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Lalon Shah
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Lalon Shah is a icon of Bengali Culture. He is the preceptor of Baul asceticism, composer and singer of Baul songs. He was born on 1 Kartik 1181 BS (1774 AD) at village Hrishpur in Jhenaidah district, variantly in a Kayastha family of village Bhadra in Kumarkhali of Kushtia, Bangladesh. Little is known about the personal life of Lalon Shah. He was probably married in his boyhood. Sometime in early years of his life, Lalon happened to be a victim of small pox while in a journey to visit the places of pilgrimage. His companions abandoned him on the way. A Muslim fakir (Saint), Siraj Sanyi rescued him in a dying condition and got him recovered by nursing and medical treatment. After his recovery Lalon returned to his house, but was denounced by his wife and the relatives since he had been under the shelter and association of the Muslims. Disappointed and disheartened, Lalon returned to Siraj Sanyi, initiated with him in Baul doctrine and devoted himself in austere ascetic practice. After the death of his Guru, Lalon established his akhda (Monastry) at Chheunriya on the Kaliganga and passed his days there in austerity, composing and singing devotional songs.
Lalon Shah had no institutional education but with his devotion he acquired deep knowledge on the religious doctrines of the Hindus and Muslims, the manifestation of which is found in the songs composed by him. He composed nearly two thousand five hundred devotional songs. His songs are rich in mystic trend of thought and in artistic skill. Composed in simple language his songs are significance and impressive and are indicative of ideal human life, humanism and non-sectarian attitude. His disciples like Kangal Harinath Majumder, Dudu Shah and Pagla Kanai earned reputation as composer of Baul songs.
Lalon Shah denounced caste distinction.
