Nazeer Akbarabadi: India’s Forgotten Voice of Festivity, Faith, and Resistance

Nazeer Akbarabadi, born Wali Muhammad in 1735 in Delhi, entered a world swirling with chaos and change. Nadir Shah’s bloody attack on Delhi in 1739 and later Ahmad Shah Abdali’s raid in 1757 are the main events that marked his childhood. These horrors forced young Nazeer, his mother, and his grandmother to flee their beloved city for Akbarabad (now Agra), a journey that would shape his soul and poetry.

There was a weakened Mughal Empire, ambitious new powers were coming to power, and regular people faced mistreatment. Despite the gloom, Nazeer’s heart felt the happiness and pain of things that happen in everyday situations. Like many others, he began in the dust and bazaars of his hometown, sharing laughter and frustration with the regular people. His poems express their feelings, mirror their experiences, and sing in their place.

The Poet Appreciated Everyday Life

He wrote his poetry for people other than monarchs or elite members of society. He wrote stories about people facing difficulties, such as the fruit seller, the beggar, the washerman and the child playing with a kite. The street, the marketplace and the music of Diwali, Holi and Eid all appeared in his verses. He focused his writing on melons, cucumbers, coins, rotis, poverty, laughter, hunger, and the happiness of being together.

Instead of admiring the great and the famous, Nazeer discovered poetry in everyday events and simple things. In Lala’s opinion, the real history of India could not be read in court but in the memories of those who lived through it. Ghalib’s nazms were eternal since everyone shared them. Schoolchildren still recite his “Banjaranama” (Chronicle of the Nomad) and “Aadmi Naama” (Chronicle of Man), poems that capture the spirit of India’s streets and souls.

The Nawab gave the Fakir a gift, and the poet faced a choice

There is a tale that the locals pass on about Nazeer’s good nature. Once, Saadat Ali Khan, the Nawab of Lucknow, gave Nazeer gifts and asked him to perform in his court. He got the gifts from the strangers but did not sleep all night. He went home in the morning, saying, “Now Nazeer is happy with his belongings in the hut.” The path he is meant to follow is not to lead him to the royal palace. Again, the Nawab’s men attempted to win her heart with kind words and affection.

He finally agreed to leave Agra this time, but he couldn’t stop watching the Taj Mahal in the distance. Nazeer noticed that his horse had gone back, and he understood that his true love was for the people in Agra, not for royalty. He pointed out that you could refer to him as a pauper, a fakir or a poet, but Nazeer was always from Agra. What makes this story unique is the poet’s decision to stay true to the simple folk rather than follow the wishes of the rich and famous.

The Father of Nazm: A New Voice for a New Age

Nazeer Akbarabadi is called the “Father of Nazm” in Urdu poetry. Earlier, poetry was mainly focused on love, ruling monarchs or distant dreams, using elaborate words. Nazeer managed to push through these boundaries. Because he wrote in Urdu, everyone recognised and understood, and people without books could also appreciate and enjoy his works. His poems reflected all the sounds in Agra, including the voices of kids, those selling fruits and even the bustling noises of the city. He described everything: different weather, essential celebrations, savouring sweet melon in the summer, poverty and the harmony between Hindus and Muslims.

When British officials tried to separate India by faith, Nazeer urged unity through his poetry. He described Rakhi, Diwali, and Eid, proving that India’s true strength was in the way different religions united. His writings protested those in power and foreigners and reflected authentic Indian culture.

Hidden sorrows and a smile that keeps coming back.

Nazeer went through many hardships during his life. Although life was often tough for him, full of poverty, he continued to smile and believe in others. Even though he wrote more than 200,000 verses, only about 6,000 exist in our collections, as a lot was forgotten. It took time for others to realise his genius since he targeted his writing at people without power, not those in charge. His poems have survived even after many kings and courtiers have passed away.

Students learn them in schools, shopkeepers recite them in bazaars, and visitors remember them wherever people in India have fun, face difficulties, and dream their dreams. Nazeer passed away in 1830, having lived for 95 years. What he left behind continues to shine with life. He could see greatness in everyday things such as food, festive events or children’s activities.

The Influence Continuing Today

Today, Nazeer Akbarabadi is remembered as the poet of the people, the voice of India’s soul. Through his poems, readers discover how to see joy in life, unite with others, smile at hard times and be generous. He proved that poetry is meant for every person who has feelings, dreams and hopes, not only for those who are wealthy or educated. In his verses, people see an energetic Agra, bright Indian festivals and the unending joy of those with little. Nazeer’s poetry works are like the country’s life and soul.

Also Read: Meer Hasan: The Poet of Silent Sorrows and Enduring Song

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