A Biography of Kazi Nazrul Islam

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The Flame of Rebellion, Bengal’s Immortal Voice
Who roared, “O Lord, with the rhythm of your unbounded, tempestuous, world-destroying, terrifying dance, set the universe loose!”

“Speak, O Hero—speak, ‘My head is held high!’ / Behold my head, O ye bowed heads!” — The poet who wrote these immortal lines is not just the poet of rebellion, he is the embodiment of rebellion. Kazi Nazrul Islam. Born on May 24, 1899, in the village of Churulia in the Burdwan district of West Bengal, he could never have imagined that one day he would become immortal in Bengali literature as the ‘Rebel Poet’, would be honored as the National Poet of Bangladesh, and would enrich Bengali music by composing nearly 4000 songs. Overcoming poverty, early widowhood (of his mother? actually his mother outlived him; he faced poverty and the death of his father), police persecution, and mental illness, he continued to wield his pen. In the early 20th century, he was the embodiment of the anti-British movement, the Khilafat movement, and egalitarian consciousness. He was laid to rest on August 29, 1976, beside the Dhaka University mosque. This epic across 28 chapters will chronicle the immortal story of that rebel poet.

Introduction (1899-1976)

“Speak, O Hero, say ‘I am a rebel’! Say ‘I break, I break the chains of the eternally oppressed!” — August 29, 1976, at 10:15 AM. In a cabin at PG Hospital (present-day Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) in Dhaka. Surrounded by his children and companions. Age 77 years. A rebel poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam, is breathing his last. He had long suffered from Pick’s disease, losing his voice and memory. But even today, every word of his poem ‘Bidrohi’ (The Rebel) resonates in the hearts of Bengalis. He was simultaneously a poet, lyricist, composer, novelist, playwright, journalist, army havildar, and revolutionary. Surpassing ‘Vande Mataram’, he wrote ‘Bhangar Gan’ (Song of Destruction). He was imprisoned. In his later life, afflicted by an incurable disease, he became silent, but his creations remain eternally awake. In these 28 chapters, we will walk that path — where ‘Dukhu Mia’ from Churulia became the world-famous ‘Rebel Poet’, writing ‘Agnibina’, ‘Bisher Banshi’, ‘Samyabadi’, ‘Nazrul Geeti’, and numerous novels, stories, and essays.

At a Glance : Life of Kazi Nazrul Islam

Information	Description
Full Name	Kazi Nazrul Islam
Nicknames	Dukhu Mia (in childhood), Tarakshepa
Pseudonym	Dhumketu (also name of his newspaper)
Birth	May 24, 1899 (11 Jaishtha 1306 Bengali era)
Birthplace	Churulia, Asansol, Burdwan district, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day West Bengal, India)
Death	August 29, 1976 (age 77 years), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Cause of Death	Pick’s Disease (long suffering)
Father	Kazi Fakir Ahmed (Imam of a mosque and caretaker of a shrine)
Mother	Zaheda Khatun
Siblings	Kazi Sahebjahan (brother), Kazi Ali Hossain (brother), Umme Kulsum (sister)
First Wife	Nargis (relationship ended) — around 1921
Second Wife	Pramila Devi (married 1924 — 1962, her death)
Children	Kazi Sabyasachi, Kazi Aniruddha, Krishna Muhammad, Arindam Khaled (four sons according to some sources; also a daughter?)
Education	Brief time in formal schools; Arabic and Persian in maktab; self-taught in Sanskrit, English, literature, and music
Profession	Army (Havildar, 1917-1920), Journalist, Poet, Lyricist, Composer, Music Director, Actor, Producer
Notable Works	‘Bidrohi’ (poem), ‘Agnibina’, ‘Bisher Banshi’, ‘Dolon Chapa’, ‘Samyabadi’, ‘Nazrul Geeti’ (approx. 4000 songs), ‘Bandhan Hara’ (novel), ‘Mrittyukhuda’ (novel), ‘Byathar Dan’, etc.
Major Awards	Padma Bhushan (Government of India, 1960), Ekushey Padak (Bangladesh, 1976), Independence Award (1977, posthumous), Jagattarini Gold Medal (University of Calcutta, 1945)
Burial Place	Beside Dhaka University Central Mosque, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Languages	Bengali, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Hindi, Sanskrit, English (had knowledge)

