Lesson 3/44 min
Bauls and mystic poets
Baul songs
- The word ‘Baul’ comes from ‘baur’, meaning mad or crazy.
- Bauls refuse to be tied to ritual; their practice is their music, and the songs are mainly philosophical.
- UNESCO proclaimed Baul songs a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
Watch out: Books usually give only ‘2005’. UNESCO formally placed Baul songs on its Representative List in 2008. The exam answer is 2005.
Three mystic poets
| Poet | Identity | Songs |
|---|---|---|
| Lalon Fakir | Baul saint; his akhra and death at Cheuriya, Kushtia (17 October 1890); born in a Hindu family, sheltered by Siraj Sain | Khachar Bhitor Achin Pakhi; Milon Hobe Koto Dine; Barir Kachhe Arshi Nagar; Jat Gelo Jat Gelo Bole |
| Shah Abdul Karim | Born in Derai, Sunamganj, 1916; known as ‘Baul Samrat’ | Gari Chole Na Chole Na Re; Age Ki Sundor Din Katatam; Kemone Bhulibo Ami; Bondhe Maya Lagaichhe |
| Hason Raja | Zamindar and songwriter of Sunamganj; titled ‘Moromi Kobi’ (mystic poet) | Loke Bole Bole Re Ghor-Bari Bhala Na Amar; Matir Pinjirar Majhe Bondi Hoiyare; Shona Bonde Amare Dewana Banailo |
Watch out: The title ‘Baul Samrat’ differs by book: Khandokar's applies it to Shah Abdul Karim (and also heads Lalon's entry with it), Zubair's to Lalon. Decide from the options given. Hason Raja's birth year is 1855 in many books; Banglapedia gives 24 January 1854.
Check yourself
Who is known as the ‘mystic poet’?
At a glance
- 1
UNESCO proclaimed Baul songs a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage in 2005 (listed formally in 2008).
- 2
The word ‘Baul’ comes from ‘baur’ (mad, crazy).
- 3
Lalon Fakir died on 17 October 1890 at Cheuriya, Kushtia.
- 4
Shah Abdul Karim was from Sunamganj and is known as ‘Baul Samrat’.
- 5
Hason Raja is the ‘mystic poet’; his home was Sunamganj.