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INDEPENDENT UNIVERSITY BANGLADESH (IUB)

School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Report on Baul Songs 2008
National Culture and Heritage (NCH101)
Section: 07
Semester: Spring 2024
Group: 02
Submitted by:
NAME ID Email Address
Shazin Rahman Purab 2311521 2311521.iub.edu.bd
Abdullah Obayed Dristy 2311816 2311816.iub.edu.bd
Meer Maruf Hossen 2311671 2311671.iub.edu.bd
Simran Tabassum 2331495 2331495.iub.edu.bd
Kamrul Hasan 2330890 2330890.iub.edu.bd
Submitted to:
Dr. Md. Reza Habib
Assistant Professor
Course instructor
Date of Submission: 11th March
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Letter of Transmittal
11th March 2024
Dr. Md. Reza Habib
Assistant Professor
School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciencessciences
Independent University Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dear Sir,
With due respect, we are very pleased to present to you the report on Baul Songs
2008. This report explains the description, company background, marketing strategy,
financing, management team, industry analysis & all our company. While preparing
the report, we have given our best effort throughout the topics. There may be minor
mistakes. We humbly request you to accept this report and judge us with some
clemency for all the mistakes we have made.

However, if you have any queries regarding this report, we will be more. than
happy to answer those queries without any hesitation.
Sincerely
Group: 2
NCH101-7
Independent University Bangladesh.
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Acknowledgement

Special debt to our esteemed faculty and course instructor Dr. Md. Reza Habib sir
for giving us the opportunity to present this report. We would like to express our
sincerest gratitude for your guidance, and valuable advice given throughout the
whole process of preparing this report. We would also like to thank you for being
responsible for a subject which has developed us immensely.

We would also like to show gratitude to all those who have both directly and
indirectly contributed to the completion of this report by providing valuable advice.
Many people, especially our team members, have made great contributions to the
completion of this report.

We thank all the people above for contributing to the successful completion
of this report.
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Table of Contents

SL. NO. Description Page No.

1. Letter of Transmittal 2

2. Acknowledgement 3

3. Introduction 5

4. Origin & History 6

5. Characteristics of Baul songs 7

6. Prominent Baul Artists 8

7. Influence On culture 9

8. Challenges and Preservation 9

Effort
9. Conclusion 9

10. References 10
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Introduction: Baul songs are a form of folk music that according to popular belief originated
in Bengal, which also includes some portions of India and Bangladesh. The term "Baul" originates
from the Sanskrit words “Vatula” (madcap) or "Vyakula" (restless), and it is commonly used to
refer to someone who is "possessed" or "crazy." Baul songs are more than just entertainment; they
also serve as a form of spiritual expression and communication. They are passed down from
generation to generation and have a considerable cultural and religious value in Bengali society.
Baul singers use their music to convey profound messages of love, oneness, and transcendence,
striving to connect with both the inner self and the divine. It is through their music that the Baul
singers express their unique lifestyle, outlook on life and their original philosophy.

Abdullah Obayed Dristy 2311816

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Origin & History:

The origins of Bauls, a Bengali culture, are unknown, however they appear in Bengali
manuscripts as early as the 15th century. There are wide disagreements among scholars on
giving a certain explanation to the origin of Baul as neither Balus themselves have
acknowledged their origin. The lack of historical record of their origin can be explained by
their natural unwillingness to leave traces behind. The Baul culture has been passed down
orally from one generation to another. They represent an underrated culture of rural Bengal.
The tradition is organized into various factions, each of which follows a Hindu or Muslim
Guru. Its roots can be traced back to medieval India's Bhakti movement, which expressed
devotion to the creator through music and dance. Bauls are classified into two types: ascetic
Bauls, who avoid family life and move from one Akhdar to the other. Ascetic Balus can
sometimes have "Devadasis", female bauls who dedicate their life to the service of Balus.
Then there are Balus who live with their families, usually in a secluded place. The Baul legacy
has experienced persecution and attempts to repress their music and dance, yet their distinct
style of expression continues to inspire and fascinate people all around the world.