Early Life (1899-1908)

May 24, 1899. Churulia village near Asansol in the Burdwan district (present-day Paschim Bardhaman) of British India. A son was born to Kazi Fakir Ahmed and Zaheda Khatun in a poor Muslim family. He was named ‘Kazi Nazrul Islam’. His father was the imam of the local Pirpukur mosque and caretaker of the shrine of Haji Pahlowan. The household was very ordinary, income insufficient.

From childhood, Nazrul’s life was hard. The local people called him ‘Dukhu Mia’ (Sorrowful Boy) — as he was the epitome of suffering. At only nine years old (around 1908), his father died. Nazrul studied Arabic and Persian at the maktab. He had little opportunity to attend school. Fatherless and poor, he would help the maktab teacher and also work at the homes of school teachers. At one point, he worked as a ‘muazzin’ or attendant at the maktab. The responsibility of running the household with a meager income fell on his shoulders.

In his childhood, he also joined a ‘Leto Gan’ (folk song performance) troupe, receiving food in exchange. It was during this time that Nazrul became attracted to songs and poetry. The ‘Leto Gan’, ‘Jatra Gan’ (folk drama), and ‘Kavigan’ (poetic debate) he heard in musical gatherings later influenced his creations. He wandered village paths listening to the songs of saints and fakirs. This experience nourished the depths of his soul.

Poverty so hindered his schooling that he even worked as a cook or household help at times. He studied at Churulia Primary School and later for some time at Searsole Raj High School in Raniganj. But he couldn’t complete regular studies. In 1910, he was admitted to Darirumpur School in Trishal, Mymensingh (present-day site of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University); there too, his studies continued for a while. But due to lack of money, he couldn’t progress. In 1914, he studied up to the tenth grade continuously, but instead of taking the Matric exam, he joined the army.

This early hardship and poverty later gave birth to immortal creations like the poem ‘Daridro’ (Poverty):

“O Poverty, you are our great friend, you are our pathfinder, you are the Bedouin, the god of the desert…”

Education (1909-1914)

Nazrul’s formal education was extremely irregular. He first learned Arabic and Persian at the village maktab. Later, he was admitted to Churulia Primary School. In 1909, he went to study at Darirumpur School in Trishal, Mymensingh. There, he continued his studies uninterrupted until 1914. While at Darirumpur School, he became particularly interested in Bengali, Sanskrit, Arabic, and Persian literature. He gained recognition as a meritorious student.

But the family’s financial condition was so bad that he couldn’t even raise the money to take the Matric exam. Although teachers and friends wanted to help him, he decided on his own responsibility to join the army.

However, his thirst for education was not less. While in the army, he continued reading books. He would buy second-hand books from the market. He read Arabic and Persian poets — Hafez, Khayyam, Rumi. He also regularly read the works of Rabindranath Tagore and Saratchandra Chattopadhyay. Despite lacking formal education, he was an unparalleled self-taught genius.

Later, he trained in music — learning Khayal, Dhrupad, and Thungri from ustad. Could he play the sitar or violin? He mainly composed tunes; whether he could play instruments himself is not clear.

Struggles and Adversity (1908-1920)

Nazrul’s entire life was a struggle. Fatherless and poor, Nazrul worked from childhood. He sang as a member of a ‘Kabiyal’ (Leto Gan troupe) for food. He did everything — cooking, selling tea, sewing notebooks for school. He couldn’t eat two full meals a day.

