Kazi Abdul Wadud (1894-1970) is a name that remains largely unfamiliar to contemporary Bengali readers, and his works are scarcely available in the book market. Most members of the younger generation are unaware of his significant contributions to the history of Bengali literature and culture and the vibrant role he played in the intellectual debates of twentieth-century colonial Bengal. In this context, Tarun Mukhopadhyay's short biography of Wadud (Kazi Abdul Wadud), originally published by Paschimbanga Bangla Akademi in 1995 and reprinted in 2016, represents a commendable effort to remind us of the pioneering influence he exerted in the Bengali intellectual sphere for nearly five decades. With the Institute of Language Studies and Research (ILSR) now set to publish an English translation of this biography, the English-speaking world will gain insight into Wadud's substantial contributions to both literature and the intellectual discourse of his time. This initiative is particularly timely, given the ongoing ethnic conflicts and religious disharmony that persist globally. Wadud consistently spoke out against these issues during his lifetime.
Wadud's contributions can be categorised into two main areas: creative works and critical deliberations. The first category encompasses his creative works in several genres poetry, short stories, novels, and drama. The second category features his non-fiction works, such as critical biographies, analytical essays on iconic literary and cultural figures, and discussions on socio-religious issues. Allied to this are his role in the production of school textbooks. Tarun Mukhopadhyay meticulously catalogued the outcomes of these activities under various headings, which is useful for understanding Wadud's creative and intellectual world as well as the reception of his works. However, the bibliography, particularly the sections on secondary sources, requires updating, as it was compiled in 1995 and has not been revised since. Dr. Auritra Munshi the translator, has included a small list of works on Abdul Wadud published after 1995.
Particularly notable is Wadud's emphasis on ' buddhirmukti', the liberation of the intellect. This turned into a motto for a movement that he pioneered along with his friends. The significance of the movement lies in the fact that it sought to liberate the Muslim society from the time-wom conventions. The Muslim society as a whole was averse to accept the transformed socio-political scenario, and refused to take advantage of the rational spirit and technological progress of the period. In his works, Wadud did not spare the conservative spokespersons of the Hindu society as well, and critiqued authors such as Bhudeb Mukhopadhyay and Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay. He was influenced by the ideals of Rammohun Roy and Rabindranath Tagore whose approach to the problem of Hindu-Muslim relationship and communal flare-ups was very positive. Their opposition to narrow nationalism and strong faith in cosmopolitanism and universalism motivated Wadud. His understanding of the regional or national identity was not marked by sectarianism. In his essay "Samaj O Sahitya" (Society and Literature) included in the volume Samaj O Sahitya (Moslem Publishing House, 1341/1934; all citations in this Foreword are from this volume), for instance, he asserts, "By the word 'Bangali', we refer to all the people of the region, irrespective of race and religion" (54; translation mine). This sense of inclusivity is what we mostly lack. He critiqued Bankimchandra on this ground - he felt that the great novelist, a true genius, lacked this inclusive view. In the essay "Bankim-Pratibha" he observed, "The greater nation (hence the full truth) could not become the subject-matter of his thoughts" (166; translation mine). In another essay "Bangla Sahitye Jatiyatar Adarsho" (The Impact of Nationalism on Bangla Literature) he argues that despite having a firm belief in the women's equality with men and despite acquiring a deep familiarity with the human nature, Bankim had a 'pride in narrow Hindutva' (54). He said in the same essay that Bankimchandra "was not capable of being inspired by a great, comprehensive vision of the future of a nation" (54). "A narrow and aggressive nationalism was Bankimchandra's mantra, no community in the country have the mentality to overcome that trance even now" ("Bangla Sahitye Jatiyatar Adarsho" 54; translation mine).
Hindu (935)
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Biography (702)
Buddhist (544)
Cookery (167)
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Literary (896)
Mahatma Gandhi (372)
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