Bauls of Bangla

Legend of Tansen and Voba

In the heart of rural Bangladesh, under the shade of a sprawling banyan tree, sits Voba Pagla, a young Baul with a luminous smile and an unkempt appearance that speaks of a life lived in harmony with nature and spirit. With his eyes closed in deep concentration, Voba strums the dotara, a traditional folk instrument integral to the Baul musical tradition. The dotara, with its round wooden body and four to six steel strings, emits a resonant, almost hypnotic sound reverberating through the quiet village. Voba’s fingers dance effortlessly on the strings, creating melodies as ancient as the soil beneath his feet. His voice, raw and unpolished, weaves tales of divine love and the search for the eternal truth, reflecting the Baul philosophy of life.

Introduction to the Dotora and Baul Philosophy

The dotara is a quintessential Bengali folk instrument, often associated with the mystical music of the Bauls. This lute-like instrument, simple in construction yet profound in its musical capacity, symbolizes Baul’s journey toward spiritual enlightenment. The Bauls are a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal who, through their songs, reject the orthodox social and religious practices and instead embrace a syncretic approach to spirituality. Their philosophy is deeply influenced by Sufism and the Bhakti movement, focusing on the internal spiritual experience rather than external rituals. They believe in the divine presence within the human body and the universe, promoting a message of love, tolerance, and unity.

The Theology of Music and Tansen’s Legacy

The role of music in the spiritual and cultural life of Bengal is significantly paralleled by the legendary musician Tansen, one of the most significant figures in Indian classical music. Tansen, born Ramtanu Pandey in the 16th century, became one of the nine jewels (Navaratnas) in the court of Emperor Akbar. His music was not just an art form but a theological practice believed to have the power to invoke the divine and influence the natural world. Stories of Tansen’s ability to bring rain with his rendition of Raga Megh Malhar or light lamps with Raga Deepak are legendary, reflecting the deep spiritual connection and reverence for music in Indian culture.

Argument for Folk Songs as Roots of Imperial Music

As exemplified by the Baul tradition, the folk songs of Bengal are the roots from which the grand palace music of Emperor Akbar’s court flourished. With its raw and unrefined essence, folk music carries culture’s fundamental rhythms and melodies, echoing ordinary people’s lives, struggles, and joys. These grassroots musical forms provided the foundation upon which classical traditions were built. Folk music’s narrative, emotional depth, and capacity to convey profound spiritual and existential themes profoundly influenced court musicians like Tansen.

Introduction to Emperor Akbar and Tansen

Akbar the Great, the third Mughal emperor, ruled India from 1556 to 1605. Known for his administrative acumen, military prowess, and efforts at fostering religious tolerance, Akbar’s court became a hub of cultural and intellectual activity. His patronage of the arts, particularly music, led to a flourishing of classical traditions. Among the gems of his court was Tansen, whose music symbolized the rich cultural synthesis of Akbar’s reign. Tansen’s contributions to Hindustani classical music were immense, codifying many ragas and compositions that form the core of the tradition today.

Advocacy for the Importance of Folk Songs

Folk songs, such as those performed by Bauls, are not merely a form of entertainment; they are a living heritage, embodying a community’s collective wisdom and spiritual insights. These songs are the bedrock upon which more formalized music traditions stand. Just as Tansen’s compositions were rooted in the musical traditions of his predecessors, Akbar’s court music was deeply influenced by the folk traditions of the time. By preserving and celebrating folk music, we maintain a vital link to our cultural and spiritual past, ensuring that the timeless messages of love, unity, and divine presence continue to inspire future generations.

Bengal’s folk traditions, exemplified by the music of the Bauls and the Dotara, are integral to the rich tapestry of Bangla Indian music history. They represent the foundational sounds and philosophies that shaped the grand musical traditions of the Mughal court, including the legendary contributions of Tansen. Recognizing and preserving these folk roots is essential for understanding and appreciating the profound legacy of Indian classical music.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which instrument is young Baul Voba Pagla playing under the banyan tree?

1. What is the central philosophy of the Baul tradition?

1. Which legendary musician is mentioned in the essay as a key figure in Indian classical music?

1. What power was Tansen believed to possess through his music?

1. What role does folk music play, according to the essay?

1. Name the emperor who patronized Tansen and fostered a rich cultural environment in his court.

1. What is the significance of preserving folk music, as highlighted in the essay?

1. How does the essay describe the Dotara?

1. What is the message conveyed through the Baul songs, according to the essay?

1. What connection does the essay draw between Baul’s music and Tansen’s compositions?
   • A) Both are considered modern innovations.
   • B) Baul music does not influence Tansen’s work.
   • C) Baul music represents the foundational sounds and philosophies that influenced Tansen’s compositions.
   • D) Tansen’s music is strictly classical with no folk influences.

Answer Sheet

1. B) Dotora
2. C) Internal spiritual experience and divine presence within
3. C) Tansen
4. B) Bringing rain and lighting lamps
5. B) Foundation of cultural and spiritual heritage
6. D) Akbar
7. B) It is essential to understand the legacy of Indian classical music.
8. B) A simple yet profound instrument essential to Baul music
9. B) Love, tolerance, and unity
10. C) Baul music represents the foundational sounds and philosophies that influenced Tansen’s compositions.