# Kazi Nazrul Islam

> National poet of Bangladesh (1899-1976)

**Wikidata**: [Q334818](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q334818)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazi_Nazrul_Islam)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kazi-nazrul-islam

## Summary
Kazi Nazrul Islam was a Bengali poet, writer, musician, and revolutionary who is celebrated as the national poet of Bangladesh. Known for his fiery and rebellious spirit, he played a pivotal role in inspiring movements for independence and social justice through his literature, music, and activism during the early 20th century.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 24, 1899, in Churulia, Bengal Presidency, British India
- **Nationality**: Bengali (citizenship: British India, later India and Bangladesh)
- **Education**: Limited formal education; largely self-taught
- **Known for**: Poetry, music, and revolutionary writings that fueled anti-colonial and social justice movements
- **Employer(s)**: Worked as a soldier in the British Indian Army during World War I; later as a journalist and writer
- **Field(s)**: Poetry, literature, music, journalism, activism

## Contributions
Kazi Nazrul Islam is renowned for his vast body of work, which includes over 4,000 songs, numerous poems, essays, and short stories. His notable contributions include:
- **"Bidrohi" (The Rebel)**: A seminal poem published in 1922 that became an anthem of rebellion against oppression and colonial rule.
- **"Notuner Gaan"**: The national marching song of Bangladesh, symbolizing the spirit of independence and resilience.
- **Music and Songs**: Composed thousands of songs, blending traditional Bengali folk music with modern themes of revolution and humanism.
- **Journalism**: Worked as an editor for several publications, using his platform to advocate for social justice and anti-colonialism.
- **Literary Works**: Wrote extensively on themes of freedom, equality, and human dignity, influencing generations of writers and activists.

## FAQs
**Who was Kazi Nazrul Islam?**
Kazi Nazrul Islam was a Bengali poet, writer, and musician who became a symbol of rebellion and independence during the British colonial era. His works inspired movements for social justice and national liberation in both India and Bangladesh.

**What is Kazi Nazrul Islam best known for?**
He is best known for his revolutionary poetry, particularly "Bidrohi," and his role in inspiring anti-colonial movements. His music and writings continue to be celebrated in Bangladesh and India.

**What awards did Kazi Nazrul Islam receive?**
He was posthumously awarded the Ekushey Padak, the second-highest civilian award in Bangladesh, and the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India.

**What was Kazi Nazrul Islam's role in the independence movements?**
His writings and music fueled the spirit of rebellion against British rule and later inspired the Bangladesh Liberation War. His works were widely circulated and sung during protests and movements.

**How did Kazi Nazrul Islam influence Bengali culture?**
He revolutionized Bengali literature and music by introducing themes of rebellion, humanism, and social justice. His works are still widely read and performed, making him a cultural icon in Bangladesh and India.

## Why They Matter
Kazi Nazrul Islam's contributions to literature and music were instrumental in shaping the cultural and political identity of Bangladesh and Bengal. His works provided a voice to the oppressed and inspired movements for independence and social justice. Without his influence, the cultural and political landscape of the region would be significantly different, lacking the rebellious spirit that defined the struggle for freedom.

## Notable For
- **National Poet of Bangladesh**: Officially recognized as the national poet of Bangladesh.
- **Revolutionary Poetry**: Author of "Bidrohi," one of the most influential poems in Bengali literature.
- **Prolific Musician**: Composed over 4,000 songs, many of which are still popular today.
- **Anti-Colonial Activist**: Used his writings to inspire movements against British rule.
- **Awards**: Posthumously awarded the Ekushey Padak (Bangladesh) and Padma Bhushan (India).
- **Cultural Icon**: His works are celebrated in both Bangladesh and India, influencing generations of artists and activists.

## Body
### Early Life
Kazi Nazrul Islam was born on May 24, 1899, in Churulia, a village in the Bengal Presidency of British India. He grew up in poverty and had limited formal education, but his passion for literature and music was evident from a young age. He worked various jobs to support his family, including as a muazzin (a person who calls Muslims to prayer) and a teacher.

### Military Service and Early Career
During World War I, Nazrul joined the British Indian Army as a soldier. His experiences in the army exposed him to the harsh realities of colonial rule and fueled his revolutionary spirit. After the war, he returned to Bengal and began his career as a journalist and writer, using his platform to advocate for social justice and independence.

### Literary and Musical Contributions
Nazrul's literary career took off in the 1920s with the publication of his revolutionary poem "Bidrohi" in 1922. The poem, which celebrates the spirit of rebellion against oppression, became an instant classic and established Nazrul as a leading voice in Bengali literature. He went on to write thousands of songs, poems, and essays, many of which were set to music and became popular anthems of the independence movement.

His musical contributions are equally significant. Nazrul composed over 4,000 songs, blending traditional Bengali folk music with modern themes of revolution and humanism. His songs, known as "Nazrul Geeti," are still widely performed and celebrated in Bangladesh and India.

### Role in Independence Movements
Nazrul's writings and music played a crucial role in inspiring the anti-colonial movements in Bengal. His works were widely circulated and sung during protests, fueling the spirit of rebellion against British rule. After the partition of India in 1947, his works continued to inspire the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, making him a symbol of national pride and resilience.

### Later Life and Legacy
In his later years, Nazrul suffered from a neurological disorder that left him unable to speak or write. Despite his illness, his legacy continued to grow, and he was posthumously awarded the Ekushey Padak in Bangladesh and the Padma Bhushan in India. His works remain a cornerstone of Bengali literature and music, and his influence can be seen in the cultural and political identity of Bangladesh and Bengal.

### Influence on Bengali Culture
Nazrul's impact on Bengali culture is immeasurable. His works introduced themes of rebellion, humanism, and social justice that resonated with the masses and inspired generations of writers, musicians, and activists. His songs and poems are still widely read and performed, making him a cultural icon in both Bangladesh and India.

### Recognition and Awards
Nazrul's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In Bangladesh, he is celebrated as the national poet, and his birthday is observed as a national holiday. In India, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of the country's highest civilian honors. His works continue to be studied and celebrated in academic and cultural circles, ensuring that his legacy endures.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. [Source](https://m.dailyinqilab.com/article/269135)
4. [Source](https://cabinet.gov.bd/site/view/all_independence_awardees)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. CiNii Research
8. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki//Q344775)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Norwegian Authority File: Persons and Corporate Bodies
11. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/nezrulislam)
12. Catalogo of the National Library of India