Use of the word "KHUN" .....(contd-1)

A lecture given by Rabindranath in response to a greetings arranged by Rabindra Parishad of Presidency College created a confusion in the use of the word " khun" (blood) in Bengali poems.In the greetings held on 13th Dec 1927 at Presidency College the speech delivered by Rabindranath was published in different connotations by different news papers. In Pravasi of Falgun 1334, it was published that Rabindranath said in response to the greetings given by the president , Prof. Surendranath Dasgupta;
" ....In lyric of one of the Bengali Hindu poet, I found the word, "Khun", is used in place of "rakta". If the old word "rakta" does not provide him with sufficient red colour, it is his discredit.He wants to give stunt because he is not able to give colour to his poems. I shall say young to those who need not purchase "khun" (blood) from Newmarket in the early morning."
But in "Banglar Katha" it was reported in such a way that it could be misunderstood to be identified as Nazrul. " One Bengali Hindu Poet " or "one Bengali poet" was the point of confusion.
In fact, Nazrul in his poem "Kandari Husiyar" written on 22nd May 1926 wrote, " Kandari taba sammukhe oi Palashir Prantar, Bangalir khune lal holo jetha Civer khanjar" . Nazrul sung the song before Rabindranath and it was published in the paper. Nazrul noticed this criticism and there was a scope for misunderstanding. He wrote in "Atmasakti"in 14th Paus issue an essay "Barar piriti Balir Bandh" in reply to the the essays of Rabindranath, "Sahitya Dharma". "Sahitye Nabatwa" and "Rabindra Parishade Abhivasan" Nazrul wrote;

In the essay of "Sahitye Nabatwa" Rabindranath commented  "on the experience of a poor in literature" which induced Nazrul to express his grievances saying;  

Nazrul took seriously about a comment of Rabindranath commented on  "the wretched condition of a person reflected in the literature'  expressed in his essay "Sahitye Nabatwa" and wrote in "Kandari Husiyar";

(Pramathanath Chaudhuri, known as Pramatha Chaudhuri, alias Birbal, is an exceptionally illuminating persona in modern Bengali literature. It is astounding how he kept hold of his uniqueness in all-pervasive era of Rabindranath Tagore) . Observing that the sweet relation of Rabindranath was going to vitiated, Pramatha Chaudhury ,not only, took the role to minimise the tension between two Great Writer, but fetched Nazrul to Rabindranath to restablish their previous relations. First of he tried to explain the qualities of the word "Khun" used in literature over the word "Rakta".

Though the arbitration of Pramatha Chaudhury between Rabindranath and Nazrul did its job still the contradiction between "old" and "new" could not be removed totally. This was revealed in a conference of "Bichitra" held in Jorasanko on 4th and 7th of Jaishtha 1334, under the presidency of Rabindranath sponsored by the "Conference of Viswabharati". 

      

Use of the word "KHUN" (blood) in Bengali Literature

From the very beginning of the appearance of Nazrul in Bengali literature (Creation of Bidrohi), a section of litterateurs began to criticize him by writing "parody" for most of his poems. This was accelerated after his marriage. Specially, the orthodox society of both the communities, Hindus and Muslims, and some of the members from Brahmo Samaj joined  the queue. They used a magazine " Sanibare Chithi" for this purpose.From 1333 (1926) they extended their point of attack to all the modern writers of "Kalikalam" and "Kallol". These activities were found in Ashar of 1333 to Kartik of 1334. They were publishing  parodies in Sanibarer Chithi. Sanibarer Chithi started publishing its issues once in a month instead of weekly publication from Bhadra 1334. A  parody titled "Bridhangushtha" was published against a poem "Anamika" of Nazrul;

In the first issue of monthly "Sanibarer Chithi", Madhukar Kanjilal wrote s poem "Tomader Prati" as a prody ogainst Bidrohi of Nazrul'

Such parody was created not only in the form of poetry, a full length drama titled "Kachi O Kacha" was published in the five consecutive issues as a parody of "Ganabani"in which Muzaffar Ah,med was painted as Karl Marx,  Nazrul as Proletariat Byron and Somen Thakur as Trotsky.

Sajanikanta Das wrote a letter to Rabindranath on 23 Falgoon, 1333, to see  his  intention.

Rabindranath replied to the letter but avoided to answer on the point he raised. He expressed his opinion in the essay written by him, "Sahitye Dharma";

 
   

Nazrul in 1929-1930, Bulbul Expired.