Shazin Rahman Purab 2311521

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Characteristics of Baul songs:

Baul music is marked by its simple instrumentation: a one-stringed ektara, a two-stringed
dotara, and a drum called "Duggi" or Khamak, a one-headed drum with a string attached to
it. Baul songs are occasionally sung in a trance-like or meditative state which is sometimes
induced by the consumption of drugs, and the musicians frequently use their voices to create
a variety of vocal sounds. Baul's lyrics are often poetic and metaphorical, and there's an urge
of oneness in the lyrics which represent their philosophical theory of "Deha Tatta". Baul songs
are usually sung in a fashion that involves the audience, often singing and dancing along. Baul
music is popular in Bengal today. A small group of contemporary Baul musicians are carrying
on their forefathers' traditions. Baul music is gaining popularity around the world, because
of its lovely melodies and spiritual messages’. Songs are performed differently across Bengal.
Popular musical styles include Bhatiyali (eastern Bengal), Jhumur (western Bengal), and
Bhawaiya (northern Bengal).

Shazin Rahman Purab 2311521

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Prominent Baul Artists:

..
1. The most famous Baul was Fakir Lalon Shah, who was an influential Bangali philosopher,
baul saint and a songwriter. He was also known to be a social reformer. His influence on
Bengali culture and literature was tremendous and has inspired various poets, social and
religious idealists, which includes Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and many
others. Lalon rejected caste and creed distinctions and envisioned a society where people
of all religions and beliefs would exist peacefully without any class division. He founded
Lalon Akhirah in Kushtia, where thousands of his disciples and followers gather annually
to pay homage.

2. Shah Abdul Karim was a prominent Bangladeshi Baul musician.He was awarded the
Ekushey Padak in 2001 for his notable contribution to music, a few examples of which are
Keno Piriti Baraila Re Bandhu, Murshid Dhono He Kemone Chinibo Tomare, Nao Banailo
Banailo Re Kon Mestori, Mon Mojale Ore Bawla Gaan, Ashi Bole Gelo Bandhu etc.

3. Gosto Gopal Das is considered by some to be the uncrowned emperor of the Baul Songs of
undivided Bengal. Puran Das Baul, an Indian musician, and singer has appeared in
numerous films A modern representative of the Baul and rock fusion is the Lalon Band. Its
figure head Nigar Sultana Sumi is a renowned Baul singer in both Banglas.
Abdullah Obayed Dristy 2311816
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4.
Influence On culture: Baul songs and their lifestyle has deeply influenced the cultural
landscape of Bengal and India. Their mystic folk songs serving the divine truth and undivided
spirituality have touched the heart of the masses. The unique style of music has influenced many
poets and artists over the years. A prominent example is Rabindranath Tagore, who was an
admirer of the Baul. Rabindranath Tagore who himself is considered to be the "Kobiguru" has
implemented the Baul style of songs in his own creations. He admitted that he was deeply
influenced by the Baul Philosophy which glorifies humanity, and that the philosophy has been
experimented in many of his creative persuits. He went as far as to call himself Rabindra Baul.The
philosophy emphasizing humanity over cast and creed has convinced many to follow the path of
Bauls and as they say they've left the infatuation of a customary life.The Baul culture enrooted
itself with the culture of the subcontinent and has made it more diverse .

Meer Maruf Hossen 2311671

Challenges and Preservation Effort: The Baul tradition is facing various challenges
at the current time due to rapid modernization. Commercialization of Baul songs are hurting the sole
purpose and agenda that the Baul tradition represents. Furthermore, changing social values is also
affecting the existence of this old tradition. In Bangladesh, the followers of Baul tradition are facing an
existential crisis as they are experiencing physical and judicial onslaught for more than a decade from
various religious hardliners. Many religious hardliners believe that the Bauls are making a mockery of the
creator and defaming the religions by making vulgar remarks. As a consequence of this belief, many Baul
singers and followers have come under life threatening physical attacks and are facing charges for
defamation and hurting religious sentiment.However, currently an effort to preserve the Baul culture is
being made.The attacks on Bauls have decreased significantly after the government started a crackdown
on religious extremism. UNESCO has begun implementation of a project to Safeguard Baul Songs. In 2005,
UNESCO recognized Baul song as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of the world.Today the
Baul Movement has started to regain some popularity due to the efforts being made and followers of Baul
tradition adapting to the modernized Society.

