The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20080424053441/http://www.nazrulinstitute.org.bd:80/bio_graphy_e.html
 
Institute_Logo
Header_right_pic
 
 
 
 
L i n k s
bullet
Nazrul Institute
bullet
Biography of Kazi Nazrul Islam
bullet
Photograph Gallery
bullet
Painting Gallery
bullet
Nazrul Poems
bullet
Nazrul Songs
bullet Documentary Flim
bullet Nazrul in Other Language
bullet Nazrul Institute Collections
bullet Publication List
bullet Notice Board
 
   
   
   
Biography/Bibliography

Kazi Nazrul Islam

A Chronology of life

1899
May 24, Kazi Nazrul Islam born at the village of Churulia in the district of Bardhaman, West Bengal, India. Mother, Zaheda Khatun; father, Kazi Fakir Ahmad, the Imam (the head of a mosque) and the custodian of the Haji Pahlwan's mazar (a Muslim shrine) in his village; brothers, Kazi Shahebjan and Kazi Ali Hussain, and sister, Umme Kulsum (three surviving out of the total of seven sons and two daughters of Fakir Ahmad).

1908
March 20, Nazrul's father dies at the age of 60.

1909
Passes the Muslim lower primary education examination in a maktab (a Muslim primary school).

1910
Discontinues formal schooling due to financial hardship. Earns his livelihood as a teacher at a maktab, muazzin (a caller for prayer at a mosque), and a custodian of the village shrine, etc.

1911
Joins a leto group (folk musical troupe) with encouragement and help from his uncle, Kazi Bazle Karim, a singer-songwriter-composer, himself a Goda Kobi (the leading poet) of his troupe. Bazle Karim wrote songs in Bengali as well as Urdu and Farsi. Upon his death, Nazrul succeeded him as the Goda Kobi. Nazrul's talent impressed many others, including the reputed, Sheikh Chokor Ali Goda, who also encouraged him to develop his leto career. During his four years or so with letotroupes, along with songs, Nazrul also wrote scripts for leto dramas. One of his scripts was based on the Bengali epic poem, Meghnad Badh (The Slaughter of Meghnad) by Madhusudan Dutt (1824-1873). Most of Nazrul's writings for leto have been lost.

1911
Studies at Mathrun Nabinchandra Institution (class VI).

1912
Works in the household of a railway guard, in a bakery shop, etc.

1913-14
Meets Kazi Rafizullah, a police sub-inspector, who arranges for Nazrul to study free of charge at Darirampur High School in Mymensingh. Completes class VII, then returns to Churulia.

1915-17
Admitted to Searsol Raj High School in Raniganj, Bardhaman, in class VIII. Kazi Manzoor Hussain, a distant relative, helped making the arrangements for free schooling and accomodation. Studies through class X, until the pre-test examination required prior to the matriculation examination. At Searsol Raj meets Satish Kanjilal, a teacher with some mastery in classical music, who actively encourages Nazrul to continue to develop his musical talent. Also meets

Nibaranchandra Ghatak, a teacher and member of an underground revolutionary organization committed to go as far as armed struggle against the British colonial government. Attracted by the thought of utilizing the training later for the freedom movement, Nazrul and his schoolmate Shailajananda Mukhopadhyaya (the latter day reknowned literateur) decide to join the army. They travel to Calcutta. Nazrul passes the recruitment examination, Shailajananda doesn't. Nazrul joins the army in the 49th Bengali Paltan. Trains in Nawshera, stationed in Karachi.

1919
First publication, “Bounduler Atma-kahini” (Life Story of a Vagabond), a short story, in Saogat magazine, Ist year, 7th issue, in Calcutta, Mohammad Nasiruddin, editor. The first article published, “Turko Mahilar Ghomta Khola” (The Unveiled Face of a Turkish Woman), in Saogat, 1st year, 12th issue. First poem published, “Mukti” (Freedom), in the Bangiyo Mussalman Sahitya Patrika (Bengal Muslim Literary Magazine). Nazrul a Havildar (seargent) in the army in Karachi.

