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Baak (Assamese folklore)
Baak (Assamese folklore)
Baak (Assamese folklore)
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Baak, Bak or Ghorabak (Assamese: বাঁক, ঘোঁৰাবাঁক; IPA: ['bak]) is a shapeshifting creature that frequently appears in folktales in Assam. The baak is believed to live near water bodies and is usually malevolent in nature, troubling fishermen among others. The baak is fond of fish. Unlike many other creatures which are limited to parts of the state, the baak finds space in folklore across Assam.[1][2]

Appearance

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Baaks are usually tall and thin, with long legs and arms. In villages, very tall and skinny people are often compared to Baaks. They usually have little to no hair.[3]

Powers and habits

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The baak is usually believed to be malevolent in nature. It lives near water bodies and enjoys raw fish.[4] They can cast nets to catch fish on their own. While fishermen are busy fishing in lakes, ponds, or along the banks, they quietly eat the fish and deplete the stock. It is sometimes believed that if the fisherman is killed or rendered unconscious, they take on the fisherman's form and visit the host's house.

Baak can be murderous, drowning its victim to death. It often assumes the form of its victim after death or possesses the victim.[1][5] It then goes on to live with the victim's family, attempting to kill them too. The Baak can fool people by copying the voices of their loved ones to make them step outside. Therefore, people believe that no one should get up when unknown people call in the middle of the night.

Carrying a torn fishing net can help avoid baaks, as they are said to be afraid of it. There is a cycle of stories where the baak assumes the form of a man to live with his wife.[6] Kishore Bhattacharjee notes that this may be associated with unconscious fears of extra-marital love from the male point of view.[citation needed]

Baaks are not always described to be murderous however. Many a times, benign baaks simply possess victims or play tricks with them,[7] particularly with children.[1]

Sometimes, baak is described as carrying a pouch that contains its powers. The baak's life depends on it and taking possession of it can make one its master.[5][6] However, Benudhar Rajkhowa in his classic "Assamese demonology" assigns these attributes to the doit and not the baak.[7]

Classification

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Rajkhowa in his "Assamese Demonology" classifies Assamese spirits into "sub-terrananian", "terrestrial", "aerial" and "celestial". He places the baak among the terrestrial. The terrestrial spirits are further classified into aqueous, sylvan and household. Rajkhowa classifies the baak as an aqueous spirit, listing it as the first in his list of five major aqueous spirits.[7] Rajkhowa describes the following folk idiom to connect baak to waters:

Assamese: Hanhor uporot xiyal roja, Pota pukhurit bak roja
Translation: A jackal is the lord of poultry, A bak is supreme in a deserted tank.

Kishore Bhattacharjee notes in his contribution to "Folklore as Discourse" that everyday Assamese legends usually generate expectations of black magic; spirits of rivers, lakes and trees; names of places; buried treasure; origin of temples; healers and wise folks; and history seen by people including saint legends, partly based on the work of Christensen and Kvideland.[8] The stories of the baak apparently come under the second category. However, stories of ghosts and spirits internationally known as legends are not culturally identified as legend here, according to Bhattacharjee.

[edit]

Bakor Putek (The Bak's son) is an Assamese movie released in 2012 that focuses on the social and personal consequences of superstition in rural Assam.[9] The belief in stories of the Bak assuming the form of the husband and living with his wife after killing him brings trouble to the lives of a married couple. The 2024 Tamil film Aranmanai 4 also features the story of Bak.[10]

References

[edit]
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Baak (Assamese folklore)

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Baak, also spelled Bak or Ghorabak, is a aquatic spirit in Assamese , primarily known for its fondness for and its association with bodies of such as deserted and ponds. This entity is depicted as stealthily raiding traps to devour , sometimes even consuming cocoons or shells, while its body emits an offensive that taints the surrounding . In local beliefs, the Baak holds dominion over abandoned water sources, as reflected in the : "A is the lord of ; a bak is supreme in a deserted ," underscoring its unchallenged presence in such environments. Within the broader framework of Assamese demonology, as classified by scholar Benudhar Rajkhowa in his 1905 treatise Assamese Demonology, the Baak falls under water-related spirits that interact with human activities around rivers, ponds, and fisheries, often troubling fishermen by interfering with their catches. The Baak is characterized more by its gluttonous habits than direct violence, though it embodies cautionary tales about the perils of isolated waters. These attributes highlight the Baak's role in preserving cultural awareness of environmental and occupational hazards in Assam's riverine landscape. The Baak remains a staple in Assamese oral traditions and , serving to instill respect for water bodies and their hidden dangers among communities reliant on and . Its enduring presence in has influenced modern media, including the Assamese Bakor Putek (2012), which draws on these legends to explore themes of the and human folly.