Simran Tabassum 2331495

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Conclusion: So, In conclusion, the unique tradition of the Baul and its influence on shaping
our cultural identity is tremendous. Furthermore, it helps diversify our culture in a remarkable
way.The Bauls have existed in our society for hundreds of years and have helped shape our cultural
identity. It has been deeply rooted itself in our culture and prominent figures like Fakir Lalon Shah,
Shah Abdul Karim etc have represented the culture in a way that has influenced hundreds and
thousands of people over the years. Although the Baul tradition is facing a difficult patch as of
now, for centuries it has come under various sorts of discrimination and eventually managed to
maintain its existence.As the Baul and Baul songs are an important part of our identity, we should
promote the idea of preserving this magnificent culture and keep an open mind to the core
philosophy of the Baul which is "HUMANITY ABOVE EVERYTHING ”

Kamrul Hasan 2330890

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References:
 https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unesco.embjapan.go.jp%2Fhtm
%2Fd_ich_baul.htm%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2LWWcUz-
yc1EqnxDYUWBloIjNdyWPuhrjICQ6Jlr_ZiqHXYGeCGfUPQ4&h=AT19DDXzvJvwxG
cyNfq38AC8XO7V0bCXIa2mJhh7dgeBEKGwxhDZLUiMoJUBsx4kgDeV8uCnfefuXv
orBim8WwOgrjedSoC9vbm86o32oiQYXF-sh5t1n6AV1iohCYRmMSxKA

 https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.benarnews.org%2Fenglish%2Fn
ews%2Fbengali%2Fbd-islam-culture-
01222021154929.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3pWkthq2NR8xEAeCy2mMpIB2rzXo3JC6
88s3pfHqOEb7ovL1OJOyOeIwI&h=AT19DDXzvJvwxGcyNfq38AC8XO7V0bCXIa2mJ
hh7dgeBEKGwxhDZLUiMoJUBsx4kgDeV8uCnfefuXv
orBim8WwOgrjedSoC9vbm86o32oiQYXF-sh5t1n6AV1iohCYRmMSxKA

 https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fen.m.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBaul
%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0Iw6ESrh9vBzCQGDT0e6MKNN6uwL9nI4GBGTnIfJGg5Z4hO
G43O3qkg6Y&h=AT19DDXzvJvwxGcyNfq38AC8XO7V0bCXIa2mJhh7dgeBEKGwxh
DZLUiMoJUBsx4kgDeV8uCnfefuXv orBim8WwOgrjedSoC9vbm86o32oiQYXF-
sh5t1n6AV1iohCYRmMSxKA

 https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmilap.co.uk%2Fthe-
baultradition%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2_y0fhVrRkjBu91MIbFvKvnFcR4mebgAmgtiE0
QNs
NET98pKyhV4TB6JU%23%3A~%3Atext%3DBaul%2520is%2520a%2520form%2520
of%2Cmusic%2520and%2520dance%2520for%2520centuries&h=AT19DDXzvJvwxGcy
Nfq38AC8XO7V0bCXIa2mJhh7dgeBEKGwxhDZLUiMoJUBsx4kgDeV8uCnfefuXv
orBim8WwOgrjedSoC9vbm86o32oiQYXF-sh5t1n6AV1iohCYRmMSxKA

 https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Fpublication
%2F333316359_Songs_of_the_Bauls_Voices_from_the_Margins_as_Transformative_Inf
rastructures%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3ROkhyBWN8j0dEMLLIhSON2qu6DKmRH-
7y2kC_W6TgYL7ul1eu9N9Aow&h=AT19DDXzvJvwxGcyNfq38AC8XO7V0bCXIa2mJ
hh7dgeBEKGwxhDZLUiMoJUBsx4kgDeV8uCnfefuXv
orBim8WwOgrjedSoC9vbm86o32oiQYXF-sh5t1n6AV1iohCYRmMSxKA

 https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mapsofindia.com%2Fmyindia%2
Fart%2Fknow-about-the-history-characteristics-of-
baulmusic%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0XnPCYhWAvuj5lAOcdyt_bPlu7fDMsU4vZDT02AV5P
5r0SkA6raqgxcQ&h=AT19DDXzvJvwxGcyNfq38AC8XO7V0bCXIa2mJhh7dgeBEKGw
xhDZLUiMoJUBsx4kgDeV8uCnfefuXv orBim8WwOgrjedSoC9vbm86o32oiQYXF-
sh5t1n6AV1iohCYRmMSxK
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