1920
Returns to Calcutta, first staying in the same hostel with Shailajananda Mukhopadhyaya, then in a rented apartment with Comrade Muzaffar Ahmad. First song published, “Udbodhan” (Inauguration), in Saogat, 2nd year, 6th issue. April, Bandhanhara (free from Bonds), a novel, begins its serialized publication in Muslim Bharat (Muslim India). July, appointed a joint-editor, with Muzaffar Ahmad, of Daily Navajoog (The Daily New Age, from the Sanskrit “nava”- new, “yuga” - age or era), founded by A. K. Fazlul Huq.

1921
Goes to Daulatpur in Comilla with Ali Akbar Khan (not to be confused with the present day sarod master). June 18, married to Syeda Nargis A'sar Khanam, a niece of Ali Akbar Khan. Disagreements between Nazrul and Nargis' family on the night of the wedding. Nazrul leaves Daulatpur on June 19, never to see Nargis again. (Their only correspondence was through letters, one each way, in 1937-Nargis' letter to Nazrul and the latter's reply. Divorce confirmed in 1937. Nargis remarried to Azizul Hakim in 1938. October, visits Santiniketan with Mohammad Shahidullah and meets Rabindranath Tagore for the first time. December, writes “Bidrohi” (The Rebel).

1922
“Bidrohi” published in the January 6th issue of Shaptahik Bijli (Weekly Lightning). “Bidrohi” also published in Muslim Bharat. March, Nazrul's first book, Byathar Dan (Offerings of Pain), a collection of short stories, published in Calcutta. August 11, a bi-weekly Dhumketu (The Comet) premieres, Nazrul is the editor. September 26, Nazrul's poem, “Anandamoyeer Agamoney” (Coming of Goddess Durga), published in Dhumketu. October 13, India's completd freedom from the British government demanded in Dhumketu. October 13, Agni Bina (The Fiery Bina), a collection of poems, published in Calcutta. October 25, Jooga Bani (The Message of the Age), a collection of essays, published in Calcutta. Proscribed by the government. November 8, a warrant for arrest issued against Nazrul on charges of sedition. November 23, Nazrul arrested in Comilla.

1923
January 16, Nazrul delivers “Rajbandir Jabanbandi” (Deposition of a Political Prisoner) in the court of the Chief Presidency Magistrate Swinho, in Calcutta; sentenced to 1 year of hard labor imprisonment. January 27, “Rajbandir Jabanbandi” published in Dhumketu, the final issue, in Calcutta. February 22, Rjabindranath Tagore dedicates his song-drama, Basanta (Spring) to Nazrul. Dolan Champa (name of a faintly fragrant monsoon flower), a collection of poems and songs, published in Calcutta. April-May, Nazrul goes on a hunger strike to protest the mistreatment of political prisoners by the jail authority. Revolutionary, populist novelist and short story writer Sharatchandra Chattapadhyaya visits Nazrul in jail, requesting him to end his hunger strike. Similar requests from many others, including the liberationist political leader Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das. Rabindranath Tagore sends Nazrul a telegram from Shilong, “Give up hunger strike, our literature claims you.” Nazrul stays on hunger strike for 40 days. December, Nazrul released from jail.

1924
Married to Pramila (Duli), the only daughter of Giribala Sengupta. The couple settle in Hooghly. Their first son, Azad Kamal (also named Krishna Muhammad), is born. Azad dies the same year. Bisher Banshi (The Poison Flute) and Bhangar Gan (The Song of Destruction), both collections of songs and poems, published in Calcutta. Both are proscribed.

1925
May, meets Gandhi in the Faridpur Congress. November 10, “The Labour Swaraj Party of the Indian National Congress” formed. Nazrul announces and publishes the Party pamphlet. December 16, the premiere issue of Langal (The Plough), the Party magazine, contains Nazrul's set of poems on equality.

1926
The family moves to Krishnanagar. Langal's name is changed to Gono-Bani (Voice of the People). May, writes and sings “Kandari Hushiar” (Helmsman Be Aware) for the inaugural song of the Krishnanagar Congress. Their second son, Arindam Khalid (Bulbul), born. Composes his first ghazal, “Bulbuli tui phul shakhate dis ne aji dol.”