( Bulbul in the lap of Nazrul"

Nazrul inaugurated the first conference of Muslim Sahitya Samaj held on 28th Feb 1927in Dhaka. he also inaugurated the second conference of the same on next year at Dhaka. On this occasion Nazrul wrote a song "Chal, Chal, Chal". This was published in Naoyaz" (first issue, Ashar-1334, 1927 of Afzalul Haq.

Nazrul was suffering from extreme financial strigency in and from Malaria. He came to Calcutta on the first part of 1929 to 11 Wellessley Street, at the office of "Saogat"in the two rooms at the ground floor.Then he shifted his residence to Panbagan Lane., Intally, Staying here for some time he went to different houses in the north Calcutta and lastly he established his family life in a two storeyed building in Masjid Bari Street. His second son Bulbul, four years old,  expired on 24th Baishakh, 1337 (1930) at this house. due to an attack of Small Pox. sitting on the bed of the deceased Nazrul finished translating "Rubayiyat-E-Hafiz". He dedicated the book in the name of Bulbul published in 1930.

Immersed in heavy bereavement Nazrul went to the house of Barada Charan Majumdar, Headmaster of Lalgola Maheshnarayan Academy of Murshibads,for his mental and spiritual consolation. Barada Charan was a devotee of extra-ordinary calibre.His power of mental and spiritual strenght  was extremely strong.He could demonstrate before Nazrul the body of dead Bulbul with his supernatural power. Nazrul had his solace from Barada Charan  and came back.

Nazrul wanted to purchase a Motor car and he did it by selling the right of publication of "Agnibina".

  

The first eating rice of Bulbul

(Nazrul with his first son Bulbul; his wife Pramila seated right and his mother-in-law Giribala Devi seated left, behind whom stands Bulbul's nanny.)
After returning from Dhaka to Krishnanagar, Nazrul arranged the ceremony of first eating rice of Bulbul, the second son Nazrul on 14th March 1927. His local friends and frieds from Calcutta attended the ceremony.During this period Nazrul wrote many poems, Gazals  while staying in Krishnagar.
He accorded welcome to the new Biengali year, 1334 writing a poem;
In 1334 he craeted three of his best creationms in the office of Ganabani, International, Red Flag, and in the line of thoughts of Shelley, " International Song, Song of Red Flag, Jagre Turja. Probably Nazrul's Communist thoughts invited Police to raid the office of the Ganabani on 19th July 1927.
In this year the poet Benajir Ahmed was trying to publish a paper "Naoroj" of which Afjalul Haq would be the printer and publisher. hemade a contact of Nazrul to him Rs.100/- monthly for supplying writings to Naoroj. He also issued an advertisement on 26th May 1927, announcing that Nazrul would supply, Poems, songs, Gazals, music notes, short stories in Ganabani.
Publishing of Naoroj was stopped and Nazrul was invited to write in Saugat by its editor Muhammad Nasiruddin..

Nazrul and Muslim Sahitya Samaj, Dhaka

In 1926 during winter, Nazrul was confined to bed due to illness when a letter of invitation came from Muslim Sahitya Samaj, Dhaka inviting him to inaugurate the first conference of Muslim Sahitya Samaj, Dhaka.  This was a movement of the young intellectual Muslims to launch a movement of the "Salvation of Intellect" ( Buddhir Mukti). This invitation appeared to him as a "spring in winter".The poet wrote to the secretary , Said Abul Hosen, from Krishnanagar on 10.2.1927 accepting the invitation.
Before starting for Dhaka Nazrul created a song " Sur Kumar" as a mark of farewell address to Dilip Kumar Roy on his way to Europe. the song was published in "Phani Manasa".

.

Nazrul went to Dhake in the month of Feb 1927, to inaugurate the  first conference of " Muslim Sahitya Samaj" of Dhaka.