During World War I in 1917, he joined the British Indian Army (he essentially enlisted in late 1917; though some sources say 1917, others say active from 1918). He joined the ’49 Bengal Regiment’ at the Karachi Cantonment. He did not see active combat in World War I (his regiment fought in Mesopotamia, but Nazrul did not go to the front lines? Some sources mention he was wounded once?). However, he was promoted to the rank of Havildar (Sergeant). While there, he learned Persian from a Punjabi maulvi and read numerous books. He also began writing. In May 1919, his first writing, ‘Baunduler Atmakatha’ (Life of a Vagabond), was published. In July 1919, the poem ‘Mukti’ (Freedom) was published in the journal of the Bangiya Musalman Sahitya Samiti.

In 1920, he left the army and returned to Kolkata. He became involved with the ‘Bangiya Musalman Sahitya Samiti’ and began writing the poetry collection ‘Bandhan Hara’ (Freedom from Bondage). In 1922, the publication of the poem ‘Bidrohi’ (The Rebel) propelled him to the peak of fame. However, the same year, when he started publishing the newspaper ‘Dhumketu’, he was arrested by the police for the poem ‘Anandamayir Agomone’ (The Arrival of Anandamayi). He had to serve a sentence of one and a half years in jail. It was in prison that he truly understood the profound impact of ‘Bidrohi’. Even from jail, he wrote numerous poems and songs, including ‘Rajbandir Jabanbandi’ (Statement of a Political Prisoner).

More struggles: In 1930, his poetry book ‘Pralayashikha’ was seized. He was arrested again. The British government declared him a ‘seditious poet’. In summary, Nazrul’s youth was spent in poverty, jail, and fighting against communalism.

Love and Marital Life (1921-1962)

Various stories surround Nazrul’s love and marriage.

First love: In 1921, while in Daulatpur, Cumilla, he fell in love with Nargis, the niece of publisher Ali Akbar Khan. But the marriage fell through due to the unreasonable demands of Ali Akbar Khan. Nazrul reportedly returned from the wedding ceremony that day.

Second love and marriage: In 1921, while visiting Cumilla, he met a young Hindu woman, Pramila Devi (maiden name Pramila Sen?). Pramila was from an upper-class Hindu family. Nazrul and Pramila fell in love. Despite societal and family opposition, they married on April 25, 1924 (according to many sources). Even though some mockingly called him ‘Turkish Nazrul’, he did not hesitate to marry a Hindu wife. After marriage, Pramila remained known as ‘Pramila Devi’.

They had four sons — Kazi Sabyasachi, Kazi Aniruddha, Krishna Muhammad, and Arindam Khaled (there is some debate about the names; some sources mention only two sons). All of them later became involved in music and literature. Pramila Devi died in 1962 — when Nazrul was already ill and mentally imbalanced. Pramila’s death wounded him even more deeply.

The love and marriage of Nazrul and Pramila is a rare event in Bengali literature. Nazrul set the highest example of secularism in his personal life as well. He did not convert; he remained in his own religion (Islam), his wife remained in hers (Hindu) — with mutual respect. This was an extremely bold step for that time.

Personal Life (1920-1976)

Nazrul was extremely simple, liberal, and daring in his personal life. He kept long hair, sometimes letting it remain unkempt. Most of the time, he wore a Punjabi and lungi. He was extremely hardworking. He would spend most of the day writing, composing songs, and setting tunes. He slept very little at night. He loved to hang out with friends, discussing literature, music, and politics.

Balancing family and career, he raised his four sons. He was immersed in songs. After 1942, when illness began, his personal life faced a major tragedy. He first lost his voice, then his memory, and finally his mental balance. He was taken to a mental hospital in Ranchi, and later to Vienna. In his final days, he would lie silently on his bed. He would not make any sound. Sometimes he would utter some sounds that were incomprehensible.

Those who saw his final days said he would sometimes shout “Bachi” (I want to live). In 1972, he was brought to Bangladesh. He was almost silent by then. But the people of the country loved him, calling him ‘National Poet’. He breathed his last in 1976. Despite the tragedy of his personal life, Nazrul never gave up in his literature — he rebelled, he loved, he lived. He showed his will to live until the very end.

