Baul songs of Bengal are termed as the folk music. Folk singers or the Bauls belong to a particular religious sect, and the songs composed and sung by them are known as Baul songs. It may be noted here that folk songs pertain to that group of music which is spontaneous and reflects the life and circumstance of man in his local surroundings. Since they are mostly composed by common men, they are comparatively less refined as compared to other classical forms of music and are a pure rendition. It has often been argued that since Baul music represents a spiritual aspect on life, it cannot be included under folk music which deals mainly with the conditions and circumstances of man. However it must be stated here that Baul music most certainly qualifies as folk music since all folk songs deal with both the material as well as the spiritual world.Origin of Baul Songs
Bauls belong to a particular sect of the Indian Scheduled tribes and Schedule caste, and can be seen in almost every village of Indian state of West Bengal. The movement of the Bauls has grown out of their ostracism from the religious practices, as is the case with most people belonging to the lower castes. Most of the rites and rituals prescribed by the texts of Brahmanical sources of ancient history and exclude them from the structure of society and hence they have grown and developed on their own, outside the confines of society. It is for this reason that the Bauls live and wander outside society, not wanting to be a part of it. This social ostracism however does not distract them from their goal, and they are singularly devoted to spiritual experiences and feelings.
Purpose of Baul Songs
The main aim of the Bauls is upliftment of the soul and a spiritual quest. They seek to attain this upliftment by means of the songs that they sing. This is the prime purpose of the Bauls in this life and in following this purpose everything else is secondary. The Bauls seek fulfilment in divine union and for them the satisfaction of their basic vital needs is superseded by their spiritual goal. As a result of their pursuits, they remain detached from society and societal associations and demands. It is felt that all these are stumbling blocks which will stand in the way of the Baul achieving his goal of union with the divine. He is going through a constant inner struggle which also leads to failure at times. All knowledge that he possesses comes from the teachings of the Guru, from faith, introspection and intuition. The knowledge that he acquires in the course of his Sadhana is transmitted to others via his songs.
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