Songs written and composed by Kazi Nazrul Islam are known as Nazrul Geeti or the songs of Nazrul. Nazrul almost composed 4000 songs of different types, which are equally popular around India and Bangladesh. The songs are of different musical styles, which can be differentiated in four groups, namely Revolutionary Mass Music, Bhakti Geeti, Ghazals and Ragasrayi Songs. Bhakti Geeti songs of Nazrul are entirely based on Bhajans of Lord Krishna and Shyama Sangeet dedicated to Goddess Kali. Nazrul Islam made an enormous contribution to make the Shyama Sangeet genre rich. He was thoroughly familiar with the Bengali traditions and culture.
Krishna Bhajans
Krishna Bhajans of Kazi Nazrul Islam are dedicated to Lord Krishna. Some of the songs of this genre are:
"He Gobindo Rakho Chorone": Here Nazrul Islam is addressing Lord Krishna to keep him on Krishna"s feet. In this song, he prays to Krishna to always shower blessings on them.
"Gangane Krishna Megh Dole": Here the poet sees "Krishna Megh" (black clouds) on the sky and he symbolizes it as Lord Krishna in them.
"Bone Jaye Ananda Dulal": In this song Nazrul addresses Krishna as Dulal and the poet sees him
"Hariye Gache Brajer Kanai": Here Nazrul Islam addressing Krishna as Kanai says that Kanai of Brah Bhoomi is lost in forests; he cannot find Him.
Shyama Sangeet of Nazrul Islam
Shyama Sangeet are devotional songs dedicated to Goddess Kali another form of Goddess Durga. Nazrul Islam composed several Shyama Sangeet, some of which are:
"Jago Jogmaya Jago Mrinmoyee": Here the poet calls Goddess Durga by her another name Mrinmoyee to evoke her.
"Amar Kalo Meyer Payer Tolaye": "Kalo Mey" (dark complexioned girl) is addressed to Goddess Kali. The poet wants to stay underneath her feet.
"Aar Lukabi Kothaye Maa": Here the poet asks Goddess Kali now where she will hide because of not being able to find her.
"Antore Tumi Acho Chirodin": The poet prayers to the goddess and says that she is perched in his heart (Antore).
Other Popular Bhakti Geeti of Nazrul
Some other popular Bhakti Geeti songs of Nazrul Islam are:
•"Ebar Nabin Mantre Hobe"
•"Amar Kalo Mey Raag Koreche"
•"Mahabidya Adyashakti"
•"Maa Go Ami Mandomati"
•"Sajiacho Jogi"
•"Mahakaler Kole Eso"
•"Tor Bhubone Jwale Eto Alo"
