabadi (1846–1921) was an Indian Urdu poet, journalist, and satirist. He is considered one of the greatest Urdu poets of the 19th century, and his work is still widely read and admired today.

Akbar was born in Bara, India, to a family of scholars and poets. He began writing poetry at a young age, and his first collection of poems, Tasvir-e-Akbar (Akbar's Portrait), was published in 1868. He went on to publish over 20 more collections of poetry, as well as several novels, short stories, and essays.

Akbar's poetry is known for its satirical wit, its use of simple language, and its focus on themes of social commentary and the human condition. He was a master of the Urdu ghazal, and his poems often use nature imagery to express his emotions. He was also a prolific writer of nazms, or free-verse poems.

Akbar's poetry has been translated into many languages, and he is considered one of the greatest Urdu poets of all time. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 1918.

Akbar died in Allahabad, India, in 1921. He was 75 years old. His tomb is a popular tourist destination, and his poetry continues to be read and admired by people all over the world.

Here are some of his most famous works:

• Ghazals: "Hungama Hai Kyon Barpa", "Dilruba", "Kuchh Yaadgar-e-Shahr-e-Sitamgar Hi Le Chalen"
• Nazms: "Main Jab Likhna Sikha Tha", "Khayaal Aata Hai", "Dard-e-Dil"
• Novels: "Aina-e-Hayat", "Aaina-e-Zauq"
• Short stories: "Yaad-e-Aastan", "Kaghazi Phool", "Chhaya Aur Phool"