Kazi Nazrul Islam, one of the most revered poets of Bengali literature and an influential figure in the history of Indian literature, was born on May 24, 1899, in the village of Churulia in the Asansol subdivision of Burdwan district, Bengal (now West Bengal, India). He hailed from a lower-middle-class family, and his early life was marked by financial struggles. His father, Kazi Fakir Ahmed, passed away when Nazrul was only eight years old, a loss that significantly impacted his childhood. His mother, Zaheda Khatun, supported the family by working tirelessly.
Nazrul’s early education was irregular, primarily attended the village maktab (a traditional school), where he learned the Quran and basic Arabic. His initial exposure to literature came from reading works of classical Bengali poets and literary figures. As a young boy, he was known by his nickname, “Dukhu Mia,” meaning “sad boy,” which reflected his early hardships.
A Troubled Youth and Early Work
In 1909, Nazrul passed his primary education and worked in various odd jobs such as being a servant in a shrine and a member of a local Leto group, which performed folk music. His deep-rooted connection with music, literature, and the folklore of Bengal emerged during this phase. By 1911, he joined the Nabinchandra Institute in Mathrun village, where he continued his schooling until 1912, after which he left formal education.
Around the same time, Nazrul experienced various challenges, including taking up work in a tea shop in Asansol and later moving to Darirampur. These early struggles, however, did not dampen his passion for writing. His association with different literary figures and the cultural environment of Bengal helped shape his poetic identity.
Military Life and Literary Evolution
In 1917, Nazrul joined the British Indian Army, where he served in the 49th Bengali Regiment. His time in the military, especially in Karachi, exposed him to new experiences that profoundly influenced his literary outlook. During this period, Nazrul began composing poetry and stories, and his first major work was the short story “The Autobiography of a Bounder,” published in Saugat, a Bengali literary journal. He also wrote the poem “Mukti” (“Freedom”), reflecting his desire for liberty and independence.
Revolutionary Ideals and the Birth of ‘Rebel’ Nazrul
It was in the 1920s that Nazrul’s identity as a poet and a revolutionary began to crystallize. After returning from the army in 1920, he became an active participant in the political and literary scene in Kolkata. Joining the editorial team of the influential newspaper Nabayug, Nazrul used his pen to fight against colonial rule, social injustice, and the suppression of the working class. His revolutionary spirit became evident in his writing, and in 1922, his poem Bidrohi (The Rebel) made waves in the literary world. This was a bold declaration of his defiance against tyranny and injustice, becoming an anthem for Bengal’s freedom struggle.
In the same year, Nazrul’s involvement in the Non-Cooperation Movement led to his arrest by the British authorities. He was charged with sedition, and his works, including Bidrohi, were banned. Nazrul spent a significant amount of time in prison, where he composed some of his most iconic poems, including the famous Rajbandir Jabanbandi (“The Prisoner’s Declaration”).
Marriage and Personal Struggles
During his time in prison, Nazrul’s personal life also went through significant transformations. In 1922, he married Pramila, a woman from a well-known family in Comilla. However, this union was marred by difficulties, including misunderstandings and family tensions. Despite these struggles, the marriage remained a significant part of his life.
By 1924, Nazrul’s health began to deteriorate, and his financial struggles deepened. He was forced to take up odd jobs, but his creativity never ceased. In 1925, he launched the journal Langal (The Plough), aimed at representing the working class and the peasantry, and highlighting the struggles of the common people.
Later Years and Decline
As the years passed, Nazrul’s health worsened due to a debilitating illness that left him mentally and physically exhausted. In the late 1920s, he suffered from a nervous breakdown that affected his poetic output. Despite this, Nazrul continued to write, contributing to the fields of music, poetry, and drama.
Throughout his later years, his contributions to Bengali literature became more diverse, as he explored genres such as ghazals and wrote many songs expressing deep emotional and spiritual themes. His poetry often highlighted social reform, the rights of the oppressed, and the importance of human unity.
In 1942, Nazrul’s health took a severe turn, and he suffered a stroke, which led to a gradual loss of his intellectual faculties. Despite being ill, he continued to compose music and poetry, though his output became limited.
Legacy and Recognition
Kazi Nazrul Islam’s contributions to Bengali literature and music have made him an eternal figure in the cultural history of Bengal. His poetry, especially his works advocating for social justice, freedom, and human dignity, resonated with generations. His songs, many of which were patriotic and nationalistic in nature, played a significant role in inspiring the masses during India’s freedom struggle.
Nazrul’s legacy was further solidified when, in 1972, Bangladesh declared him the national poet. His works continue to inspire writers, musicians, and social activists worldwide.
Nazrul passed away on August 29, 1976, but his revolutionary voice lives on through his poetry, music, and timeless call for justice and human equality.
Kazi Nazrul Islam was not only a poet, but a revolutionary whose life and work symbolized the struggle for freedom and equality. His unwavering commitment to his ideals, his bravery in the face of oppression, and his ability to speak to the masses with the power of his words make him one of the most remarkable figures in Bengali and Indian literature. Despite his hardships and personal struggles, his legacy endures, and he remains a beacon of hope and defiance for the oppressed and marginalized.