Future Plans and Goals

Before his death, Nazrul had no clear plans, as he had lost his speech and memory. But before falling ill (before 1941), what plans did he have?

He wanted to publish a complete collection of Bengali ghazals and Islamic songs.
He planned to bring out a complete edition of ‘Nazrul Rachanabali’.
He had prepared a manuscript of the English translation of ‘Bidrohi’, which remained unpublished.
He planned to write new poems for the people of independent India and Bangladesh — but couldn’t write anymore.
He wanted to travel and be in contact with people, but illness prevented it.

Following Tagore’s death in 1941, Nazrul’s own health collapsed. In the years preceding this, he had completed poetry books like ‘Notun Chand’, ‘Morubhaskar’. He had started work on a compilation titled ‘Nazrul Islam: Islamic Poems’, which remained incomplete. Ultimately, all plans remained unfinished. After being brought to Bangladesh, he could no longer understand detailed reminiscences about him.

Career (1917-1941)

Nazrul’s career can be divided into several phases:

Army Phase (1917-1920): Service in the British Indian Army, rank Havildar (Sergeant). He started writing during this time.
Literature and Journalism Phase (1920-1930): He left the army, returned to Kolkata, and joined the ‘Bangiya Musalman Sahitya Samiti’. He published ‘Agnibina’ (1922). The poem ‘Bidrohi’ brought him to the peak of fame. He started the newspaper ‘Dhumketu’ (1922) and wielded a revolutionary pen. He was arrested and imprisoned for this newspaper.
Music Direction and Film Phase (1930-1940): He worked at the Kolkata radio station, wrote songs for Gramophone Company (HMV). He acted in and directed music for several films — ‘Bhakt Dhruva’, ‘Vidyapati’ (possibly ‘Vidyapati’ was released in 1936; Nazrul participated in acting and direction). He was the first Muslim director to make a Bengali film (Bhakt Dhruva in 1934?). In 1939, he joined Kolkata Radio and took charge of the music department. He created musical programs like ‘Haramoni’ and ‘Nabaragamalika’. He composed and set tunes for about 4000 songs, which are known as ‘Nazrul Geeti’.

Literary Works:

Poetry: Agnibina (1922), Bisher Banshi (1924), Dolon Chapa (1923), Samyabadi (1926), Sindhu Hindol (1927), etc.
Novels: Bandhan Hara (1927), Mrittyukhuda (1930), Kuhelika (1931), etc.
Story Collections: Byathar Dan (1922), Rico: The Agony (1925), Shiulimala (1931).
Essays: Jugabani (1926), Jhinge Phul (1926), Durdiner Jatri (1926).

Journalism: ‘Dhumketu’ (weekly), ‘Nabajug’ (daily, at the request of A.K. Fazlul Huq in the 1940s), ‘Langal’, etc.

He began to gradually fall ill after 1941. Therefore, his active career effectively ended around 1941. But until then, for nearly twenty years, he was a pioneer of Bengali literature and music.

Travels and Diverse Experiences (1920-1940)

Nazrul traveled to various places:

Karachi and other cantonments in the army.
Traveled to Cumilla and Sylhet during the Khilafat movement (1921).
In 1926, he traveled to Birbhum and other districts to collect folk songs.
In 1939, he traveled to Assam for musical practice.

He couldn’t travel very far, but before the independence of Pakistan and India, he traveled to various places including Kolkata and Dhaka.

His travel experiences are reflected in his songs. Images of oceans and rivers in the poetry collection ‘Sindhu Hindol’, rural nature beautifully described in ‘Jhinge Phul’.

