The Bauls are a sect of itinerant minstrels from West Bengal living on the periphery of society, watching it from outside, objectively yet not dispassionately, and incorporating what they see in their lyrics (sometimes with humour, but always with a profound spiritual message). The word ‘Baul’ comes from the Sanskrit word Byakul that means fervently eager and aptly describes the philosophy of the life of these wandering minstrels who are eager to meet their soul mates or maner manush as they call them.

Playing to the gallery Banished Within and Without Women’s story Minstrels of the road Images of Fortitude A life extraordinary Challenges to change Chasing a wild dream Match-point Voice of silence Happy to be kicking Steel magnolia When magic realism meets activism Challenges to change “Dance is like breathing to me” Making a mark Sweet revenge A supercop and a lady Cat women Courage under fire Here comes Miss Marple! Space Woman

The Baul philosophy essentially places a great deal of importance to women. The women known as the sadhan sanginis play a significant role in the metaphysical quest of the bauls for their maner manush or soul mate. They are inseparable companions of the men, and Bauls insist on love and respect for their women. "He who does not know the feeling of tender love, must be avoided always," goes one song, and another says: "A woman is not a treasure to be trifled with."

Nonetheless, the Baul women (Baulinis or boshtomis as they are called), though constant companions of the men, have almost always remained in the background - dancing, providing the rhythm and lending their voices to the chorus. In other words, they have always played second fiddle to the men.

This is a trend that seems to be changing right now. Meet Malati Dasi who was at the annual Poushmela at Tagore’s Santiniketan recently. “Baul is a way of life; a philosophy that one embraces irrespective of being a man or a women. So while performing, I do believe being a women is not a disadvantage. When I am on stage it is just myself and my song; I forget everything around me,” she says.

In most cases, however, the Baulinis are not much bothered about whether they are playing a second fiddle to their men folk or not. “We are singing not for fame or popularity; music is an integral part of our life. So who is better known is not much of an issue to us,” says Sandhya Rani Dasi in Santiniketan.
Agrees Maya Rani Dasi of Birbhum: “Music is the life of the Baul philosophy and so irrespective of being a man or a woman we sing. And we sing not for money, popularity or fame but because song is a part of our life. “

Besides, many women consider their Bauls as their gurus or spiritual guides who guide them to their final destination and hence they are quite content being just an aide to their sadhana. Says Sumitra Dasi, “My boshtom is my guide and how can I think of being an independent entity without him? We are entwined and are travel- mates undertaking a journey together towards our final goal.”

But the most happening Baul couple now perhaps is Kolkata’s very own Utpal Fakir and his famous wife Sahajma. With Sahajma hitting limelight with her fusion album “Folktale” with charismatic percussionist Bikram Ghosh after the HMV spotted her talent in a TV channel, the Baulini is now much in demand for soirees across the nation.

“I am city bred and I graduated with History from St. Xavier’s College. I was into classical music but when I met my husband (Utpal Fakir) I got interested in Baul songs. He introduced me into Baul songs and I discovered that I have found my place in the world of music as a Baulini,” says Sahajma who changed her name after her induction as a Baulini of the Sahajiya sect.

While Fakir writes the songs and composes the music, Sahajma infuses life into the words with her melodious renditions.

While Sahajma is a Kolkata based artist, for the Baulinis in general a wandering life dependent on the charity of listeners is by no account an easy one. However, most Baulinis do not seem to begrudge it. Though most have been a part of this life by virtue of birth, they seem content with their current lifestyle.

Says Krishna Dasi: “My dotara (a two-stringed musical instrument) is my companion for life. I started travelling with my father, Mathura Das when I was hardly two years of age. Today I am married and have children but still the call of the road beckon me. Life for us Bauls is a journey and so we don’t give much importance to our earthly possessions like land, home etc but are ready to hit the road whenever our inner call comes.”

Her thoughts are echoed by Maya Rani Dasi: "When I am singing, I don't feel we have a home. For us Bauls the whole world is our home. It’s a religion that is universal, in which everyone is included," she said.

Though the Baul songs never deviate from their basic philosophy yet the careful listener will often find subtle differences between the songs of Baulinis and those of their male counterparts. The modern Baulini is very much aware of her femininity and often her songs have that feminist edge and social consciousness that distinguishes a women poet from her male counterpart.

Publicity and fame are usually not at the top of Baulinis' priority list. Nonetheless, the modern Baulini has travelled far, even outside the boundaries of her country with or without her mate to spread the message of harmony and brotherhood. She lives by the Baul doctrine that defies the traditional social pattern and norms. Oblivious to social dogmas and deeply loyal to her musical traditions, the Baulini can be epitomised as the true feminist who has stood the test of time. (With additional reporting and photos by Sujoy Dhar)