A Snapshot Analysis of Bengali Muslim Writers' Contribution to India's Independence

Abstract

This article explores those Bengali Muslim writers, renowned or not, who contributed to the Independence of India anyhow. It analyses their writings or activities in the light of the anti-British spirit between the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. This exploratory research is grounded in the theory of decolonization. It also focuses on the roles of chosen Bengali Muslim women writers like Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, and Razia Khatun Chaudhurani along with the roles of select Bengali male literary figures like Kazi Nazrul Islam, Mir Mosharraf Hossain, Muhammad Shahidullah, Mohammad Akram Khan, Abul Kalam Shamsuddin, Ismail Hossain Siraji, Mohammad Mozammel Huq, Wazed Ali, Rezaul Karim, and Muzaffar Ahmed. This study also sheds light on national movements, Hindu-Muslim unity, women’s emancipation, anti-imperialist idealism, Zamindari system, literary organizations, colonial resistance, literary pursuit, and independence. It aims to unveil how Muslim literary personalities from Bengal with their relentlessly brave attempts create national consciousness and anti-British sentiment among the masses, and motivate Indians, especially Bengali Indians to unite and fight against the British colonial force to achieve India’s long-cherished freedom.