Makhdoom Mohiuddin

Makhdoom Mohiuddin Biography

Makhdoom Mohiuddin was a revolutionary Urdu poet from Hyderabad state of present day Telangana. He was also known by the title - Shayar-e-Inquilab, which literally means ‘Poet of the Revolution’. A Marxist political activist too, he founded the Progressive Writers Union in Hyderabad. A rebel who was associated with Comrades Association and the Communist Party of India, he actively participated in Telangana Rebellion against the Nizam of Hyderabad during 1946-1947, at the time of Indian independence. His ghazals are quite popular, and a few of them have been used in Bollywood movies as well. The evergreen ghazal of Baazar, “Phir Chiddi Raat" was penned by Makhdoom and Bashar Nawaz, and was sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Talat Aziz.

His full name is Abu Sayeed Mohammad Makhdoom Mohiuddin Huzri. He was born on 4 February 1908 in Medak, Hyderabad State. Andole is his native village. He lost his father at a very young age and his mother re-married. Later he was brought up by his paternal uncle. After school education from his village, he moved to Hyderabad for higher education. He completed his Master’s degree and was also associated with freedom struggle. He started his career as a lecturer in 1934, and two years later he took his second Master’s degree from Osmania University. By that time he had already established as an Urdu poet.

He was the founder of Communist Party in Andhra Pradesh, and was known as a revolutionary poet. His fight against Nawab rule at the dawn of Indian independence is well-known. He earned enmity from T then ruler of Hyderbad, Mir Osman Ali Khan who ordered to kill him. After independence and formation of states, he continued with his literary career. His collection of poems entitled Bisat-e-Raqs was awarded Sahitya Akademi Award in Urdu in 1969. He passed away the same year. His essay on Tagore, and the poetry play, Hosh ke Nakhun are other major works. He served as a member of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council for 5 years, and has travelled Communist countries during his lifetime.  

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Updated: June 19, 2016