Salimullah Fahmi (1906-1975) was a Bengali poet and careercivil servant in the erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The essay featured in this episode surveys the various genres of Bengali music prevalent in the region. It provides insight into the representation of Bengali culture within the Urdu public sphere, and its parallels with West Pakistani folk and literary traditions. Crucially, it highlights the various possibilities ofnational harmony and union within the musical realm, that the turbulent years between 1947 and 1971 had to offer. The essay was published in 1963.

Featured music:1. Abdul Alim and Jasimuddin – Ujan Ganger Naiya

2. Ukil Boyati – Oki Ekbar

3. Mongoler Mao, Agun Jalao, Mosha Mari

4. Dokori Chowdhury - Gambhira 

5. Bablu Sain – O Amar Chandar Kona

6. Baul Selim - Shohid Karbala

7. Abdul Ahad, Shahnaz Begum, Laila Arjumand Bano - O AmarDesh, Sonar Desh (Courtesy of Absar Ahmed)

Produced by Ali Raj