The Influence of Persian Language and Iranian Mysticism on the Songs of Fakir Lalon Shah

Fakir Lalon Shah is a well known and renounced lyricist in the field of music in Bangladesh. About ten thousand lyrics of Lalon’s folk songs were composed verbally, but only 1100 songs have been preserved till now. There are many different perceptions about Lalon Shah from religious sights, he composed songs of love, equality, and spirituality. When he was born in Bengal, the whole subcontinent was under British imperialism. Persian language was prevalent in Indian subcontinent more than six hundred years. It was the state language during Mongol Empire. Since then, Persian language and literature, customs and culture were assimilated with the Bengali language, literature, and culture. It has a great influence on Bengali literature. Many poets of Bangladesh have used Persian words and elements in their literature. They also composed books in Persian language whose manuscripts can be found in this region at present. In this sequence, spiritual songs and folk songs of Lalon Shah were found also in Iran and the Iranian were also privileged from the Persian words and elements used by him. In this article, the effects of Persian Language and Iranian spirituality on Lalon’s songs will be discussed.
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