Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899–1976) was a Bengali poet, writer, and musician, known as the “Rebel Poet” for his revolutionary works. His contributions to Bengali literature and music earned him the title of “National Poet of Bangladesh.”
Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kazi Nazrul Islam (Bengali: কাজী নজরুল ইসলাম) |
| Pronunciation | [kad͡ʒi ˈnod͡ʒɾul islam] |
| Date of Birth | 25 May 1899 |
| Date of Death | 29 August 1976 |
| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| Professions | Poet, Writer, Journalist, Musician |
| Title | National Poet of Bangladesh, “Bidrohī Kôbi” (Rebel Poet) |
| Major Works | “Bidrohī” (‘The Rebel’), “Bhangar Gan” (‘The Song of Destruction’), “Dhūmketu” (‘The Comet’), “Rajbôndīr Jôbanbôndī” (‘Deposition of a Political Prisoner’) |
| Themes | Equality, Justice, Anti-Imperialism, Humanity, Rebellion against Oppression, Religious Devotion |
| Early Life | Born into a Bengali Muslim Kazi family in Burdwan district, Bengal Presidency. Received religious education, worked as a muezzin, learned poetry, drama, and literature with Leṭor Dôl. |
| Military Service | Joined British Indian Army in 1917, posted in Karachi |
| Journalism | Established as a journalist in Calcutta, criticized British Raj, called for revolution |
| Imprisonment | Frequent imprisonment by British authorities, wrote “Rajbôndīr Jôbanbôndī” in prison |
| Influence | Inspired Bengalis during Bangladesh Liberation War |
| Genres | Poetry, Music, Short Stories, Novels, Essays |
| Notable Contributions | Introduced Ghazal songs in Bengali, extensive use of Arabic and Persian influenced Bengali words |
| Compositions | Nearly 4,000 songs, collectively known as Nazrul Gīti |
| Health Decline | Diagnosed with Pick’s disease in 1942, lost voice and memory, lived in isolation |
| Later Life | Moved to Bangladesh in 1972, died on 29 August 1976 |
Early Life
Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on May 24, 1899, in the village of Churulia in the Asansol subdivision of the Burdwan district, which is now in West Bengal, India. He was raised in a family that was deeply involved in religious and cultural activities. His father, Kazi Fakir Ahmed, was the imam and caretaker of the local mosque and mausoleum. Nazrul’s early life was marked by a mixture of traditional education in a madrasa and an exposure to the rich cultural heritage of Bengal. In his youth, he joined a traveling theatrical group which allowed him to further develop his literary and musical talents. Over time, his quest for knowledge and artistic expression led him to move to various places, including Kolkata, where he became deeply involved in the literary and political movements of the time, ultimately earning the title of “Bidrohi Kobi” or “Rebel Poet.” His early experiences and the diverse cultural influences he absorbed played a significant role in shaping his future works and ideologies.
Family
| Relation | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Kazi Faqeer Ahmed | Kazi Faqeer Ahmed was the imam and caretaker of the local mosque and mausoleum. He was known for his religious devotion and was an influential figure in his community. |
| Mother | Zaheda Khatun | Zaheda Khatun was a homemaker who played a significant role in nurturing Nazrul’s early literary interests. She was known for her piety and strong moral values. |
| Brother | Kazi Saahibjaan | Kazi Saahibjaan was Nazrul’s elder brother. He supported the family after their father’s death and played a pivotal role in Nazrul’s upbringing. |
| Brother | Kazi Ali Hussain | Kazi Ali Hussain was another brother of Nazrul. He was involved in the local community and helped Nazrul during his early years. |
| Sister | Kazi Fatema | Kazi Fatema was Nazrul’s sister. She was known for her strong-willed character and provided emotional support to her family. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Chest | Not Available |
| Waist | Not Available |
| Hip | Not Available |
| Eye Color | Not Available |
| Hair Color | Not Available |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Kazi Nazrul Islam was married to Pramila Devi. They got married on April 25, 1924. Pramila Devi was known for her support and dedication towards Nazrul, especially during his times of struggle and illness. Together, they had a harmonious relationship and were blessed with four sons.
There are no detailed records of any other significant relationships or marriages prior to his marriage with Pramila Devi. Kazi Nazrul Islam’s relationship history primarily revolves around his enduring marriage with Pramila Devi.
Table Of Relationships
| Name | Relationship Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pramila Devi | Wife | Married on April 25, 1924. Supported him throughout his life. They had four sons together. |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Kazi Nazrul Islam, also known as the “Rebel Poet,” was a Bengali poet, writer, musician, and revolutionary who is regarded as the national poet of Bangladesh. Born on May 24, 1899, in Churulia, Bengal Presidency (now in West Bengal, India), Nazrul’s works include poetry, music, and philosophical writings. He is known for his fierce resistance to all forms of oppression and his impassioned advocacy for social justice.
How He Became Famous
Nazrul became famous through his revolutionary and anti-colonial writings, which resonated with the masses during the Indian independence movement. His works often criticized British colonial rule and called for unity among Hindus and Muslims. His poem “Bidrohi” (The Rebel), published in 1922, became a symbol of resistance and established him as a prominent literary figure.
How His Career Started
Nazrul’s career started with his enlistment in the British Indian Army in 1917, where he was exposed to various cultural influences and began writing poetry. After leaving the army, he moved to Calcutta and started working as a journalist. His literary debut came with the publication of his poem “Mukti” (Liberation) in 1920. His first collection of poems, “Agnibeena,” was published in 1922 and solidified his reputation as a revolutionary poet.
Popular Works
- Bidrohi (The Rebel)
- Agnibeena (The Lute of Fire)
- Dolonchapa (The Swaying Flower)
- Proloy Shikha (Flames of Destruction)
- Chhayanat (The Raga Chhayanat)
Awards And Honors
- Jagattarini Gold Medal (1945) – University of Calcutta
- Padma Bhushan (1960) – Government of India
- National Poet of Bangladesh (1972)
- Honorary D.Litt. – University of Dhaka
Throughout his life, Nazrul faced numerous controversies, primarily due to his outspoken nature and revolutionary ideas.
- Political Oppression: His writings often led to confrontations with British colonial authorities. He was arrested and imprisoned multiple times for his revolutionary activities and anti-colonial writings.
- Religious Tensions: Nazrul’s advocacy for Hindu-Muslim unity was controversial in a time of rising communal tensions. Both Hindu and Muslim extremists criticized him for his views.
- Literary Criticism: Some traditionalists criticized his unconventional style and themes, considering them too radical and inflammatory.
- Health Issues: In 1942, Nazrul was diagnosed with an incurable neurological disease, later identified as Pick’s disease, which led to his mental and physical deterioration. This led to various speculations and controversies regarding his health and the care he received.
Despite the controversies, Kazi Nazrul Islam remains a towering figure in Bengali literature and culture, celebrated for his contributions to poetry, music, and the fight for social justice.
