Indigenous Fraud, Indigenous Baul identity theft!
https://lineagebaul.blogspot.com/2025/02/indigenous-identity-theft-indigenous.html
https://lineagebaul.blogspot.com/2025/04/fake-pretendian-hawker-baul-critique.html
Indigenous Fraud, Indigenous Baul Identity Theft!
This post addresses the critical issue of indigenous Baul fraud and identity theft, highlighting what is presented as the singular, authentic Baul lineage.
Lineage is a long line of ancestry, this is a long line of Indigenous ancestral Baul as Baul is, and it is the one and only Baul Parampara, or the one and only Guru Shisya Parampara Sampradaya, (Kula or sect).
The Authentic Baul Lineage: Babu Kishan and His Ancestry
Babu Kishan, also known as Krishnendu Das, is presented as the first person to publicly speak of a "Lineage" or "Sampradaya" in relation to Baul, beginning in the 1960s. This lineage is distinct from the "traveling Bauls" commonly seen today or in past decades. If others are using the intellectual property of this lineage, it is asserted they do not have permission.
This lineage is described as separate from what is currently presented as Baul, which includes "fake Baul Gurus and fake Baul lineages." These "fake Bauls" are said to have no relation to the authentic lineage, beyond the alleged intellectual theft. The "new Maa and Baba Bhakti business" is also dissociated from this lineage, with Babu Kishan referring to those involved as "hawker Bauls" who exploit Baul for donations and fundraising.
Babu Kishan's knowledge is stated to originate from his grandfather and Diksha Guru, Nabani Das Khyapa Baul. The Vaishnava Sahajiya Tantric Bauls (Chand Gosia Das Baul and Dasi) are emphasized as being based on ancestry and indigenous to Ekachakra, Birbhum, West Bengal.
It's contended that the world would not know about Baul if not for this specific lineage. Others who followed are described as not having been initiated into Baul but simply adopting their songs, dress, and movements, even following them internationally. The term "pretendian Bauls" is used to describe those who allegedly fabricated "fake lineages."
The History of Online Presence and Alleged Appropriation
The blog post points to Babu Kishan's first Baul website in the 1990s (Babukishan.com, defunct since 2006) as a source from which millions of people copied information, regardless of accuracy. Since 2009, with the creation of Lineagebaul.blogspot.com, a new group of "Pretendian Bauls" are accused of copying everything from this lineage. They are alleged to have created "fake Baul Gurus and Fake lineages," taken songs, styles, dances, instruments, and even claimed to be indigenous to Baul. This is characterized as indigenous identity theft.
Such individuals are accused of falsely claiming qualifications to teach at universities or associations with figures like Anandaymayi Ma or the Ramakrishna Mission. They are also said to gaslight people into providing donations or fundraising for "preserving Baul," despite Babu Kishan having allegedly preserved it for over 60 years.
Motives and Misrepresentations
The reasons for this alleged fraud are attributed to a desire for fame (like Purna Das Baul), recording contracts, and social media recognition as a "Baba" or "Ma Baul Master." The post asserts there is no such thing as a "Baul Master" in the authentic tradition, and those claiming the title are committing indigenous identity theft.
Accusations include:
Stealing songs, style, dance, and instruments from the lineage.
Receiving "indigenous Baul awards" despite not being authentic.
Creating foundations for fundraising.
Bragging about performing on major stages, a distinction previously reserved for Nabani Das Khyapa Baul (who performed as part of the freedom movement and at India's inauguration) and Purna Das Baul.
Purna Das Baul is highlighted as one of the first Baul singers and Indian vocalists to represent India globally, receiving numerous awards. The post asserts that "pretendian Bauls" should not receive awards as they are not initiated into Baul and are "liars."
The theft of songs from Babu Kishan's YouTube channel is mentioned, with analytics as proof. It's emphasized that the first tenet of Baul is to "tell the truth." Babu Kishan is stated to have recorded over 80% of his father's music decades before these "fake pretendian Bauls" were born. These individuals are accused of stealing songs and misattributing poets. The proliferation of "Baul lineages" after Babu Kishan named his blog "Lineage Baul" is also noted as suspicious.
The Peril of "Extinction" and False Lineages
The post argues that as Baul faces "extinction," "fake" artists are creating new, false "LINEAGES, Sampradayas and Parampara" based on individuals who were not Bauls. This is facilitated by the general public's lack of understanding of the language. These individuals are accused of copying the authentic lineage's songs, dress, and activities, including teaching at universities and recording songs. One "pretendian Baul" is said to falsely claim to have created Baul fusion in the late 1990s, when Babu Kishan allegedly did so two decades earlier. They are also accused of making false associations and spreading incorrect teachings.