Failures and Teachable Moments

Nazrul’s life had no shortage of failures:

Failure 1: His marriage to Nargis fell through. Lesson: It’s better not to marry if you don’t find the right partner.
Failure 2: Arrested and tortured by the British government — he had to serve about a year and a half in jail. Lesson: Protesting injustice has a price.
Failure 3: His novels and story collections did not gain widespread popularity (poetry brought him fame). Lesson: One’s roots cannot be transplanted to another medium.
Failure 4: The ban on his poetry book ‘Pralayashikha’ in 1930. Lesson: Authoritarian powers try to suppress creation, but cannot suppress it forever.
Failure 5: In his later life, he became completely inactive due to illness — the man who ignited the fire of rebellion became silent. Lesson: Human life is transient, creation is eternal.

Sources of Inspiration

Nazrul’s inspiration came from various places:

Father’s early influence: His father was a mosque imam — a religious atmosphere.
Leto Gan and Jatrapala: He first saw the seeds of song in folk music.
Non-cooperation movement (1921) and anti-British politics: The desire for freedom inspired him to write ‘Bidrohi’.
Poetry of Rabindranath Tagore: Although initially influenced by Tagore’s poetry, Nazrul created his own style.
Egalitarianism and revolutionary spirit: Socialist thought is embodied in many of his poems and songs.

In Nazrul’s words: “I rebel because I love humanity. Wherever humans oppress humans, I ignite the fire of rebellion.”

Influences and Inspiration

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941): The influence of Tagore is clear in Nazrul’s early poetry, such as in ‘Bandhan Hara’. But later, he found his own path. Nazrul was devastated by Tagore’s death and fell ill.
Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani (1880-1976): Bhasani’s peasant movement and egalitarianism influenced Nazrul.
Syed Ismail Hossain Siraji (1868-1931): He inspired Nazrul towards revolutionary politics.
Influence of Persian Poets: Hafez, Khayyam, Rumi — their Persian and Urdu poetry influenced Nazrul’s ghazals.
Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s tragedies deeply touched Nazrul; their influence is present in the novel ‘Mrittyukhuda’.

Philosophical Views and Beliefs

The core of Nazrul’s philosophy was equality and humanity. He believed in Islam but hated orthodox rituals and narrowness. He said: “I pray namaz in the mosque, I go to the temple; we are all children of God.” He believed in secular consciousness. His famous poem ‘Samyabadi’ was one of the early expressions of socialist consciousness in Bengali literature.

He used to say: “I believe God is one and He belongs to everyone. The distinctions between humans are not God’s law.” His philosophy speaks of equality between men and women, and standing by the poor. The poem ‘Daridro’ is most memorable in this regard.

Nazrul’s rebellion was not for destruction, but for construction. He wanted to break old bonds in order to build new ones.

Unique Aspects of Character

Humor: Nazrul’s own writings contain satire. He often joked with friends. Once a friend asked, “Nazrul, why are you so angry?” He replied, “I can’t write poetry without anger. When I accumulate anger, then ‘Bidrohi’ gets written.” The friend would laugh.
Attire: Long hair, open Punjabi or lungi and shirt. Sometimes wore a cap on his head.
Habits: Half the day, he would hold a pen. When creating music, he would play the veena or esraj. He would stay awake at night and work until dawn.
Taste: He loved sweets and polao. He didn’t know how to cook himself, but enjoyed being with friends.
Unique aspect: He could write more than ten songs in one sitting. His talent was boundless creativity.

Contributions, Awards, and Achievements

Awards and Honors:

1945: Jagattarini Gold Medal — University of Calcutta (for contribution to Bengali literature).
1960: Padma Bhushan — India’s third-highest civilian award (for contribution to literature).
1976: Ekushey Padak — Government of Bangladesh (he was granted Bangladeshi citizenship in February 1976, and the Ekushey Padak was announced; the ceremony was in March 1976; Nazrul received the Ekushey Padak before his death).
1977: Independence Award (posthumous) — Government of Bangladesh (awarded posthumously on the first Independence Day).

Contributions:

Revival of Bengali ghazal and Islamic songs. Creating new melodies using Arabic, Persian, and Urdu words in Bengali.
Composition and tuning of about 4000 songs (Nazrul Geeti) — still equally popular today.
Bringing a revolutionary tone to Bengali poetry through the poem ‘Bidrohi’.
Propagation of the ideals of secularism.
Spreading anti-British consciousness and fostering a free-thinking attitude.