On the way in the steamer on the river Padma he wrote, the song " khosh amded" for the conference. at the end of his speech he inspired every body by singing the song.,

Nazrul , Bulbul and Gazal

The health condition of Nazrul began to deteriorate from 1926 and at the same time his economic condition faced a heavy onslaught.But he was overwhelmed with excitement for a new creative activity.He gave the name of his son Bulbul but he himself was becoming "bulbul of songs".This was the first time in Bengali vocal music world that it was wearing a new ornament known as "Gazal". On 8th Agrahayan of 1333, he wrote a Gazal, "Bagichay bubuli Tui, Phool Shakhate Disne Aaji dol", on 28th agrahayan he wrote, "ase basanta Phoolabane", . This was the first Gazal published in "Saogat"
Khan Muhammad Maiuddin ( the eminent creator  of Nazrul's book) wrote;
" the famous Dancer of Egypt, sung a song in the Alfred Hall and on hearing the song  Nazrul wrote with the same tune the song, "Ase basanta phool bane" .
Nazrul submitted his first Gazal to "Saogat". This song was written following the tune of the Urdhu Gazal sung by Miss Farida. The source of inspiration of his creation of Gazal had several opinios. The friend of Nazrul, Nalini Kanta Sarkar in his book " Nazrul Islam" wrote;
" At this time Nazrul stayed for one day in my house whentwo Hindusthani Street Beggar, one male and the other female, were moving singing Gazal with Harmonium on shoulder. Nazrul asked them to come to my drawing room and heard many Gazal songs from them......He began to write Gazal from this time....."
His first Gazal was " Bagichay Bubuli Tui,....".  
When Nazrul was decorating Bengali vocal Music with new ornaments, his physical and financial condition was very bad. He wrote a letter from Krishnanagar on 20.12.26 to Braja Behari Barman of Barman publishing house, " Even today I'm bedridden. I'm suffering severely from the pains of my disease and for other tensions. Amongst which economic thought is the foremost one.Only God (Allah) knows how I'm passing my days. I have received Rs. 15/- sent by you though I have asked for Rs. 25/-. Any way, if you can send more that will help a lot. You are like my younger brother, I have nothing to say more."Nazrul wrote a poem "Daridra" which he could understand from the core of his heart.
Nazrul wrote another letter to the editor of "Kalikalam', Muralidhar Basu, which bore testimony to his talent untouched by all earthly affairs. the letter of Nazrul reads as follows;  

Illness or financial stringency could not prohibit the creation of Gazal by Nazrul.

Nazrul in General Election-1926

Nazrul submitted his nomination in the election of Parliament of india, upper house from EastBengal in 1926. There were two reserved Muslim seats in Dhaka Division with Dhaka, Faridpur, Barisal and Mymensingh district.The no. voters on the basis of holdinmgs of property were some more than 18 thousnd only.The following persons contested for this two seats.
1. Muhammad Ismail Chiudhury, Zaminder of Barisal,
2. Abdul Halim Gajnabi, Zaminder of Tangail
3. Abdul Karim of the house   of Nabab of Dhaka,
4. Mafizuddin Ahmed, and
5. Nazrul Islam.
Nazrul went to Calcutta from Krishnanagar on 28th Oct 1926 to appeal for support of Congress. He met Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. Nazrul got Rs.300/- from him as financial support. nazrul was request by his friends of "Ganabani" not to contest in the election.But Muzaffar Ahmed  and Abdul Halim went to East Bengal accompanying Nazrul for campaigning in the election on 29th Oct. But they returned to Calcutta at the sudden news of death of their colleague and Brother Of Abdul Halim, Shyamsuddin Hosen.Nazrul received telegram and went hurriedly to East Bengal. It seemed to be very difficult for Nazrul to win over this election because the orthodox Muslims were annoyed with him for his inter-religion marriage.but Nazrul was successful in securing blessings from the famous Pir Badsah Mina of Faridpur. He appealed to all the Muslims asking to vote for Nazrul send a written messa to all;

Still he could not win over thge election. those who won the election were, 1. Md.Ismail Choudhury , zaminder of Barisal, 2. Abdul Halim Gajnabi, Zaminder of Tangail.

 

Nazrul in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylet and birth of Bulbul.

