Duddu Shah’s grave at Beltala village, in Jhenidah is in a sorry state.Photo: STAR

Rural bard Duddu Shah was one of the disciples closest to Lalon. It is believed that Duddu Shah became Lalon's disciple after the latter defeated him at a debate on philosophy at Cheuria, in Kushtia.
Duddu Shah was born as Dabir Uddin in 1841 (in Bengali-1248) at Beltala village, under Harinakundo upazila, in Jhenidah. His father's name was Jharu Mondol.
His father got him enrolled at the local pathshala (school). He attained significant knowledge in Quran, Hadith and other religious books. He learnt Arabic, Sanskrit and French.
At the age of 30, he left home to acquire further education. He traveled to Nabodwip, Nadia and Jessore. Later, he reached Kushtia, where he came across Lalon. After becoming Lalon's disciple, he stayed with the bard till his death. At Lalon's akhra (den), he was given the name 'Dud-Malik Shah.' People called him 'Duddu.'
Lalon Shah admired Duddu for his meritorious nature. It is believed that Duddu Shah memorised the whole “Chaitanya Charitamrita” by heart. Lalon was moved by Duddu's humility and scholarly ways. Lalon came to know that Duddu had left his wife and children, and advised him to go back home.
Duddu Shah composed around 200 spiritual songs. He wrote two books “Lalon Charit” and Noor-E-Mohammadi.” The bard breathed his last in 1911 and was buried at his village Beltala.
Sekander Ali of Beltala village gave away two and half decimal land for the memorial of Duddu Shah.
Duddu Shah's final resting place, however, is in a tragic shape now.
Daud Hossain, an elderly local, said that every year in the Bangla month of Falgun, a fair was held in the area in honour of Duddu Shah. The event drew thousands. Hossain said that the authorities should take necessary steps to renovate the bard's grave and build a memorial here.