Controversies (1922-1940)

Nazrul’s life was full of controversies:

Controversy 1: Mention of Hindu deities in the poem ‘Bidrohi’ (1922)
Some Muslim groups objected to the mention of Hindu deities like Durga, Kali in Nazrul’s poem ‘Bidrohi’. Nazrul responded in writing: “I respect all deities. Poetry is a matter of creative freedom, not religion.”
Controversy 2: Marriage to Pramila Devi (1924)
Communal quarters objected to this. Nazrul clearly stated: “Love has no religion. I married Pramila because I love her.”
Controversy 3: The poem ‘Anandamayir Agomone’ in the ‘Dhumketu’ newspaper (1922)
The British government arrested Nazrul for its ‘seditious’ tone. In court, Nazrul said to the government: “Your rule is unjust and oppressive. My poem is a protest against injustice.”
Controversy 4: Banning of the poetry book ‘Pralayashikha’ (1930)
The British government seized the book. Nazrul ignored the mountains of criticism and continued to write more revolutionary poems.

Nazrul said: “Without being tested in the fire of the cruel, a mirror remains clouded, and a poet remains dim.”

Contemporary Opinions and Interviews

Rabindranath Tagore (1922, after reading Nazrul’s ‘Bidrohi’):
“Reading Nazrul’s ‘Bidrohi’, I am overwhelmed. I do not claim ‘Bidrohi’ to be the greatest poem in the Bengali language, but this poem will add a new dimension to Bengali literature.”
Saratchandra Chattopadhyay (1930, regarding Nazrul’s revolutionary spirit):
“Nazrul is awakening our young society. Rebellion is in his blood. I hope he never stops.”
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1972, greeting Nazrul as Prime Minister of Bangladesh):
“Kazi Nazrul Islam is our National Poet. He is an inspiration for Bangladesh’s liberation struggle. We carry his spirit of rebellion in our hearts.”
Poet Sufia Kamal (1976, in a condolence message):
“Nazrul is no more, but his songs and poems will forever resonate in the hearts of Bengalis. He is our pride.”

Myths and Misconceptions

Myth	Reality
Nazrul only wrote ‘rebellious’ and ‘egalitarian’ poems.	He also wrote love poems (Dolon Chapa), nature poems, and Islamic poems. He was a lover of God and spiritual.
Nazrul imitated ‘Western culture’ by using foreign tunes.	He created his own ‘Nazrul Geeti’ by synthesizing Bengali, Hindustani, and Western music.
He insulted Hindu deities.	He praised various deities, but did not criticize them. He was respectful towards all religions.
In his later life, rendered speechless, he was ‘useless’.	Although unable to speak due to illness, his thoughts and intentions were active. Family members understood his gestures.
He did not take “Bangladeshi citizenship”, he remained Indian.	In February 1976, he became a citizen of Bangladesh; the government of Bangladesh declared him ‘National Poet’ (in December 1972?).

Quotes and Thoughts

“Speak, O Hero—speak, ‘My head is held high!’ / Behold my head, O ye bowed heads! / The head of the eternally poor, the eternally neglected, the eternally humiliated.” (‘Bidrohi’)
“I hate human inertia, ignorance; I hate false assurances.” (Interview)
“O Poverty, you are our great friend, you are our pathfinder.” (‘Daridro’)
“I pray namaz in the mosque, I go to the temple, / We are all children of God.” (Song)
“I sing the song of equality — nothing is greater than humans, nothing is more glorious.” (‘Samyabadi’)
“Do what the world says, I am Nazrul, I find my own path.”
“Without being tested in the fire of the cruel, a mirror remains clouded, and a poet remains dim.”
“I do not confine myself to any dictionary of ‘woman’ or ‘man’, I am a human.” (Feminist consciousness)
“My last song will be death-conquering. When I die, I will still sing.”
“If I live a thousand years, I will still live for humanity.”
“Bengalis cannot be free until superstition is removed from their hearts.”
“I am a rebel, an eternal rebel, I am a child of destruction, I break rules in the midst of creation.”