In 1926, Nazrul was very busy in attending different political conferences in Krishnanagar. After this conferences Nazrul went to Dhaka, Chittagong, Noakhali, and Sylet. Nazrul came to Dhaka at the end of June 1926 with Hemanta Kumar Sarkar On 27th June, 1926 in the Muslim Hall in the meeting of Muslim Sahitya Samaj he sung "Chatra daler Gaan" and "Krishaner Gaan" and addressed the audience. The poet Abdul Kader in his book Ittefak, published on 10th   Bhadra 1385, described the speech of Nazrul;
" In the last month, 22 nd May, 1926, I sung the song of "Kandari hushiyar" at the inauguration of the conference of "Bangiya Pradeshik Congress " but I'm soorry to say that none is becoming alert. Now , in this situation , I 'm afraid that the communal contradiction may lead us to some disaster.". This became true and we found, after twenty years, a divided India. The poet Abdul Kader again wrote;
" Many young Muslims is not happy on hearing his song of communal harmony.".
In the month of July, 1926, nazrul and Hemanta sarkar went to Chittagong. After the departure of Hemanta Kumar Sarkar, Nazrul stayed for some days in the Marhan Abdul Ajij at his invitation. In Chittagong Nazrul was given welcome by the important persons of both the communities as well as young generations. he wrote two poem, " Sindhu' and "banglar ajij". Nazrul returned to Krishnanagar after his tour to Jeshore and Khulna on 8th sept when his second son was born.Nazrul wrote a letter to the owner of Barman Publishing house. The poet wrote;
" My desr Braja, your (Baudi) daughter-in-law  has given birth to a male child. Both the child and his mother is now keeping well. I ,too, came back after tour from Jeshore, Khulna, Bagerhat and Daulatpur. But I'm in extreme need of money. By this way or that please send by money order immediately Rs. 25/- only. I, hope you know my position. I have already told you . Please don't forget Please send the money, even on loan."
From this, the situation  of the poem of Nazrul "Daridra" became evident.
He wrote another letter to the editor Muralidhar Basu .      

Nazrul in Politics

In 1925 Nazrul received two invitations simultaneously, one from, the society of Youth and Students of Bankura, and the other from National School of Gangajal Ghati in its inauguration ceremony.Nazrul first attended to inaugurate the National School and then he joined the conference of Students and Youths of Bankura. In both the places he was offered warm greetings for his creation.In the conference of students and youths eight hundred cpoies of his two dis-banded books, Bisher Banshi" and " were sold." Bhangar Gaan".
While staying in Hooghly some important books of Nazrul were published.
After being released from prison, Nazrul joined in many political  meetings and rallies held in Coomilla, Bankura, Midnapore, Hooghly, Faridpur and other places. But from 1925, he joined in active politics and took the membership of Bangiya Pradeshik Congress Committee. His jurisdiction of political activities was not only confined to the cities within the literates but he also extended it into the workers and peasants of the villages. In 1926, in the month of January Hemanta Kumar Sarkar took Nazrul to Krishnanagar . With his cooperation Nazrul became attached with Peasants movement. Hemanta Babu lent a portion of his house at Goyapati . But it was an old fashioned house and was unhealthy. Nazrul shifted his accomodation to a big Nunglow type house with
 (Nazrul with his second son Bulbul; his wife Pramila seated right and his mother-in-law Giribala Devi seated left, behind whom stands Bulbul's nanny.)  large compound at the side of the road of Chand Rarak. The book of Nazrul, "Mrityu Kshudha" was written at his place and with this plot . On 9th Oct 1926, a male baby of Nazrul was born. His name was given to be Arindam Khaled and the pet name as Bulbul. 

Hemanta Kumar Sarkar and Muzaffar Ahmed were  his close associates in politics. they formed a New party, workers and Peasants Party and began to work within the congress as The Labour swaraj party of the Indian National Congress. they published a mouthpiece of their own, namely "Langal".In the first issue, published on 24th Dec 1925,  Nazrul wrote his famous poem "samyabadi" in Langal and in the second issue he wrote " Krishaner gaan". Nazrul was the main writer of Langal. Souendranath Thakur was one of the co-writer of Langal. He arranged a blessings from Rabindranath Tagore, saying, "Jago, hago Balaram,Dharo Taba maru-Bhanga Hal . Pran dao, shakti dao, Stabdha Karo byartha Kolahal".This bessings were inscribed on the first page of each issue.total 16 issues of Langal were published and was stopped publishing from 15th April 1927. after this it was published in a new name "Ganabani", Muzaffar Ahmed being the editor.
     