The post firmly states there is "100% certainty there is no such thing as a 'Western Baul' or even a Western Baul lineage." The Sanskrit word Vamsa is provided as meaning "family lineage" and emphasizes that lineage is based on ancestry. It argues against creating a Sampradaya based on a few generations of a poet who never claimed to be a Baul. This is deemed "100% appropriation," especially as Baul is indigenous to Birbhum. Fundraising for "fake lineages" whose "Baul Guru is not even from Bengal" and did not call himself a Baul is questioned.
The True Meaning of Lineage and Sampradaya
The post aims to clarify the terms "lineage" and "sampradaya." It asserts that scholars, writers, journalists, and "fake Bauls" are misusing these terms, especially since the rise of social media. The post strongly claims there is "only one lineage and Sampradaya of Baul." This clarification is deemed necessary due to the "copycat nature" of what Baul has become.
What is the Definition of Lineage?
"Lineage" is not an Indian term, derived from Old French and Latin, meaning "descent, extraction, race" or "line of descent."
From Cambridge University, it refers to "the members of a person's family who are directly related to that person and who lived a long time before him or her."
It signifies "lineal descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree."
Babu Kishan used "lineage" in relation to his ancestry because he assumed others would not understand "Sampradaya."
Sampradaya
Sampradaya is the actual Sanskrit term. In Hinduism, it refers to "a traditional school of religious teaching, transmitted from one teacher to another."
It also means "a school of thought or philosophical conclusion or siddhanta, embodied by a community of orthodox practitioners."
Parampara means "one after the other"—an "historical chain of spiritual preceptors."
While this lineage of Vaishnava Tantric Sahajiya Bauls is not orthodox, it is presented as a living lineage that has evolved. However, current practices by "fakes" are described as having "nothing to do with Baul." Baul is said not to "collect people," preach, or take donations for themselves (their system of donations is called Dakshina, which was shared with villagers).
The family ancestry of this lineage is traced back to the 14th century through Nityanada (Gosia Chand Das Baul) of Ekachakra Birbhum, West Bengal, as a "Sanskrit living lineage" and "Sampradaya based on being indigenous (Gosai Chand)." The distinction is made that Bauls are Tantric indigenous to Vaishnava Baul and existed before Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
The Role of Babu Kishan in Preserving Baul
Babu Kishan is credited as the first person to organize tours throughout India and the world for his family lineage since the 1970s. This lineage is said to have "pioneered" bringing Baul to India and the world. Others who followed are accused of claiming legendary status and fabricating lineages.
It is asserted that no one would know about Baul without Nabani Das Khyapa Baul, his son Purna Das Baul, and Nabani's first grandson, Babu Kishan (Krishnendu Das). This family is credited with being the pioneers, providing the foundation for any current study or discussion of Baul.
The post explicitly states, "This is the only Lineage of Baul and the only Sampradya of Vaishnava Tantric Sahaja Baul (Gosia Chand) Das Baul and Dasi." Anyone else claiming such is labeled a "liar."
Warning Against Deception
A warning is issued about "unethical individuals" in India and the West making up lineages, collecting people, and lying. The post advises caution, as what "looks cute and exotic is not." It emphasizes that a true lineage requires a "long line of ancestors," which other "Bauls" allegedly lack, resorting to false associations.
The post also anticipates that those misusing "lineage" might switch to using "Sampradaya" next.
The Absence of Authentic Baul Gurus in Fabricated Lineages
The importance of a true Baul Guru for the transmission of Baul is stressed. It's claimed that those asserting lineage "do not even have a Baul Guru." Nabani Das Khyapa Baul is identified as the "last Baul Guru" who only passed it on to a few individuals. None of the people claiming a Baul Lineage or Sampradaya are associated with this "one and only lineage sampradya." Their only association is described as stealing intellectual property (poems, songs) and dress.
While inspiring others is encouraged, the act of not giving credit is labeled as "cheating and lying," violating the first tenet of Baul: "tell the truth." The preservation of Baul by this lineage, especially through Sri Nityananda of Ekachakra Birbhum, West Bengal, is highlighted, with the assertion that Baul is now "extinct."
The post also refutes the idea that Nityananda's lineage ended with Bhaktivindo Thakur, citing a lack of ancestral blood relation and Bhaktivindo Thakur's alleged dislike for indigenous peoples.
The Misappropriation of Poets and Performances
A key point is made regarding "Western Bauls" and other "actor Bauls" falsely claiming lineage. Their "Gurus" are stated as not being Baul and never calling themselves Baul. The claim is that they adopted the term "Lineage" after Babu Kishan used it, and list "Gurus" who had nothing to do with Baul.