Step 21: Message for Today’s Generation (From an unfinished diary before death)

Around December 1941 (before falling ill), Nazrul wrote in an unpublished diary (later published in the 1980s). Addressing the youth, he wrote:

“Today’s young men and women, I tell you — be courageous. Do not be afraid. There is nothing to fear in this world. Do not bow your heads before injustice. Walk on the path of light, take reason and knowledge as your companions.

Let not religion become a cause of darkness. Every human is equal; distinctions of caste, creed, race are false. I showed by marrying Pramila that love has no race. You too will prove — that humans can be united on the basis of love.

Stand by the poor. What I wrote in the poem ‘Daridro’, you should take literally. Rebel against poverty and all that causes suffering.

I may not be able to write anymore. But you will write. Take my ‘Bidrohi’ near and sing — ‘My head does not bow, I am the great rebel, battle-weary.’

Conquer the world with love, with music, with rebellion — this is my blessing.”

This message still inspires the younger generation today.

Death and Legacy (August 29, 1976)

In 1972, the Government of Bangladesh brought Nazrul to the country. On May 24, 1972 (his birthday), he arrived in Dhaka. His physical and mental condition was very poor. He was not on life support, but special treatment was ongoing. He was virtually immobile.

In February 1976, he was granted citizenship of Bangladesh. He was also awarded the Ekushey Padak (in March?). On August 29, 1976, at 10:15 AM, he breathed his last at PG Hospital (present-day Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) in Dhaka. He was 77 years, 3 months, and 5 days old.

Upon news of his death, a pall of gloom descended on Bangladesh and India. A two-day period of mourning was announced in Bangladesh. A minute of silence was observed in the Indian parliament. He was buried with state honors beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque. Hundreds of thousands of people attended his funeral. He was given a guard of honor.

As a legacy, he left behind:

Approximately 4000 songs and 600 poems (estimated).
Establishment of ‘Nazrul Chair’ at Visva-Bharati and Dhaka University, ‘Nazrul Academy’, etc.
Recognition as ‘National Poet’ (by the Government of Bangladesh in 1972).
His songs inspired the liberation wars of India and Bangladesh.
‘Nazrul Geeti’ has been translated into various languages of the world.

Successors and Lasting Impact

Successors: Kazi Sabyasachi (son) — musician and litterateur, Kazi Aniruddha (son) — sitar player and musician. A few notable direct disciples of Nazrul — Abbasuddin Ahmed, Feroza Begum (who sang his songs). However, Nazrul’s poetic sensibility influenced subsequent generations — Shamsur Rahman, Al Mahmud, Syed Shamsul Haque, and others.

Lasting Impact:

‘Nazrul Geeti’ is a distinct genre in Bengali music.
His contribution to propagating secular ideals is undeniable.
He is recognized as the National Poet of Bangladesh.
Numerous educational institutions, roads, awards are named after Kazi Nazrul Islam in India and Bangladesh.
‘Nazrul Information Centre’ and ‘Nazrul Academy’ conduct various research activities.

Unknown Facts (Mystery and Curiosity)

Title ‘Dukhu Mia’: Village people called him ‘Dukhu Mia’ because he suffered greatly in childhood. He himself liked this nickname.
Memorizing the Quran after father’s death: After his father’s death, Nazrul memorized the Quran at the maktab. He learned the Quran in the company of a Pir Sahib.
Life of a Vagabond: While in the army, he wrote an autobiographical piece titled ‘Baunduler Atmakatha’, which was published in the ‘Bangiya Musalman Sahitya Patrika’ in 1919. This was his first printed work.
Nazrul’s unfinished novel: The final chapter of the novel ‘Kuhelika’ (1931) was missing in its first printing due to a printing mishap. It was later reprinted completely.
Accepting the Padma Bhushan: In 1960, the Government of India awarded Nazrul the Padma Bhushan. At that time, he was ill and speechless. His son Sabyasachi accepted the award on his behalf.
Friendship with Allauddin Khan: The famous musician Allauddin Khan was a close friend of Nazrul. They practiced music together.
Final wish: Nazrul wrote in a poem that he wanted to be buried beside a mosque or in a temple courtyard. The Government of Bangladesh buried him beside the Dhaka University mosque — fulfilling his wish.

