Lalon (17 October 1774 – 17 October 1890) [2] was a multi-talented Bengali ; Who is also known as Fakir Lalan , Lalan Sai , Lalan Shah , Mahatma Lalan etc. [3] He is a spiritual fakir saint, humanist , social reformer and philosopher . He was the lyricist , composer and singer of numerous songs . Lalon is considered one of the pioneers of Baul songs [4] [5] and his songs gained considerable popularity in the 19th century .No details are available about Lalan's life. His most intact sources are the 288 songs he composed himself. But he did not leave any information about his life in any of Lalan's songs, but in some songs he called himself as "Lalan Fakir". Fifteen days after his death , an editorial in Hitkari newspaper published from Kushtia said, “It is difficult to find any material to write his biography. He did not say anything himself. Disciples cannot say anything out of his prohibition or ignorance.” [14]
There is debate as to where Lalan was born. Lalon himself never revealed it. According to some sources, Lalan was born in 1774 AD in Harishpur village of Harinakundu Upazila in Jhenaidah District of then undivided Bengal (present day Bangladesh ) . [15] Some Lalon researchers believe that Lalon Kushtia was born in the village of Khanarya belonging to Chapra Union of Kumarkhali Thana. Many disagree with this opinion. Bengali In an article published in the month of Asadha in 1348, Lalan was mentioned as born in Fulbari village of Jessore district . [16] According to one source, his father's name is Kazi Daribullah Dewan. [17] Grandfather's name is Kazi Ghulam Qadir and mother's name is Amina Khatun. Kazi is their hereditary title. According to researchers, Lalon Shah had two more brothers. Alam Shah and Kalam Shah. Alam Shah worked as a Calcutta laborer. According to another information, they are four brothers: Alam Shah, Kalam Shah, Chalam Shah and Lalon Shah. Although it is believed that there was no brother named Chalam Shah, there was another brother named Malam Shah. Alam and Malam fell to their deaths in Manvantar in the 70s. Lalon Fakir took refuge in Inu Kazi's house in Harishpur's Dakshin Para for livelihood.
According to the news article published in Hitkari newspaper, Lalan once went on a pilgrimage when he was young and contracted smallpox on the way. Then his companions abandoned him for dead and went to their respective destinations. Malam Shah rescued Mumurshu Lalan who was floating in the river Kaliganga. Malam Shah and his wife Matizan took him home and nursed him back to health. Then Lalan was initiated by him and started living with his wife and disciple at Cheuriya in Kushtia . Lalan lost an eye to smallpox . [18] In Chewria he met and was influenced by the philosophical singer Siraj Sai . [19]
Besides, it is known that Lalan was a family man. He had some land and houses. [14] Lalan was a skilled horseman and in his old age traveled to various places on horseback. [14]
