Duddu sah: 1796-1907.

• Author: Das, Rahul Peter

The most famous of Lalan's many disciples is probably Duddu. According to a recent biography,(12) Duddu may be regarded as the explicator and popularizer of Lalan's doctrines.(13) Rah-man draws attention to the fact that many particulars of Duddu's life are shrouded in mystery or are the subject of legend, and has tried to bring some light into the matter, even taking the trouble of visiting the still living descendants of this great Baul in their village. Though many of his arguments have much to be said for them, at other times he does appear to be rather apodictic in taking certain statements to be valid over other ones, citing as a reason, e.g., that no other argument seems available, or simply stating that what he sets forth is the truth, without it being clear why this should be so. Thus what he says about Duddu's full name, his genealogy, his date of birth and his education and upbringing is clearly not conclusive; on the other hand, he does present a convincing case for Duddu having been highly educated, not only in Arabic, Persian and Islamic doctrines, but also in Sanskrit and various Hindu disciplines. It also seems most probable that Duddu was at first a glowing learned fighter against unorthodox" Islam, but was converted by Lalan after being defeated in a debate with him and made to forsake his orthodox views and embrace the Baul faith (though the details remain unclear). He would also appear to have been socially quite engaged, as well as something of a nationalist.(14) As regards his songs, the author attempts a new classification (in accordance with what he has elsewhere stated to be the authentic traditional classificatory principles of Lalan's and Baul songs in general);(15) whether he is correct in doing so I cannot say. But be that as it may, the detailed analysis that Duddu's songs have been submitted to in this work will surely be welcomed by scholars; this analysis also shows clearly how Duddu was able to expound learnedly on intricate matters of Baul dogma, with a grounding in various branches of learning. However, one may be allowed to question whether this very trait of his has indeed been instrumental in illuminating the obscurity...