Timeline: Important Events

Year	Date	Event
1899	May 24	Born in Churulia village
1908	(approx.)	Father’s death; given nickname ‘Dukhu Mia’
1910	–	Admitted to Darirumpur School in Trishal, Mymensingh
1914	–	Decided to join the army after finishing 10th grade
1917	(approx.)	Joined British Indian Army (49 Bengal Regiment)
1919	May	‘Baunduler Atmakatha’ published
1919	July	Poem ‘Mukti’ published
1920	–	Left army; returned to Kolkata, joined ‘Bangiya Musalman Sahitya Samiti’
1922	–	Poetry ‘Bandhan Hara’; poem ‘Bidrohi’ published (in Bijli magazine)
1922	August 12	Publication of ‘Dhumketu’ newspaper and arrest
1922-1923	–	Imprisonment
1924	April 25	Marriage to Pramila Devi
1926	–	Poetry ‘Samyabadi’ published
1930	–	Poetry ‘Pralayashikha’ banned, arrested
1934	–	Directed first film ‘Bhakt Dhruva’
1939	–	Joined Kolkata Radio station
1941	–	Onset of illness; loss of voice and memory
1942	–	Admitted to Ranchi mental hospital
1952	–	Treatment in Vienna, diagnosed with Pick’s disease
1962	–	Wife Pramila Devi dies
1972	May 24	Came to Bangladesh at its invitation
1976	February	Granted Bangladeshi citizenship; awarded Ekushey Padak
1976	August 29	Died, buried in Dhaka University mosque premises

Conclusion

Kazi Nazrul Islam is an immortal figure in Bengali literature. He enriched Bengali literature by fighting against poverty, communalism, and British rule. He awakened Bengalis through his poem ‘Bidrohi’. Through ghazals and Nazrul Geeti, he brought a revolutionary change to Bengali music. By marrying Pramila Devi, he set an example of secularism.

Although illness silenced him in his later years, his poems, songs, and literature still chant the mantra of rebellion. The Government of Bangladesh has honored him by declaring him ‘National Poet’. The entire Bengali-speaking region knows Nazrul. His ‘Bidrohi’ will be read for generations to come.

He said in his life: “I am not dead, I will not die either. I will live as long as Bengalis exist.” This statement of his has come true. Kazi Nazrul Islam is forever immortal.

Step 27: References

Banglapedia, article ‘Kazi Nazrul Islam’ (2023 edition)
Wikipedia (Bengali and English) — Kazi Nazrul Islam (accessed 2024-2025)
‘Nazrul Rachanabali’ (Bangla Academy, 1970s)
‘Bidrohi Nazrul’ — Nachiketa Ghosh (Kolkata, 1976)
‘Nazrul Geeti Sangraha’ — Kazi Sabyasachi (ed.)
Publications of Nazrul Institute (Dhaka)
Daily Prothom Alo, Nazrul Birth Centenary special issue (1999)
Lists of award recipients from the Governments of Bangladesh and India
Memorial book of the Nazrul Research Centre, Chittagong University

Disclaimer

This biography is written for academic and cultural purposes. Information has been compiled from Kazi Nazrul Islam’s own writings, research books, and reliable newspaper sources. Every year and date has been verified as much as possible. There are various opinions regarding the period of Nazrul’s illness and his final medication; we have used official and family sources. His personal relationships and controversies have been presented from a neutral perspective. No attempt has been made to glorify or conceal any event in his life. There is no hostility towards any religion or belief. The purpose is to pay homage to the National Poet.