1927
Ferbuary, comes to Dhaka to attend speak at the annual conference of the “Muslim Sahitya Samaj” (Muslim Literary Society). Nazrul faces tremendous financial hardship, especially due to non-payment for his writings by several publishers; faces health crisis as well as growing threats and harassment by both the British government and the Hindu and Muslim conservative members of society; even subjected to physical attacks. March, Saogat sponsors a “variety performance” to benefit Nazrul and his family. Held at Albert Hall in Calcutta, attended by Nazrul. July, Sufia N. Hossain (later Sufia Kamal), a young poet of 16, moved by the news of Nazrul's continual, even worsening, hardship and harassment, appeals “as his [Nazrul's] mother, his sister” in a letter to Saogat editor Mohammad Nasiruddin to come to his rescue, to “tie him with affection.” Nazrul accepts Nasiruddin's offer to join salaried staff of Saogat, commuting from Krishnanagar.

1928
Mother dies. Two separate editions of Sanchita published. November, Nazrul honored by the “Haragachha Tarun Sanghya” (Haragachha Youth Organization) in Rangpur. For both financial and health considerations, Nazrul's friends and well-wishers associated with Saogat help the family to move to Calcutta. On behalf of the family, Saogat rents an apartment in the same building until the family moves to Pan Bagan a few months later. December, Nazrul honored by the Rajshahi Muslim Club in Rajshahi. December, Nazrul attends the conference of the “Nikhil Bharat Krishak o Sramik Dal” (All India Farmers and Workers Party); sings the inaugural song. December, Nazrul sings the inaugural songs at the meeting of the All India Socialist Youth Congress at Calcutta, presided by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

1929
Son, Kazi Sabyasachi, born. January, Nazrul attends the inaugural ceremony of the “Muslim Shiksha Samity” (Muslim Education Association) in Chittagong; honored by several organizations in Chittagong the same year, including the Bulbul Society. Honored by the Kushtia Municipality in Kushtia. Honored at the annual conference of the Bogra Akkelpur Youngmen's Muslim Association. December 15, a grand National Civic Reception for Nazrul held at Albert Hall, Calcutta, organized by the “Saogat Sahitya Majlis” (Saogat Literary Society). Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, an eminent Bengali scientist, presiding; and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the celebrated political leader and freedom fighter, the chief guest.

1930
Son, Kazi Anirudhha, born. Pralayshikha (The Doomsday Flame) a collection of poems and songs, and Chandrabindu (The Nasal Mark), a collection of songs, published in Calcutta; both are proscribed. May 7, Bulbul dies of smallpox. Even by this early age astounding musical talent. For a period lasting several years in the 30s, Nazrul's career flourishes with a variety of roles, including as a recording artist with gramophone companies, a composer, music director, singer, song and story writer, actor, etc., in films, plays and radio programs. Nazrul's association with gramophone companies brought him a few years of financial success. It was difficult for Nazrul to get a recording contract because of the British authority who would not allow the recording of his songs on political grounds. Even the admirers of Nazrul were subject to scrutiny. Harendra Dutta sang and recorded a song of Nazrul but kept Nazrul's name out of the label fearing that the British authority of the recording company (His Master's Voice) would not permit the recording. But the recording companies finally gave in to the immense popularity of Nazrul and, sensing profit in it, started offering him contracts. Nazrul's association with recording companies possibly began during 1928, flourishing during the 30s. Over the years, the recording companies which Nazrul associated with included Megaphone, Hindustan, Senola and His Master's Voice (HMV). The chief trainer of HMV was Ustad Jamiruddin Khan, a reputed master of Hindustani classical and semiclassical music. Nazrul trained under him, and upon Ustad Jamiruddin Khan's death in 1932, succeeded him as the chief trainer, in addition to his current position as the chief composer. Nazrul also associated himself closely with many other eminent musicians, including Ustad Kader Bux, Manju Saheb, Dabir Khan, Mastan Gama, Pandits Jnanendraprasad Goswami and Suresh Chakravarty.

1931
June, travels to Darjeeling, accompanied by the Barshabani editor, Jahanara Chowdhury; meets Tagore.

1932
Presides over the Sirajganj Bangiyo Muslim Tarun Sammelan (Sirajganj Bengali Muslim Youth Conference).

1936
Presides over the Faridpur Muslim Students Conference.

1938
Presides over the Bangiyo Mussalman Sahitya Sammelan (Bengali Muslim Literary Conference) in Calcutta. Pramila Nazrul afflicted with paralysis of the lower half of her body. Financial crisis re-emerging, compounded by Parmila's medical expenses. Nazrul resorts to mortgaging the royalties of his gramophone records and literary works for a mere sum of 4000 rupees.

