Lalon Shah is best known as an icon of the Baul tradition - Multiple Choice & Short Question for HSC English First Paper - English for Today for Class 11 and 12 / Seen Passage for HSC
- Fakhruddin Babar
- Feb 13
- 9 min read
Updated: Feb 17
1. Read the passage below and answer the questions following it.
Lalon Shah (1774-1890) is best known as an icon of the Baul tradition in Bengal, although he was also a philosopher, thinker and social reformer. He preached religious tolerance and rejected social differences based on class, caste and creed. He also believed that a search for truth should begin with the body, which reflects the mystery of creation.
Although Lalon’s songs are admired for the profound philosophical and mystical insights they offer, he did not receive any formal education. Not much is known about his early life. A popular story about him- which many believe to be true — is that while on a pilgrimage to a holy place, Lalon, who was born a Hindu, contracted smallpox and was abandoned by his companions. A Muslim fakir, SirajSain, picked him up and took him to his own house where he nursed him back to health. When Lalon returned home, his family refused to take him in as he had lived in a Muslim household. So Lalon returned to SirajSain and took up a life of devotion and asceticism under his guidance. After the death of Sainji, Lalon set up an akhrah or monastery in Chheuriya near Kushtia. It soon attracted admirers and mystics in search of salvation who became initiated into Baul asceticism and became his disciples. As Lalon began writing and composing songs, which his disciples sang with the accompaniment of ektara or dotara, his fame spread to faraway places. Rabindranath Tagore and KaziNazrul Islam were among those who admired him and were influenced by his shahajiya philosophy (the attainment of the self through the simple truths that reside in one’s own body and soul-not outside – which can be reached through sadhana or meditation). Many of his disciples also became famous for their songs. They included KangalHarinathMajumder, Pagla Kanai and Dudu Shah.
A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives.
a. Who is Lalon Shah best known as?
i. A philosopher ii. A thinker iii. An icon of the Baul tradition iv. A social reformer
b. What did Lalon Shah preach?
i. Religious intolerance ii. Religious tolerance
iii. Social differences based on caste iv. Social differences based on class
c. What did Lalon Shah reject?
i. Social differences based on gender ii. Social differences based on age
iii. Social differences based on class, caste, and creed iv. Social differences based on wealth
d. Where did Lalon Shah believe the search for truth should begin?
i. With the mind ii. With the body iii. With the soul iv. With nature
e. What reflects the mystery of creation according to Lalon Shah?
i. The mind ii. The soul iii. The universe iv. The body
f. What is known about Lalon Shah’s formal education?
i. He received a traditional education ii. He did not receive any formal education
iii. He studied abroad iv. He was self-taught
g. What is known about Lalon Shah’s early life?
i. He was born into a wealthy family ii. He received formal education
iii. Not much is known iv. He traveled extensively
h. What disease did Lalon Shah contract during his pilgrimage?
i. Malaria ii. Smallpox iii. Cholera iv. Tuberculosis
i. Who nursed Lalon Shah back to health?
i. A Hindu priest ii. His companions iii. A Muslim fakir, SirajSain iv. His family
j. Why did Lalon Shah’s family refuse to take him back?
i. He had converted to another religion ii. He had lived in a Muslim household
iii. He had abandoned them iv. He was still sick
B. Answer the following questions.
a. Who is Lalon Shah best known as?
b. What other roles did Lalon Shah play besides being an icon of the Baul tradition?
c. What did Lalon Shah preach regarding religion?
d. What social differences did Lalon Shah reject?
e. What did Lalon Shah believe should be the starting point for a search for truth?
f. Why is Lalon Shah’s body significant in his philosophy?
g. What is the general perception of Lalon’s songs?
h. What is known about Lalon Shah’s formal education?
i. What is known about Lalon Shah’s early life?
j. What popular story is associated with Lalon Shah’s pilgrimage?
Answer:
A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives.
a. Who is Lalon Shah best known as?iii. An icon of the Baul tradition
b. What did Lalon Shah preach?ii. Religious tolerance
c. What did Lalon Shah reject?iii. Social differences based on class, caste, and creed
d. Where did Lalon Shah believe the search for truth should begin?ii. With the body
e. What reflects the mystery of creation according to Lalon Shah?iv. The body
f. What is known about Lalon Shah’s formal education?ii. He did not receive any formal education
g. What is known about Lalon Shah’s early life?iii. Not much is known
h. What disease did Lalon Shah contract during his pilgrimage?ii. Smallpox
i. Who nursed Lalon Shah back to health?iii. A Muslim fakir, Siraj Sain
j. Why did Lalon Shah’s family refuse to take him back?ii. He had lived in a Muslim household
B. Answer the following questions
a. Who is Lalon Shah best known as?
