TRANCE OF THE MYSTICS IN BENGAL

Back to Page Authors: Nandini Roy Choudhury

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Keywords: BENGAL, BENGAL MYSTICS, FAKIR, BAUL, LYRICAL BALLADS

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Abstract: My paper deals with the mystics called ‘Baul’ and ‘Fakir’ in Bengal and their cultural impact on 19th century society in Bengal. This paper inquires into the origins of these mystical categories as a result of amalgamation of the two dominating religious trends in Bengal since the 13th century viz. Hinduism and Islam. Apart from these major religious trends, traces of pre-existing local cults of Vaishnavism and Tantricism can be found among these mystics. These mystics preferred aloofness from society in general. These groups existed since the pre-British era. Were these groups syncretic in nature? The interaction of these groups with the British and dealt with the idea of their ‘existence’ in an unfamiliar society under these administrators in the 19th century is a fundamental query in this paper. Ideas about people and the society can mostly be traced through their lyrical and musical compositions. Furthermore, this paper will also try to trace their impact on popular culture through these lyrical ballads and their conscious attempt to alienate from Brahmanical society, religious boundaries and British administration.

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