The Unsung Bard of Bihar: Kalim Aajiz’s Journey Through Tragedy and Verse

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 2 January 2025 Kalim Aajiz, An Urdu Poet Influenced By The Tragedy Of Partition, Spoke Through His Poems Against Authoritarianism, For Unification, And For Resilience. Even Though Marginalised, Kalim Aajiz's Themes Of Justice, Empathy, And Humanism Hold Relevance In This Polarised World Today. Main Points: 1. Kalim Aajiz's poetic expressions were strongly influenced by the personal loss during Partition. His poetry genuinely reflects themes of sorrow, unity, and human resilience. 2. His verses criticised authoritarianism, especially during India's Emergency, revealing contradictions in governance while advocating justice and fairness. 3. Aajiz's work, being based on Islamic values, cut across religious boundaries and brought about compassion, empathy, and unity among diverse communities. 4. Despite his literary contributions, Aajiz remained marginalised, overshadowed by contemporaries, and underappreciated in the broader Indian literary landscape. 5. His universal themes of empathy, resilience, and social justice resonate in today's polarised world, making his poetry timeless and transformative. ----- Introduction Kalim Aajiz was not just a poet; he was a chronicler of his era, a rebel armed with words, and a voice of resilience in times when personal turmoil and political turbulence intertwined. Born in 1920 in the serene village of Telhara in Bihar, India, Aajiz lived through some of the most defining moments of 20th-century South Asia. From the devastating trauma of Partition to the rise of authoritarianism during India’s Emergency, his life—marked by personal tragedy and literary brilliance—continues to inspire thinkers and readers alike. The Foundations of a Literary Journey Born into a middle-class family, Kalim Aajiz showed an innate talent for both poetry and academics from an early age. Pursuing his education with diligence, he eventually earned a PhD in Urdu literature. However, academic success could not shield him from the communal violence that ravaged India during the Partition of 1947. For Aajiz, Partition was not just a political upheaval but a personal tragedy that left deep scars. His family was brutally killed in the communal riots, a loss that profoundly shaped his poetic voice. Unlike many contemporaries who reacted to Partition with fiery rhetoric, Aajiz’s verses exuded a quiet sorrow, a longing for unity, and a profound empathy for human suffering. Poetry became his way of processing grief and critiquing the socio-political dynamics of his time. Poetry as a Weapon of Resistance Kalim Aajiz’s literary journey was deeply entwined with his role as a social critic. His poetry extended beyond aesthetics, serving as a medium of resistance and reflection. Among his most memorable works is a couplet penned during the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975: "Dāman Pe Koī Chhīñt Na Ḳhanjar Pe Koī Daaġh Tum Qatl Karo Ho Ki Karāmāt Karo Ho" In these lines, Aajiz unmasked the contradictions of a regime that sought to justify its actions under a facade of morality and legality. The Emergency was a period marked by curtailed civil liberties, media censorship, and mass arrests. While many poets of the time avoided directly challenging the government, Aajiz’s couplet epitomised dissent against authoritarianism. His subtle yet scathing critique exposed the hypocrisy of those in power and underscored the human cost of such governance. His protest was not merely political but deeply humanistic, rooted in a yearning for justice and fairness. Loss, Longing, and the Human Spirit Aajiz’s poetry is characterised by a profound sense of loss, a theme that permeates much of his work. The Partition of India left an indelible mark on his soul, and his verses reflect the pain of separation and the longing for reconciliation. In his poems, wounds and scars often appear as metaphors—not only for individual grief but also for the collective trauma endured by his community. While Aajiz mourned the senseless violence and division that tore families and communities apart, he also celebrated the resilience of the human spirit. His words offered solace and hope, urging readers to rise above despair and envision a harmonious future. Faith and the Universal Human Condition Though a devout Muslim, Kalim Aajiz’s poetry transcended religious boundaries. Drawing upon Islamic traditions and values, his verses resonated with people of diverse backgrounds. He emphasised the shared human condition, advocating compassion, empathy, and understanding. The story of his friendship with Badri Narain Gupta, a Hindu neighbour, is a poignant testament to these ideals. When Aajiz’s ancestral home in Bihar faced the threat of encroachment, Gupta stepped in to protect it, ensuring the poet’s legacy remained intact. This act of solidarity reflected the spirit of interfaith harmony that Aajiz championed throughout his life. Scholar, Teacher, and Poet In addition to his poetry, Kalim Aajiz made significant contributions to Urdu literature as a scholar and educator. His body of work includes several books, most notably “Woh Jo Shaayri Ka Sabab Hua” (What Inspired the Poetry), considered his magnum opus. This masterpiece not only showcased his poetic excellence but also offered insights into the socio-political landscape of his time. Aajiz adhered to the classical traditions of Urdu poetry while imbuing his work with contemporary relevance. His mastery of forms like the ghazal and nazm was complemented by his ability to address complex themes with simplicity and elegance. Bridging the gap between the personal and the political, his work remains both timeless and timely. Overlooked in His Lifetime Despite his literary prowess and the social relevance of his work, Kalim Aajiz was often marginalised in the mainstream literary canon. In an era dominated by prominent figures like Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Sahir Ludhianvi, Aajiz’s quieter, more introspective voice was frequently overshadowed. His refusal to align with political ideologies and his insistence on speaking truth to power may have contributed to this neglect. Even after his death in 2015, Aajiz did not receive the widespread recognition many believe he deserved. While literary circles paid homage to his legacy, his contributions remain underappreciated in the broader context of Indian poetry. An Enduring Legacy Kalim Aajiz’s life and work serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of art. His poetry, steeped in personal pain and universal themes, continues to inspire readers and writers across generations. In today’s increasingly polarised world, Aajiz’s emphasis on empathy, unity, and the shared human condition is more relevant than ever. His verses urge us to look beyond divisions and embrace the common humanity that binds us all. The preservation of his home by Badri Narain Gupta stands as a poignant metaphor for the enduring relevance of Aajiz’s message. It reminds us that, even in the face of neglect and erasure, the ideals of love, compassion, and solidarity can prevail. A Voice for the Marginalised Kalim Aajiz may have been a poet of the margins, but his voice resonates powerfully with those who seek justice, kindness, and the enduring strength of the written word. His legacy challenges us to recognise the power of poetry not just as an art form but as a force for societal change. In the words of Aajiz himself: "Bakne Bhī Do 'Ājiz' Ko Jo Bole Hai Bake Hai Dīvāna Hai Dīvāne Se Kyā Baat Karo Ho" Let the madman speak, for in his madness lies the wisdom the world so desperately needs. —— Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is currently working on his book 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/unsung-bihar-kalim-aajiz-tragedy-verse/d/134220 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism