বাংলা 
English 
Durbin Shah (born: 2 November 1920, died: 15 February 1977) was a mystic lyricist of Bangladesh, one of the greatest interpreters of Bengali folk literature and a baul ascetic. His songs and writings blend Sufi thought, mysticism, spirituality and social and humanist messages. He is known as a unique edifice in the history of Bengali folk literature.
Birth and family life
Durbin Shah was born on 15 Kartik of 1327 Bengali era (2 November 1920) at Taramoni Tila in Noarai village on the north bank of the Surma river in Chhatak. This tila later came to be known as 'Durbin Tila'. His father Sefat Ali Shah was a Sufi ascetic and his mother Hasina Banu was a pirani, so he grew up in a family tradition of musical practice.
He lost his father at the age of only seven. In 1946 he was united in marriage with Surfa Begum.
Musical and literary works
Durbin Shah's songs chiefly express Sufi and mystic feeling, but he also composed songs of many moods. His songs may be classified as follows:
- Baul songs
- Regional songs
- Mass songs
- Maljora
- Jari and sari
- Bhatiali
- Goshth and milan
- Padavali on Radha-Krishna themes
- Hamd and naat
- Marfati, remembrance of pir and murshid
- Remembrance of the Prophet and of saints, devotional songs
- Self-instruction, Sufi doctrine, dehatatva, kamatatva, esoteric doctrine, and the doctrine of grief and pain
- Patriotic songs
These diverse compositions enriched the variety of Bengali folk literature many times over.
Notable songs
Some of Durbin Shah's popular songs are:
- Por Deshire Dur Bideshe Ghor
- Noboujubon Asharh Mase
- Tomar Moto Dordi Keu Nai
- Bondhu Jodi Hoito Nodir Jol
- Bela Gel Sandhya Holo Ar Ki Baki Achhe Bolo
- Ami Jonme Jonme Oporadhi Tomari Charone Re
- Nirjon Jomunar Kule Boshia Kombotole
- Amar Ontoray Amar Kolijay
- Sukher Nishi Probhat Holo Uday Dinmoni
- Shomon Loyia Pion Khara Ar Koto Din Deri
- Chariya Jao Na Bondhu Re
- Kripasindhu Dinbondhu Namti Tomar Songshare
In 1974 the Calcutta filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak used Durbin Shah's song 'Namaz Amar Hoilo Na Aday' in his film.
Foreign tours and international recognition
In 1967, at the invitation of expatriate Bengalis, he went to England. The baul ascetic Shah Abdul Karim accompanied him on the tour. Music lovers there honoured him with the title 'Gyaner Sagar' (Ocean of Knowledge).
Books and collected works
Durbin Shah's books and compilations are:
- Premsagar Palligiti, Volume I (1950)
- Premsagar Palligiti, Volume II (1950)
- Premsagar Palligiti, Volume III (1968)
- Premsagar Palligiti, Volume IV (1968)
- Pak Banga Bhagya Niyantron Giti (1970)
- Premsagar Palligiti, Volume V (1973)
- Durbin Shah Samagra (edited by Sumonkumar Das) (2010)
All of his writings are preserved in the book 'Durbin Shah Samagra', published by Utsa Prokashan of Dhaka.
Death and legacy
Durbin Shah died at his own home at the age of 57, on 3 Falgun of 1383 Bengali era (15 February 1977). His songs and writings remain immortal in the history of Bengali folk music.
Durbin Shah was not merely a lyricist or baul ascetic; he was a living symbol of the mystic culture and Sufism of Bengal. His writings, songs and philosophy still inspire the new generation along the path of humanity, love and spirituality.