1940
Assumes the chief editorship of the republished Nabajoog. Attends the year-end celebration program of Dhaka Radio.

1941
March, presides over the annual conference of Bangaon Sahitya Sabha (Bangaon Literary Society). April 5 & 6, presides over the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Bangio Mussalman Sahitya Samiti; delivers his final address, “Jodi ar banshi na baje” (If the flute doesn't play any more). May 25, Nazrul's 43rd birthday celebrated in Calcutta; Poet Jatindra Mohan Bagchi, presiding.

August 7, Tagore dies in Calcutta. Nazrul reads his poem, “Rabihara” (Loss of Rabi) on All India Radio, Calcutta, soon afterwards.

1942
July 10, while participating in a children's program on All India Radio, Calcutta, Nazrul is struck by the loss of his power of speech. His mental capacities affected. July 19, taken to health retreat Madhupur for a change. October 7, admitted to Lumbini Park Mental Hospital, Calcutta, for three month. No improvements.

1943
Nazrul Niramoy Samiti, a committee to care for Nazrul formed; Shyamaprasad Mukhopadhaya, president.

1945
Calcutta University awards Nazrul the “Jagattarini Gold Medal.”

1947
August, the end of British rule in India. India divided into India and Pakistan.

1952
July, the Nazrul Niramoy Samiti sends Nazrul and Pramila to an asylum in Ranchi for treatment for four months. No imporvements.

1953
May, the Samiti sends them to London, then to Vienna for treatment. No improvements. Return to Calcutta on December 15.

1960
Awarded the “Padmabhushan” title by the Government of India.

1962
June 30, Pramila dies. Buried in Churulia.

1972
May 24, Nazrul brought to Bangladesh under a state arrangement, accompanied by Uma Kazi, the wife of his son Kazi Sabyasachi.

1974
Son Kazi Anirudhha dies.

1975
Dhaka University confers an honorary D.Lit. on Nazrul.

1976
Bangladesh citizenship conferred on Nazrul and awarded with the “Ekushe Padak” by Bangladesh Government. Nazrul was offered with the Army Crest on 25 May. Nazrul died on 29 August (12 Bhadro, 1383), Sunday at P.G. Hospital in cabin 117 in Dhaka. Buried beside the Dhaka University Central Mosque.

 
BOOKS OF KAZI NAZRUL ISLAM
01

Byathar Dan (Offerings of Pain) Collection of short stories Published in Kolkata 1922

02

Agani Bina (The Burning Lute) Collection of poems Published in Kolkata 1922 Dedicated to Barindrakumar Ghose

03

Yuga Bani (The Message of the Age) Collection of essays Published in Kolkata 1922 Proscribed in 1922

04

Dolan Chanpa (The Yellow Flower) Collection of Poems and songs Published in Kolkata 1923

05

Rajbandir Jabanbandi (Deposition by a Prisoner) An Address Published in Kolkata 1923

06

Bisher Bansi (The Poison Flute) Collection of poems and songs Published in Kolkata 1924 Dedicated to Mrs. M. Rahaman Proscribed in 1924

07

Bhangar Gan (The Song of Destruction) Collection of songs and poems Published in Kolkata; Dedicated to people of Midnapore Proscribed in 1924

08

Rikter Bedan (The Sorrows of a Destitute) Collection of short stories Published in Kolkata 1925

09

Chhayanat (The Raga Chhayanat) Collection of poems and songs Published in Kolkata 1925

10

Chittanama (On Chittaranjan) A Collection of poems and songs Published in Kolkata 1925 Dedicated to Basanti Devi

11

Samyabadi (The Socialist) Collection of Poems Published in Kolkata 1925

12

Puber Hawa (The Eastern Wind) Collection of poems and songs Published in Kolkata 1926

13

Jhinge Phul (The Cucurbitaccus Flower) Collection of Essays Published in Kolkata 1926

14

Durdiner Yatri (The Traveller through Calamity) Collection of Essays Published in Kolkata 1926

15

Sarbahara (The Proletariat) Collection of Poems and Songs Published in Kolkata 1926 Dedicated to Birajasundari Devi.