Poets like Bhaba Pagla, Monohar Khepa, and Lalon Fakir are explicitly stated as not being Baul, despite their love for Baul and Nabani Das Khyapa Baul and Purna Das Baul's music. The post clarifies that followers of Monohar Khepa who stayed at his ashram in Kenduli are not Baul. While Purna Das Baul called Monohar Khepa a guru, it's clarified that he was not a Baul Guru, and Purna Das Baul often used the term "Guru" broadly.
Babu Kishan produced music for the poetry of these individuals and recorded them for his father, Purna Das Baul, to sing. The post stresses that just because Purna Das Baul sang their songs does not make them "Baul songs." This distinction is crucial, as scholars are accused of making claims without understanding this history.
Bhaba Pagla's association with Purna Das Baul is attributed to Babu Kishan potentially producing music for his poetry, leading to wider recognition.
Distinctions, Deception, and Academic Qualifications
The importance of distinctions is emphasized, as many are seen as "cheaters" seeking fame and donations, which does not make them Baul. They are accused of using, distorting, lying, and cheating with Baul for their own gain. This "watering down and reductionism" and "false teachings" can be proven. "Fakes" are challenged to prove their lineage is longer than 3 or 4 generations and consists of "actual Bauls." The post concludes that Baul is "extinct," and current practices are "cheating and lying."
It's reiterated that no one outside Bengal would know about Baul without this specific lineage.
Babu Kishan is presented as the only Baul educated in both the oral and academic traditions of Baul, Indian Philosophy, and Music. He is stated to be the only qualified Baul who has taught at universities worldwide since the 1970s. This is now being copied by outsiders who teach "false narratives" and "water down and reduce Baul." The act of posting pictures of "Gurus" is not seen as certification to teach.
Misappropriation of Instruments and Vaishnava Practices
The post mentions that "fakes" don't even know the correct names of the instruments they copied from Nabani Das Khyapa Baul. It describes how they adopt practices and stories after Babu Kishan or his family reveal them (e.g., associating with Nabani and Tarapith).
"Random Bauls" are now accused of posing as Vaishnava, altering their websites and stories to attract social media views. Babu Kishan's association with Indian Cinema and Bollywood is highlighted as unique.
Scholars are also criticized for speculating and misinterpreting Baul due to their inability to fully grasp it, leading to misinformation.
Babu Kishan's Background and Authenticity
Babu Kishan's academic qualifications include a Master's MA in Indian Music and Philosophy from Calcutta University. He was born into a Baul family in Birbhum, with his Baul Gurus being Nabani Das Khyapa Baul and Brajabala Dasi. He also spent 12 years as a monk in the Ramakrishna Mission.
His authenticity is rooted in being born into Baul and preserving the lineage since the 1960s. Westerners are seen as lacking discernment due to not understanding the vernacular Birbhum Bengali, oral Sanskrit, or Classical Sanskrit, or indigenous peoples. The rigorous process of becoming a music composer in the past (requiring numerous successful works and approval from established composers) is contrasted with today's ease of self-proclamation for a fee.
The Mystic Drums and Lineage Terms
The Ananda Lahari is identified as a mystic drum named only by Nabani Das Khyapa Baul. The Dotara was first used in Baul in the 1940s by Gopal Das Baul, Nabani's daughter Radharani Dasi's husband, who was the son of the Pujari at the Nityananda Temple in Ekachakra, Birbhum, India.
The Core Argument: A Single Lineage
The central argument is that there is only one lineage and Sampradaya of Baul, which is the ancestry of Babu Kishan, rooted in the true meaning of these terms. Anyone else claiming such is deemed a "liar," especially if they use the term "Das Baul," which is said to be copied from this lineage. The post calls for proving ancestry and the authenticity of "Baul Gurus" in any claimed lineage.
Conclusion: Cultural Genocide and Misrepresentation
The post concludes that the misuse of Baul by "unethical individuals" for income and fame constitutes "cultural genocide." It asserts that lying and cheating negate one's status as a Baul. Baul is not an "umbrella name," and there is no such thing as a "Fakir Baul."
The adoption of "lineage" by others is seen as an attempt to copy this specific lineage, even omitting names or creating "false narratives" that lead to the "cultural genocide of Baul." It criticizes the rapid self-certification as a Baul after short periods of study. The author claims to have documented all false teachings and will release them in a book.
The post expresses frustration that "fakes" are providing too much material that needs to be qualified, hindering the book's completion. It reiterates that "random Bauls" are posing as Vaishnava and even involved in Bollywood, which Babu Kishan is stated to be the only Baul authentically associated with.