Lalon Shah is best known as an important figure in the Baul tradition of Bengal. The Bauls are a group of spiritual singers and musicians who follow a unique way of life, focusing on simplicity, devotion, and inner truth. Lalon became famous for his songs, which express deep philosophical and spiritual ideas. Many people admire him for his wisdom and the messages in his songs.
b. What other roles did Lalon Shah play besides being an icon of the Baul tradition?
In addition to being a famous Baul singer and poet, Lalon Shah was also a philosopher, a deep thinker, and a social reformer. He believed in equality and wanted to remove divisions in society based on religion, caste, and class. His teachings encouraged people to focus on kindness and humanity instead of external differences. As a philosopher, he explored spiritual ideas, and as a reformer, he worked to bring people together through love and understanding.
c. What did Lalon Shah preach regarding religion?
Lalon Shah preached religious tolerance, which means he believed that people should respect all religions and not fight over differences. He taught that true spirituality comes from within a person, not from following strict religious rules. He believed that love, humanity, and self-realization were more important than religious identities. His songs and teachings encourage people to live peacefully, accepting and respecting others regardless of their religion.
d. What social differences did Lalon Shah reject?
Lalon Shah rejected social differences based on class, caste, and creed. In his time, society was divided into different groups, with some people treated as superior and others as inferior. Lalon did not accept these divisions and believed that all human beings were equal. He wanted a world where people were not judged by their birth or religion but by their character and actions. His songs and teachings spread this message of unity and equality.
e. What did Lalon Shah believe should be the starting point for a search for truth?
Lalon Shah believed that the search for truth should begin with the human body. He thought that the human body holds the secrets of creation and self-realization. Instead of looking for truth in religious books or external rituals, he encouraged people to look within themselves to find the real meaning of life. According to him, understanding oneself is the first step toward spiritual wisdom.
f. Why is Lalon Shah’s body significant in his philosophy?
Lalon Shah believed that the human body is a reflection of the mystery of creation. He thought that the truth of life and spirituality could be discovered by understanding one’s own body and soul. In his philosophy, the body is like a temple where wisdom and divine knowledge can be found. He rejected the idea that people need religious ceremonies to connect with God and instead taught that self-awareness and personal experience are more important.
g. What is the general perception of Lalon’s songs?
Lalon’s songs are highly respected because they contain deep spiritual and philosophical meanings. People admire them not only for their beautiful melodies but also for their powerful messages about love, humanity, and equality. His songs encourage self-reflection and inspire people to think about life in a different way. Many great poets and thinkers, such as Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, were influenced by Lalon’s songs. Even today, his music continues to inspire people.
h. What is known about Lalon Shah’s formal education?
Lalon Shah did not receive any formal education. Unlike many famous poets and philosophers, he did not study in schools or learn from books. Instead, his knowledge and wisdom came from his personal experiences, deep thinking, and spiritual practice. Despite not having formal education, he created songs and poems that are full of deep meaning and powerful messages, showing that true wisdom does not always come from schools but from understanding life.
i. What is known about Lalon Shah’s early life?
Not much is known about Lalon Shah’s early life. There are very few records about where he was born or how he grew up. Some people believe that he was born into a Hindu family, but there is no clear proof. The lack of information about his early years makes his life even more mysterious. What is certain is that he later became a great spiritual leader and influenced many people through his teachings and music.
j. What popular story is associated with Lalon Shah’s pilgrimage?
A popular story about Lalon Shah says that he once went on a pilgrimage to a holy place, but during the journey, he became very sick with smallpox. His companions left him behind because they did not want to take care of him. A kind Muslim fakir named Siraj Sain found him and took him to his house. Siraj Sain nursed Lalon back to health. However, when Lalon tried to return to his family, they refused to accept him because he had lived in a Muslim household. After being rejected by his family, Lalon returned to Siraj Sain and began a new life as a spiritual seeker. Later, he became a great Baul saint and philosopher.