16

Rudra Mangal (The Violent Good) Collection of Eassays Published in Kolkata 1927

17

Phanimanasa (The Cactus) Collection of Poems Published in Kolkata 1927

18

Sindhu Hindol (The Undulation on the sea) Collection of Poems and songs Published in Kolkata 1927

19

Bandhan Hara (Free from Bonds) Novel Published in Kolkata 1927

20

Sanchita (Collection Poems) Published in Kolkata 1925 Dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore

21

Bulbul (The Nightingle) Collection of songs Published in Kolkata 1928Dedicated to Dilipkumar Roy

22

Jinjir (The Chain) Collection of poems & songs Published in Kolkata 1928

23

Chakrabak (The Flamingo) Collection Poems Published in Kolkata 1929 Dedicated to Principal Surendranath Maitra

24

Sandhya (The Evening) Collection of songs Published in Kolkata 1929Dedicated to Pratibha Som

25

Chokher Chatak (The Thirsty for Sight) Collection of songs Published in Kolkata 1929 Dedicated to Prativa Som

26

Mrityukshudha (The Hunger of Death) Novel Published in Kolkata 1930

27

Rubaiyat Hafiz (Rubaiyat of Hafiz) Translation Published in Kolkata 1930 Dedicated to Bulbul

28

Nazrul Geetika (Collection Nazrul Songs) Published in Kolkata 1930

29

Jhilimili (The Window Shutters) Collection of plays Published in Kolkata 1930

30

Pralaya shikha (The Doomsday Flame) Collection of poems and songsPublished in Kolkata 1930 Proscribed in 1930

31

Kuhelika (The Mystery) Novel Published in Kolkata 1931

32

Nazrul Swaralipi (The Notation of Nazrul songs) Published in Kolkata 1931

33

Chandrabindu (The Nasal Mark) Collection of songs Published in Kolkata 1931 Dedicated to Sarat chandra Pandit

34

Shiulimala (The Wreath of Shiuli) Collection of stories Published in Kolkata 1931

35

Aleya (The Mirage) Song Drama Published in Kolkata 1931

36

Surasaki (The Serving Maid of Melodies) Collection of songs Published in Kolkata 1932

37

Banageeti (Woodland Songs) Collection of songs Published in Kolkata 1931 Dedicated to Ustad Jamiruddin Khan

38

Zulfiqar (The Sword of Ali) Collection of songs Published in Kolkata 1931

39

Putuler Biye (The Doll's Marriage) Children's play Published in Kolkata 1933

40

Satbhai Champa (The Seven Brothers and Champa) Juvenile poemsPublished in Kolkata approximately 1933

41

Gul Bagicha (The Flower garden) Collection of songs Published in Kolkata 1933 Dedicated to Jitendranath Ghose

42

Kabye Ampara (Verse Translation of the Ampara) Published in Kolkata 1933

43

Geeti Satadal (One Hundred Songs) Collection songs Published in Kolkata 1934

44

Swaralipi (Notations) Published in Kolkata 1949

45

Sur-mukur (Notations) Published in Kolkata 1934

46

Ganer Mala (The Wreath of Songs) Collection of songs Published in Kolkata 1934

47

Maktab Sahitya (a Text Book for Maktab) Published in Kolkata 1935

48

Nirjhar (The Fountain) Collection of poems Kolkata 1939

49

Natun Chand (The New Moon) Collection of poems Kolkata 1939

50

Marubhashkar (The Sun in the Desert) Poems Kolkata 1951

51

Bulbul Dwitiya Bhag (The Nightingale part two) Collection of songs Kolkata 1952

52

Sanchayan (Collection poems) Kolkata 1955

53

Shesh Saogat (The Last Offerings) Collection of poems and songs Kolkata 1958

54

Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Translation Kolkata 1958

55

Madhumala A Musical Play Kolkata 1960

56

Dhumketu (The Comet) Collection of Essays Kolkata 1961

67

Jhar (The stom) Juvenile Poems and Play Kolkata 1960

58

Pile patka Putuler Biye (Doll's Marriage) Juvenile Poems and Play Kolkata 1964

59

Ranga Jaba (Red China Rose) Collection of songs on the goddess KaliKolkata 1966

 
 
     
 
|| Copyright © 2006 ||
|| All Rights Reserved Nazrul Institute ||
 
 
Site design & develop by - Daffodil web & e-Commerce Ltd