1772–1890 · Kushtia, Bengal
Lalon Shah
Lalon Shah was a Bengali mystic folk singer and Baul teacher. His songs question social divisions and explore the self, love, and spiritual search. His life and origins are partly surrounded by oral tradition.
“His songs remain a living philosophy of human dignity, spiritual freedom, and shared humanity.”
Selected writings
Shob Loke Koy (opening)
Folk traditionসব লোকে কয় লালন কী জাত সংসারে। লালন বলে জাতের কী রূপ দেখলাম না এই নজরে॥
Everyone asks: what caste is Lalon in this world? Lalon says: what does caste look like? I have never seen it with these eyes.
Source: Oral tradition, 19th century
Life & times
- 1772
Traditional birth year
- 1810
Tradition places his settling in Cheuriya
- 1890
Died at Cheuriya
- 1963
Lalon shrine complex developed