"There is no Death in Bauls”: Exploring Death in South Asia
Keywords:
Hindu, Baul, Orthodox, Venacular, Death, Binary opposition, BengalAbstract
This research article aims to explore and analyse the concept of death appeared in classical Hindu and Baul Tradition in West Bengal, India. It is a qualitative research in which participant observation and textual analysis are the key methods. Baul is a folk religious cult in Hindu Tradition, found in West Bengal of India and Bangladesh. Scolars often see that Baul’s ideology and practice are oppose to and against with Orthodox Hindu and Islam. In addition, we cannot clearly identify which belief or religion Baul is belong to. They are free and do not tie themselves to any sects. There is no particular depiction of Baul. Some scholars describe Baul as a singer who wandering from village to village to sing. Also, they are described as a holy renouncer of Bengal, who roam alone and sing Baul song to subsist their life and to worship God. Henceforth, this research employs the ideology and practice in regard to death in Hindu orthodox and venacular Baul tradition to argue that the binary opposition view in regard to Baul and Hindu orthodoxy is “artificial construct.” It is not base on what has happened in society. In fact, the two cultures always accept, adjust, adapt, and deny each other. Indeed, Baul claims themselves to anti-Hindu orthodox, at the same time, they accept and adjust many of Hinduism.
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