Nazrul and his first son

At the initiative of Bhupati Majumdar Nazrul came to Hooghly with his wife but he could not procure a rented house for them. At last he managed to stay in Kathghara in the house of Khagen Ghosh, the elder brother of the revolutionary and patriotic Biren Ghosh. He had to face several difficultes there. He was then shifted to the house of the Moktar, Hamidul Nabi. At this place his first son , Krishna Muhammad or Azad Kamal was born.
Many litterateurs and artists used to come to this residence of Nazrul. Revolutionary and patriot like Gopinath Saha also used to come to get inspiration from Nazrul. At the "Akika" ceremony of his first son, held on 21 days of the birth of the child,  all the writers of Kallol and and his friends who were not invited at the marriage ceremony, came to his residence to celebrate the occasion. The persons among them were, Dinesh Ranjan Das, Achintya Kumar Sengupta, Premendra Mitra, Nripendra Krishna Chattopadhyay, Pabitra Gangopadhyay, Nalini Kanta Sarker, Gokul Chandra Nag, Bhupati Majumdar, Muralidhar Basu, Dr. Lutfar rahman, Mainuddin Hosen, Khan Muhammad Mahinuddin, Md. Oyajed Ali. Nazrul accorded welcome to all of them on the Hooghly Strarion Platform and shouted " De gorur ga Dhuiye". this was his typical sayings of welcome address .
There were heavy arrangements of dinner with polau, Goshta, Dadhi, Chatni etc. But most of them was so joyful so that there were more wastage than the consumption of food by the guests. But as ill luck would have it, the child had an untimely death within few days.
 Deshabandhu Chittaranjan Das expired on 16th June 1925 at Darjeeling when Nazrul was at Hooghly. He wrote a poem "Argha" as a mark of respect to the sad demise of Deshabandhu.. This nice song was published in his book "Chittanama" which Nazrul dedicated in the name of Basanti Devi  on the occasion of condolence meeting of Chittaranjan Das at Chinsura.  He also wrote a poem "Indrapatan" which was read there in the meeting.
Due to some uses of words unacceptable by the Muslim community he had to change those words .
During his stay in Hooghly he had to face extreme economic stringency. He had an attack of Small-pox there. One day a severe storm took place when he wrote in his ailing stage the poem "Jhar"..

Marriage of Nazrul and Pramila

In 1921 when the prince of England came to India, Nazrul went to Coomilla. At that time Congress called "Hartal" throughout India and Nazrul joiuned the protest "Michil" with a harmonium on his shoulder and sung the song " Jagarani" . He also went round the city of Coomilla with the protest rally.
Next time he came to Coomilla in 1922 and stayed there for some time. He fell in love with Pramila, the sister of Birendra Kumar Sengupta. He also wrote a poem " Bijayini" as a mark his love with Pramila. Pramila gave up going her school at the time of Non-cooperation movement. Nazrul was attracted to Pramila for her personality,  love for song and her cultured behavior."Bijayini" was published both in "Chayanat" and "Puber Haoya".
While staying at Coomilla, he received a letter from the daily paper "Sevak" to send his writings regularly. From now on he took the responsibilty of editing "Sevak". But their marriage faced a lot trouble from several corners including the family of Birendra Kumar Sengupta. This marriage was arranged by the mother of Pramila, Sm Giribala Devi at her initiative. She came to Calcutta with her daughter Pramila leaving her shelter, the house of Birwendra Kumar Sengupta. The Brahmo community was also dead against this marriage. Giribala Devi cared a straw of all these obstacles and made the marriage done.
the Govt. pleader of Hooghly district, Khan Bahadur Majaharul Anwar Choudhury took the all responsibilty of this marriage. His daughter, Mrs. M.Rahaman, in a novel " Maa O Meye" expressed in detail the story of this marriage. She was very affectionate to Nazrul like her own son and spent all the expenses of this marriage.
A house at 6 no. Hazi Lane was hired for this marriage and the marriage Nazrul and Pramila ,was held on 25th April 1924 ( 12th Baishakh 1331). The litterateur Mainuddin Hosen was present as Kazi in this marriage. The pleader of Coomilla, Abdus Salam,Journalist Md.Oyajed Ali, and the poet Khan Muhammad Maiuddin were present as witnesses. As Pramila did not attain 18 years of age the marriage was held as per the rule of "Ahela Ketab" because Civil marriage was not possible. In this rule the bride and bride-groom can maintain their own religion.
The name of Pramila after this marriage was given to be "Ashalata"
Apprehending trouble the date of the marriage was not announced earlier and the friends of Nazrul could not attain this ceremony.But Md. Oyajed Ali issued a written statement  of congratulation with the signature of Abul Ka;lam Samsuddin, Abul Masur Ahmad, and Khan Muhammad Maiuddin. No Non-Muslim was invited in this marriage and no relatives of Giribala was present on this occasion.
The news of the marriage was published in different news papers and there were mixed reactions.    

Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das and hunger Strike of Nazrul

 
A public Meeting was called at  College Square on 21st May 1923 under the presidency of Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das to place the demand of Nazrul and other prisoners so that the Govt. would see the problems of the prisoners and the hunger strike might be called off.
The renowned speakers and very important persons such as Hemanta Sarker, Atul Sen, Mrinal Kanti Basu, Jatindra mohan Bagchi, Moulana Manirujjaman Islamabadi etc , the poets, artists, and litterateurs. The meeting took the resolution; "It is extremely necessary to see that Nazrul lives alive for the benifit of the country and the literature". The friends of Nazrul went to Sir  Abdullah Surhawardi, an un-official inspector of Jail, requested to go to Hooghly to arrange for a settlement and gave him Rs. 30/- , collected by way of subscription, the up and down taxi fare from Calcutta to Hooghly.Sir Abdullah Surhawardi went to Hooghly,  talked with Nazrul and other prisoners and assured them that he would see to the matter through negotiation with appropriate authorities. At this Nazrul and other prisoners agreed to give up hunger strike.
Biraja Sundari Devi came from Coomilla to Hooghly Jail on 22 May 1923 and offered sour and salted water to Nazrul and others to give up their hunger strike when Nazrul was going to complete 40 days of hunger strike. Birendranath Sengupta and Pabitra Gangopadhyay also came on the same date and came to learn that they had given up their hunger strike. On 18th June 1923 Nazrul was shifted to Berhampore Jail and was given privileged treatment as political prisoner.
Nazrul was released on 21st Dec 1923.
After release from Berhampore Jail Nazrul went to the house of Nalinaksha Sanyal.. Nazrul was given a hearty felicitation at Berhampore Science College.  

Nazrul undergone hunger strike in Hooghly Jail

Nazrul was at Alipore Central Jail as a Political Prisner with special arrangements. But at this time the Non-cooperation movement was called off and the Govt. revised their policy for the treatment of political prisoners. Only a few political prisoners were transferred to Berhampore Jail to give privileged treatment and the rest were transferred to Hooghly jail as ordinary prisoners. these prisoners were asked to get down at Naihati station and were given a "jangiya" and "a half shirt" to put on as ordinary prisoners. Nazrul was among them.He came to Hooghly Jail wearing the new dress on 14th April 1923 and stayed there upto 17th of June 1923.
At that time an Englishman Mr. Aston was the Jail Superintendant. his treatment with the prisoners were rough and tough and he took new measures of oppressions. The prisoners too did not have any other alternative to disobey the rules. Nazrul constructed a parody remembering a poem of Rabindranath and used to sing it before the superintendant. "Tomari jail-e palicho thele , tumi danya dhanya he.".. he also constructed other songs;

The excesses of treatment of the Super caused the prisoners including Nazrul to go on hunger strike as a protest to the illtreatment of the Super.  
This created great concern amongst all, low and high,rich and poor, literates and illiterates, Hindus and Muslims because of Nazrul who already showed talents next to Rabindranath in Bengali literature.
The picture of Hooghly Jail has been vividly described by Md. Mahinuddin .
The Super, on hearing the parody of Nazrul became too much annoyed and shouted out saying, "You dam fool, swaine."
Some of the friends of nazrul went to Hooghly Jail to observe the situation but they were not alloweed to come. In different forms the people began to publicize the matter by issueing posters, leaflets etc. Nazrul was gradually becoming weaker day after day.
Ananda Bazaar , Desh published their views;

Nazrul Islam was on humger strike for 14 days, on 11.5.1923 Nazrul was on hunger strike for 28 days.

The jail authority tried to push some food through the nose of Nazrul. Nazrul was on hunger strike for 40 days.

Rabindranath and Sarat Chandra both became very anxious to make Nazrul give up hunger strike. 

   

Nazrul a State Prisoner (contd-1)

Nazrul remained in  Alipore Central Jail for few months as a Political prisoner. He earned respect from the people of the country. Rabindranath dedicated his "Basanta", a lyrical Drama, on 22nd Feb 1923 in Alipore Central Jail,   to express reverence of the people of Bengal. He wrote in dedication,
                                                                Dedicated to
                                           Sreeman Kabi Nazrul Islam Snehabhajanesu
                                                                            Rabindranath selected Pabitra Gangopadhyay to hand over the book to Nazrul. He called for him in Jorasanko and said ;
"it is Nazrul who has brought spring in our nation's life. That's why I have dedicated my recently published book "Basanta", a lyrical drama, to him.But I'm soorry I'm not able to give him the book in my own hand. I thought that I might sent it to him through you. You give it to him on my behalf.".
Many of his followers could not take it easily as this was the first time he was dedicating a book to any one outside his own family or a member not belonging to Brahmmo Samaj.

