Shah Abdul Karim: Melody of Love, Spirituality, and Unity

Born in Sunamganj, Bangladesh, on the shores of the Kalni River, Shah Abdul Karim is a legendary figure in Bengali Baul music. Recognized as the Baul Shomrat (Baul King,) Karim's songs echoed from villages of Bangladesh to international stages, putting together an unforgettable image of the simplicity and spirituality of rural Bangla. He wrote more than 1,600 songs during his lifetime, and his profound lyrics won over millions of hearts. Even though many of his compositions have been lost just because they were not documented, his philosophy lives on in the pieces that still inspire and connect people worldwide.

On February 5, 1916, in the Sunamganj district's Ujan Dhol village, Shah Abdul Karim was born into a poor family. Being the only son out of six siblings, like most people living in poverty in the villages of Bangladesh he had to adjust to the harsh realities of life at an early age. While he had to work as a herdsman for just Tk 2 to support his family, his early years were filled with hardship. Despite his hardships, music became Karim's haven during long days of handling cattle.

Karim first heard the Baul music from his grandfather, Nasibullah who was a wandering mystic. As a result of this early exposure, Karim found his lifelong passion, Music. Which can be heard in his songs,

“I don't want anything but music. I sing songs. To convince my heart. But my heart is in the land of the crazies(for music).”

The only form of formal education Karim had was during British rule when a night school was established in his village. Unfortunately, after only eight days, the school was shut down due to rumors of World War II conscription. Without access to a traditional school, Karim got his education from nature, its people, and his own experiences. Once in an interview, he expressed, “I am not being boastful. I became more knowledgeable than school-going people with the blessings of peers and murshid (holy man and tutor) and the experiences gifted by the creator. And because of this gift, you love me so much and came to me. There are many more Karims like me who are wandering around. But you came to me.”

Despite Karim's unwavering devotion to music, the extremists of the country opposed him. He encountered strong opposition from the villagers too, who called him a "Kafir" for not up music. And took his lyrics as a threat to their beliefs. This is to some extent true as he did not believe in any institutionalized religion. To the threats he responded,  “I won’t promise something I won’t do later. I won’t lie in front of everyone.” Because of his honesty, he lost his house and was forced into exile. Karim left his village and wandered around town before taking sanctuary in Gandha, a village with a strong musical heritage. Despite the social rejection, Karim's exile was a pivotal moment that strengthened his ties to the Baul philosophy.

To get him out of his Boula life his parents forced him to marry Kachamala when he was 35. The marriage lasted only for a short period as his love of music took priority over his household duties. Karim demonstrated his dedication to his true love by choosing his art over his family.

Aftabunnesa, his second wife, affectionately known as Sorola, became his dearest companion and pillar of support. This is what Karim had to say about Sorola,

“She was named Boishakhi. I found her simple-natured and started calling her Shorola(someone who is simple).” 

Because of Sorola's caring support, Karim was able to fully focus on his music despite their financial difficulties. She often told him, “If I tie you down with my saree, how will you ever explore the world? And if you don’t go out and meet people, how will you understand life or compose your songs?”

He wrote many many songs expressing his love for her. Karim's life was left empty after Sorola passed away in 1987. Karim lived with the pain of her loss for the rest of his life, filled with guilt over not being there for her in her last moments. Even at her funeral, the local imam refused to perform her burial rituals, further demonstrating the social rejection he experienced. Karim went on and performed her funeral prayers himself. Sorola was buried in a room opposite to where he stayed in their home reflecting his deep love and attachment to her.

Themes of love, spirituality, and social justice were all woven together in Shah Abdul Karim's music. His Baul philosophy, defended simplicity and humanity while criticizing materialism and religious dogmas. The essence of rural life and the hardships faced by people were encapsulated in his lyrics. Karim’s songs, such as “Gari Cholena Cholena”, “Ami Koolhara Kolonkini”, “Kemone Bulibo Tara”, “Shokhi Tora Prem Koriona”, "Age ki shundor din kataitam" and "Maya lagaise," remain popular with listeners even people who are not into Baul music. Karim’s profound insights into life and spirituality found universal appeal. His ability to express complex emotions in simple yet powerful lyrics solidified his place as a storyteller and philosopher.

He received numerous awards filling his rooms. He was also honored with Ekushey Padak in 2001. Upon receiving his honor he spoke,

“I received my honor a long time ago. When I was young. At a farmer’s union, Moulana Bhashani patted me and told me that I am a people’s artist.”

Karim often came into conflict with fundamentalists because of his commitment to humanity over religious doctrine. His songs, which welcomed spirituality and love, occasionally drew criticism for breaking with conventions.

On September 12, 2009, at the age of 93, Karim passed away. His body was laid in state at the Shaheed Minar, where thousands gathered to pay respect. In his honor, a fleet of boats sailed him to Dhul Gram, his village, where he was buried next to Sorola.

His songs were collected in six books: Aftab Sangeet, Gano Sangeet, Kalnir Dhew, Dholmela, Bhatir Chithi, and Kalnir Kooley. The Bangla Academy translated 10 of his songs into English, to expand his legacy to a global audience. 

Shah Abdul Karim's songs are still performed by traditional Bauls across Bangladesh and West Bengal, maintaining authenticity. Artists from genres other than Bauls such as Habib Wahid, Arifin Rumey, Kaya, and Helal have transformed his songs for modern listeners. ensuring that his legacy is embraced by both the younger and older generations.  Reminding us of the importance of love, spirituality, and humanity in a world consumed by materialism and division.