Nazeer Akbarabadi

Biography

Nazeer Akbarabadi, born Wali Muhammad in 1735 in Delhi, is remembered as one of the most original voices in Urdu poetry. While many poets of his time focused on kings, courtly romance, and lofty imagery, Nazeer chose to write about the world of ordinary people. Because of this, he is often called the father of nazm, a form he used to capture the pulse of everyday life.

After spending his early years in Delhi, Nazeer moved to Agra, where he lived most of his life as a teacher and poet. Unlike court poets who sought patronage, he remained close to the people and drew inspiration from them. His subjects included children playing in the streets, seasonal festivals like Holi and Diwali, the sounds of vendors in the bazaar, and the struggles of wanderers and laborers. His poetry gave dignity and beauty to experiences often overlooked by classical poets.

Among his most famous works is Banjaranama, a long reflective poem on the transient nature of human existence. Another celebrated piece, Aadmi Nama, describes different kinds of people with sharp wit and a touch of humor. He also wrote about religious and cultural events such as Ramadan and Basant, capturing the joy and color of Indian life.

Nazeer’s style was distinct because of its simplicity. He avoided heavy Persian expressions and preferred the lively, conversational Urdu spoken in the streets. This made his poetry easily understood and loved by ordinary readers, even though elite literary circles of his time often dismissed his work as too simple.

He lived a modest life, teaching children while continuing to write verses that reflected his keen eye for detail and his love for humanity. Recognition came much later, after scholars realized how he had broadened the horizons of Urdu poetry.

Nazeer Akbarabadi passed away in 1830 in Agra. Today, he is celebrated as a people’s poet who showed that poetry could embrace both the marketplace and the mysteries of life, making him one of the most influential figures in Urdu literature.