The detail of this incident is available from " Kabi Swikriti" written by Pabitra Gangopadhyay published in Nazrul Academy Patrika, Dhaka 1376.
Rabindranath took a copy of the book , signed it,  gave it to Pabitra Gangopadhyay and said;
" tell him, not to repent as I am not able to hand it over to him. I am sending my blessings to him whole heartedly and insist him not to give up the habit of writing poems. We may get many soldiers , but we require persons who can inspire people to take up arms."
The warder of the prison became astonished to see the book was handed over to Nazrul and uttered ,"Tagore has dedicated a book to this prisoner."
Nazrul took the book and made it to touch his forehead and then embraced it in his chest.
This dedication by Rabindranath did some relief to Nazrul in his prison life.he recognized this dedication by writing a poem but there were some who could not take it easily.

Nazrul a State Prisoner

When the police came to the office of Dhumketu on 8th Nov 1922, Nazrul was not present. He went to Samastipur in Bihar. At that time Giribala Devi with her daughter Pramila was at that place at her bruther's house. Nazrul along with Giribala and Pramila stayed for two days in Belur enroute to Coomilla In Coomilla Nazrul was arrested on 23rd Nov 1922 and was taken to Presidency jail at Calcutta.On the same date.On 25th Nov Nazrul was brought to the Chief Magistrate Court Of Sweenhoe and the date of his hearing was fixed on 29th Nov. Advocate Malin Mukhopadhyay stood on behalf of  Nazrul free of any charge. On the same date Yugabani was confiscated .

In the same case the printer and publisher of Dhumketu Afzalul Haq was released on bail and would act as Approver against Nazrul. During the procedure of the case Nazrul supporting his own stand composed in Presidency jail on 7th Jan 1923. His given statement was at follows;

Magistrate Sweenhoe gave his verdict on 16th Jan 1923. Nazrul was convicted for one year rigorous imprisonment. o long Nazrul was at Presidency Jail but after his conviction he was shifted to Alipore Central Jail. The issue of 27th Jan 1923 of Dhumketu was published as "Kazi Nazrul Issue." In that issue, the statement of deposition of the state prisoner Nazrul, the news of eclipse of Dhumketu, and profile of Nazrul.. In that issue Biraja Sundari, as good as mother of Nazrul, wrote a poem "Mayer Ashis" titled "Sreeman Kazi Nazrul Islam"

   

Nazrul and Dhumketu (contd-4)

In 12th issue , 26 sept 1922, a poem "Anandamayeer agamane"was printed. Nazrul was arrested and convicted to imprisonment. The poem was in the form of metaphor.

This poem was written for Anandabazar, but lastly he printed it in Dhumketu. After the failure of Non-cooperation movement, Khilafat movement, and plan for armed revolution the country became frustrated. At the same time leaders like Gandhi, Arabinda, Chittaranjan, Surendramohan, Rabindranath, Barin Ghosh could not give any definite line to obtain freedom.  Nazrul wrote this poem criticizing all the leaders ironically.

The contemporary News papers "Hitabadi", weekly "Bijoli", "Satyabadi", "Basanti", and Ananda Bazar wrote;

Non-Muslim papers openly greeted Dhumketu but the Muslim paper like "Mohammadi' could not do the same open heartedly;

In the thirty first issue nazrul wrote in his editorial " Dhumketur Path"

In the next issue dated 17th 1922, Nazrul wrote in the  editorial "Kamal";

The first book of Nazrul which was band was Yugabani .

In the 21st issue of Dhumketu a suspicion was expressed about the band of Yugabani;

The police made a raid at the office of Dhumketu in the morning of 8th Nov 1922 and they seized 12th issue for"anandamayeer agaman" and 15th issue for Bidrohir Kaifiyat. Inspite of this raid the 22nd issue was published with the following information;

Nazrul and Dhumketu (contd-3)

In the eighth issue of Dhumketu, the life of Jatindranath, Banglar biplab yuger pratham senanayak, was printed on the third page and on the fourth page, in the International Column (Pardeshi Panji) international issues    were published..
In the  Hangsadut column a letter written by the ex-revolutionary Barindra Kumar Ghosh was published. Nazrul addressed him as "bhanga banglar ranga yuger adi purohit Sagnik Beer"
Dhuketu served as the source of inspiration of not only Muslim Society but also the whole of Bengalee society. Gopinath Saha is the example of this inspiration who assassinated, by mistake, De Saheb instead of the Police Commissioner Tagert. This was described by Pabitra Gangopadhyay in the essay, "Dhumketur Nzrul". This incident showed the amount of inspiration that could develop in the minds of the youths of Bengal. The poet Kalidas Roy invited the arrival of Dhumketu by saying,
" Jago dhumketu Dhangser hetu
Swagata asiba Mahotsab,

Nazrul in his editorial column in 9th issue of Dhumketu said;

This was published in Dhumketu on 15th Sept 1922 in Hangsadut column.

The reactions of Dhumketu was perceived from the comments of the then news papers.Dainik Basumati and Atma Sakti  said;

In English daily Amrita Bazar Patrika on 30th Aug, 1922 gave more vivid comments on Nazrul's poem;
" We cordially welcome the advent of our new Bengali contempo-

Dhuketu was not only a symbol for destruction, it was also showed some sense of purity and ethics in its poem"Pralayollas" Why you are afraid of noticing destruction ? "
Two friendly papers of Dhumketu , "Prasun" and "Paridarshak" commented on Dhumketu, as also Achinta Kumar Sengupta in Kallol Yug  as follows;

 

Nazrul and Dhumketu (contd-2)

In 4th issue of Dhumketu a poem known as "Raktambardharani Ma". He wrote;

The seventh issue of Dhumketu was published on 5th Sept 1922 as Mahram Issue. In the fist page an advertisement of Agnibina was published mentioning publication of all heated and inspiring poems written by Nazrul, such as, Birohi, Kamal Pasa, Pralayollas, Dhumketu, Korbani, Mahram, Satil Arab, Ranabheri, Anwar, Agamoni etc and songs like Bandibandana, Maran Baean, Jagarani, Abhoy Mantra, Bhangar Gaan etc. The songs were published in Bisher Banshi, and Bhangar Gaan. Nazrul wrote in the essay Maharam; The first seven issues of Dhumketu was published from 3 n. College Square. from 8th issue , the office of Dhumketu was shifted to 7 no. Pratap Chatterjee Lane. this incident was mentioned as

" the centre of gravity of Dhumketu has been shifted to its new centre,"
In the eighth issue of Dhumketu, published on 12th Sept 1922 the life of " Banglar Biplab yuger Pratham Senanayak Purushsinha Jatindranath" was printed on the 3rd page.and in the "Pardeshi Panji" column different International matters were  printed. 

Nazrul and Dhumketu (contd-1)

In every issue from the first one the blessings of Rabindranath Tagore was printed. (Pic-2 &3 in the margin)) The date of the blessings showed that Rabindranath was informed prior to the publication of "Dhumketu".Achintya kumar Sengupta wrote in Kallol Yug; (pic-4).

SaratChandra also sent his blessings towatds the success of Dhumketu. (pic-5).

Nazrul wrote a passionate poem in the first issue of Dhumketu. (Pic-6 & 7) in the editorial column "Sarathir pather khabar", 13 Oct 1922
on the demand of Complete Independence, (pic-8)

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In 1921, in Ahmedabad Congress Moulana Hasarat Mohani

(Maulana Hasrat Mohani (b. 1875 Unnao, d. 1951 Lucknow) (Urdu: مولىٰنا حسرؔت موہانی‎ —Mọ̅lánā Ḥasrat Mōhānī) was a Romantic Poet of Urdu language, journalist, politician, parliamentarian of British India, besides a being a part of the Indian Independence Movement.

The real name of Maulana was Syed Fazl-ul-Hasan. Hasrat was his pen name which he used in the Urdu poetry and the word Mohani refers to the native place of Mohan where he was born)

Moulana Hasarat placed the demand of Complete Independence in the Ahmedabad Congress in 1921, and faced heavy opposition. He was also convicted in the court and got life-long imprisonment.It could be referred here that in 1929 Lahore Congress Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru placed the demend for Complete Independence. .

Dhumketu not only expressed the demand for Complete Independence , it supported the revolutionaries . The popularity of Dhumketu was comparable with Bijali of Barindra Kumar Ghosh and Atmasakti of Upendranath Mukhopadhyay.  Dr. Bhupen Dutta of Jugantar was deported from India,  Brahmmabandhab died in the jail and Nazrul got rigorous treatment  in jail for publishing Dhumketu.