THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN BAUL COMMUNITY

Somewhat less celebrated are Baul beliefs and practices: they are fiercely opposed to the caste system and sectarianism and, at least in the context of their sexo-yogic rituals and philosophy, extol women over men. Despite the importance of women among Bauls, scholarly and popular discourses on Bauls marginalize Baul women by depicting the ideal Baul as male and as unencumbered by social constraints and worldly concerns. For Baul women, these ideals pose distinct challenges to their position and reputation as women in rural Bengal, where gendered norms limit women’s actions. However, as musical performers hoping for patronage, behaving as a Baul can ensure their livelihood.

Women have a significant role in the religious and metaphysical sadhana (seeking) of Bauls. 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." But gender bias dies hard. Baul women (Baulanis, 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, always playing second fiddle to the men. It is only recently that they have come to the forefront.

A wandering life dependent on the charity of listeners is by no account an easy one; and it is all the more difficult for women. But for Baulanis, there can be no other way of life. In all their wanderings, Baulanis have never deviated from their basic philosophy, but that has not deterred them from incorporating the changing times in the themes of their songs. The careful listener will find subtle differences between the songs of Baulanis and those of their male counterparts. The modern Baulani is very much aware of her feminity, and her songs of liberation and emancipation of the self can also be applied in the context of the social status of women. An example of this can be found in the words of Subhadra Sharma, a Baulani from Nadia: Kobe hobe swajal borosha rekhechhi shei bhorosha/ Kotodine jabe amar bhagnadosha (My hopes rest on the purifying rains that will come and liberate me.)