Dewan Raja

(1854 – 1922)

Dewan Hason Raja Chowdhury, simply known as Hason Raja, was a mystic poet and songwriter from Sylhet, in now Bangladesh.

Under the influence of a Sufi, he got inclined to spiritualism and began composing mystic songs. These songs are the outcome of his creative genius manifesting the reflection of his philosophical and spiritual thoughts. The lucid style of expression of the spiritual knowledge in easy language made them popular to common people. His unique mystic songs earned him immense social reputation during his lifetime and legacy.

The central theme of Hason Raja’s songs composed in the regional dialect of Sylhet is the concept of God, devotion to Him and the spiritual relation between the creator and the created beings. Besides, the frailty of human life, transience of worldly life, and his lamentation for non-capability in worship and meditation, his helplessness, self-dedication, and submission to God have also been expressed in his songs.

Hason Raja established schools and mosques, and he is said to have been widely engaged in charities within his immediate communities. He donated vast land properties for the well-being of the people and was also interested in the protection of

birds and animal life.