Finally, it emphasizes that scholars' speculations contribute to misinformation about Baul.
The blog post consistently asserts the uniqueness and authenticity of Babu Kishan's Baul lineage. Do you have any specific sections you'd like to refine further, or perhaps new information you'd like to incorporate?
Clarifying "Lineage" and "Sampradaya" in the Context of Baul Tradition
The terms "lineage" and "sampradaya" are frequently misused in contemporary discussions surrounding Baul, particularly by scholars, writers, journalists, and individuals described as "fake Bauls" who have emerged with the rise of social media over the past decade. It is crucial to clarify these terms as, from this perspective, there is only one true lineage and Sampradaya of Baul. This clarification is essential to counter the "copycat nature" that has diluted the authentic Baul tradition since its decline in the late 1960s.
1. What is the Definition of Lineage?
It is important to note that "lineage" is not an Indian term. Its etymology traces back to Old French "lignage" ("descent, extraction, race") and Latin "linea" ("line of descent," literally "string").
According to Cambridge University, "lineage" refers to:
"The members of a person's family who are directly related to that person and who lived a long time before him or her."
This encompasses concepts like "ancestor (DNA)," "ancestral," "ancestry," "genealogy," and "family tree."
More broadly, it means "lineal descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree."
It also refers to "the line of descendants of a particular ancestor; family; race."
Babu Kishan utilized the term "lineage" to describe his ancestral connection to Baul because he anticipated that "Sampradaya" might not be widely understood. His use of "lineage" is rooted in this direct, ancestral meaning.
2. What is Sampradaya?
"Sampradaya" is the authentic Sanskrit term, distinct from the Western concept of "lineage" but related in its implication of tradition.
More formally, "Sampradaya means a school of thought or philosophical conclusion or siddhanta, embodied by a community of orthodox practitioners." However, it is crucial to understand that this definition can be nuanced.
A closely related term is Parampara, which literally means "'one after the other' – an historical chain of spiritual preceptors, each of whom was a legacy-holder for the same path and practice."
While the Vaishnava Tantric Sahajiya Bauls of this specific lineage are not considered "orthodox" in the mainstream sense, they represent a living tradition that has evolved. The key distinction highlighted is that authentic Bauls do not "collect people," preach, or amass donations for personal gain. Their system of giving, known as Dakshina, was historically shared with villagers, leaving no personal trace.
The Singular Baul Lineage and Sampradaya:
This particular family ancestry, described as a "Lineage," can be directly traced to the 14th century through Nityanada (Gosia Chand Das Baul) of Ekachakra, Birbhum, West Bengal. This represents a Sanskrit living lineage, extending back thousands of years.
This lineage is presented as the sole Sampradaya based on being indigenous (Gosai Chand), embodying both the definition of lineage (ancestry) and sampradaya (a traditional, continuous school of teaching). The crucial difference between this Baul lineage and other Gosia (or Gosain, Goswami) traditions is that Bauls are Tantric and indigenous to Vaishnava Baul, predating Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Their Sahajiya Tantric nature means they are inherently not orthodox, yet this does not invalidate their status as a genuine lineage.
For a true "Parampara" to exist, there must be an uninterrupted succession of genuine Baul Gurus. It is asserted that those falsely claiming lineage today do not possess a true Baul Guru. Nabani Das Khyapa Baul is stated to have been the last Baul Guru, who transmitted the tradition to only a select few. No individual or group currently claiming a "Baul Lineage" or "Sampradaya" is associated with this sole authentic lineage. Their only connection is through the alleged theft of intellectual property (poems, songs) and traditional dress.
The existence of Baul today is attributed solely to the preservation efforts of this lineage, stemming from their direct blood ancestor Sri Nityananda of Ekachakra, Birbhum, West Bengal, and sustained through centuries of oral tradition. From this perspective, Baul is now extinct outside of this genuine transmission.
It is warned that individuals, particularly in the West, claiming a "Western Baul lineage," have no basis for such claims. Their "Gurus" are reportedly not Baul and never identified as such. The widespread adoption of the term "lineage" by these individuals is seen as a direct imitation of Babu Kishan's terminology. Furthermore, many poets commonly associated with Baul, such as Bhaba Pagla, Monohar Khepa, and Lalon Fakir, are emphasized as not being Baul themselves. While they may have shared associations or their poetry was sung by authentic Bauls like Purna Das Baul (with music produced by Babu Kishan), this does not categorize them or their followers as Baul.
The insistence on these precise definitions and distinctions serves to expose what is seen as widespread "cheating" and "lying" within the Baul tradition, driven by desires for fame and financial gain. This "watering down" and "reductionism" are viewed as direct threats to the integrity of Baul.