Bangla Translation
বাংলা অনুবাদঃ
লালন শাহ (১৭৭৪–১৮৯০) প্রধানত বাংলার বাউল ধারার প্রতীক হিসেবে পরিচিত, তবে তিনি ছিলেন একজন দার্শনিক, চিন্তাবিদ এবং সমাজ সংস্কারকও। তিনি ধর্মীয় সহনশীলতা প্রচার করতেন এবং শ্রেণী, জাত এবং বিশ্বাসের ভিত্তিতে সামাজিক পার্থক্য প্রত্যাখ্যান করতেন। তিনি বিশ্বাস করতেন যে সত্যের সন্ধান শরীর থেকেই শুরু হওয়া উচিত, যা সৃষ্টির রহস্য প্রতিফলিত করে।
যদিও লালনের গানগুলি গভীর দার্শনিক এবং আধ্যাত্মিক অন্তর্দৃষ্টির জন্য প্রশংসিত হয়, তিনি কোন প্রাতিষ্ঠানিক শিক্ষা লাভ করেননি। তার প্রারম্ভিক জীবন সম্পর্কে বেশি কিছু জানা যায় না। তার সম্পর্কে একটি জনপ্রিয় গল্প, যা অনেকে সত্য বলে মনে করেন, তা হলো যে পবিত্র স্থানে তীর্থযাত্রা করার সময়, হিন্দু জন্মগ্রহণকারী লালন গুটিবসন্তে আক্রান্ত হন এবং তার সঙ্গীরা তাকে পরিত্যাগ করে। এক মুসলিম ফকির, সিরাজ সাঁই, তাকে তুলে নিয়ে নিজের বাড়িতে নিয়ে যান এবং তাকে সুস্থ করে তোলেন।
যখন লালন বাড়ি ফিরলেন, তখন পরিবার তাকে গ্রহণ করতে অস্বীকার করল কারণ তিনি একটি মুসলিম পরিবারের সাথে বসবাস করেছিলেন। তাই লালন সিরাজ সাঁইয়ের কাছে ফিরে যান এবং তার নির্দেশনায় ভক্তি ও সন্ন্যাসের জীবন গ্রহণ করেন। সাঁইজির মৃত্যুর পর, লালন কুষ্টিয়ার কাছে ছেউড়িয়াতে একটি আখড়া স্থাপন করেন। এটি শীঘ্রই ভক্ত এবং মুক্তির সন্ধানকারী Mystics-দের আকর্ষণ করে যারা বাউল সন্ন্যাসে দীক্ষিত হন এবং তার শিষ্য হন।
যখন লালন গান লেখা এবং সুর করা শুরু করেন, যা তার শিষ্যরা একতারা বাদোতারার সঙ্গতে গাইতেন, তখন তার খ্যাতি দূর–দূরান্তে ছড়িয়ে পড়ে। রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর এবং কাজী নজরুল ইসলাম তার মধ্যে ছিলেন যারা তাকে প্রশংসা করতেন এবং তার সহজিয়া দর্শনে প্রভাবিত হয়েছিলেন (স্ব–অর্জন সহজ সত্যগুলির মাধ্যমে যা নিজের শরীর এবং আত্মায় বিদ্যমান – বাইরের নয় – যা সাধনা বা ধ্যানের মাধ্যমে পৌঁছানো যায়)।
তার অনেক শিষ্যও তাদের গানের জন্য বিখ্যাত হন। তাদের মধ্যে ছিলেন কাঙ্গাল হরিনাথ মজুমদার, পাগলা কানাই এবং দদু শাহ।
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Vocabulary words from the text along with their Bangla meanings:
General Vocabulary
Icon - প্রতীক
Tradition - ঐতিহ্য
Philosopher - দার্শনিক
Thinker - চিন্তাবিদ
Social reformer - সমাজ সংস্কারক
Preach - প্রচার করা
Tolerance - সহনশীলতা
Reject - প্রত্যাখ্যান করা
Caste - বর্ণ
Creed - ধর্মবিশ্বাস
Spiritual & Philosophical Terms
Mystery - রহস্য
Creation - সৃষ্টিকর্ম
Profound - গভীর
Insight - অন্তর্দৃষ্টি
Devotion - ভক্তি
Asceticism - তপস্যা
Salvation - মুক্তি
Meditation - ধ্যান
Self-realization - আত্মসচেতনতা
Spirituality - আধ্যাত্মিকতা
Education & Learning
Formal education - প্রাতিষ্ঠানিক শিক্ষা
Wisdom - জ্ঞান
Self-taught - আত্মশিক্ষিত
Knowledge - জ্ঞান
Experience - অভিজ্ঞতা
Philosophy - দর্শন
Teachings - শিক্ষা
Understanding - বোঝাপড়া
Truth - সত্য
Realization - উপলব্ধি
Life Events & Story
Pilgrimage - তীর্থযাত্রা
Companion - সহযাত্রী
Contract (a disease) - সংক্রমিত হওয়া
Smallpox - গুটি বসন্ত
Abandon - পরিত্যাগ করা
Nurse (back to health) - সেবা করে সুস্থ করা
Household - পরিবার বা গৃহস্থালি
Refuse - অস্বীকার করা
Shelter - আশ্রয়
Guidance - দিকনির্দেশনা
Music & Influence
Monastery - আশ্রম
Disciples - শিষ্যরা
Accompaniment - সঙ্গত
Fame - খ্যাতি
Influence - প্রভাব
Philosophical songs - দার্শনিক গান
Composition - সঙ্গীত রচনা
Respect - সম্মান
Legacy - উত্তরাধিকার
Wisdom through songs - গানের মাধ্যমে জ্ঞান
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