Origins and Etymology

Historical Origins

The concept of Baak emerges from the oral traditions of rural , where it is depicted as an aqueous spirit inhabiting deserted tanks and watercourses, reflecting animistic beliefs in the region's indigenous communities. These traditions, passed down through generations in agrarian societies surrounded by the and its tributaries, underscore fears of unpredictable water bodies that posed constant threats to fishermen and villagers. 's attributes agency to natural elements, with Baak embodying the peril of aquatic environments. Beliefs surrounding Baak reflect historical anxieties over water hazards in Northeast India's flood-prone landscape, fostering narratives that caution against the dangers of rivers and ponds through tales of the spirit troubling fishermen by interfering with their catches. This association highlights how served as a cultural mechanism to explain and caution against the perils of isolated waters, prevalent in Assam's medieval and early modern periods when oral stories reinforced community vigilance around water sources. The formal documentation of Baak began in the early 20th century, with Benudhar Rajkhowa classifying it as a "terrestrial aqueous spirit" in his 1905 work Assamese Demonology, drawing directly from popular oral accounts. According to Rajkhowa, the Baak is fond of fish, which it catches by netting, and lives in deserted tanks, emitting an offensive smell that taints the water, as reflected in the proverb: "A bak is supreme in a deserted tank," positioning it among other aqueous entities like the Dot. The Baak does not generally kill but may belabor victims. This classification marked a transition from purely animistic oral lore to structured ethnological recording, influenced by British colonial interest in indigenous customs during the 19th and early 20th centuries. By this era, Assamese folklore had evolved into a more codified form, blending ancient beliefs with literary influences from Vaishnava traditions, though Baak retained its primal, watery essence.

Linguistic Roots

The term "Baak" originates from the Assamese word বাঁক (pronounced [bak]), which denotes a visible disembodied soul or the of a strange, otherworldly , fundamentally referring to a or spirit in the language. This linguistic root underscores the creature's portrayal in as a deceptive entity, aligning with broader cultural perceptions of spirits as tricksters or impostors. Spelling and pronunciation variations of the term include "Bak" and "Ghorabak," with the latter appearing in regional dialects to describe similar riverine spirits. These variants reflect phonetic adaptations across Assamese-speaking communities, where the core meaning remains tied to supernatural deception. The Baak is closely associated with aquatic habitats as a core trait in these narratives. As an Indo-Aryan language, Assamese draws on Sanskrit-derived nomenclature for supernatural beings, such as bhūta (ghost) or preta (departed spirit), influencing the conceptualization of entities like the Baak within Northeast Indian folklore. However, "baak" represents a localized evolution, distinct from pan-Indo-Aryan terms, tailored to Assam's watery landscapes and oral traditions. In Assamese folk literature, the term "baak" appears in tales, songs, and proverbs to evoke water-related mischief, such as spirits disrupting fishermen or causing unexplained disturbances near ponds and rivers. Publications like those from Aank-Baak preserve these usages, highlighting the word's role in transmitting cultural warnings about deceptive aquatic perils.

Physical Description

Appearance

In Assamese , the Baak lacks a detailed physical description in primary sources, but is associated with an overpowering offensive odor that taints the water and surrounding air of the bodies it inhabits. This sensory trait serves as a warning to fishermen and others nearby. Unlike more monstrous aqueous spirits such as the , the Baak is not depicted with specific features like elongated limbs or forms.

Habitat and Associations

The Baak is primarily associated with deserted or abandoned water bodies in , such as tanks and ponds, where it holds unchallenged dominion as reflected in the proverb: "A jackal is the lord of poultry; a bak is supreme in a deserted ." It inhabits still or slow-moving waters in rural landscapes, often near fisheries, where it stealthily raids traps to consume fish. The Baak is classified among aqueous spirits in and does not typically engage in or claiming souls, focusing instead on gluttonous interference with human activities. It may belabor those who disturb it but is not generally malevolent or violent. The creature is active in such environments, embodying cautionary tales about neglected water sources in Assam's riverine and flood-prone geography.

Abilities and Behaviors

Powers and Abilities

In Assamese folklore, the Baak exhibits capabilities centered around its aquatic environment and fondness for . It possesses stealth, enabling it to raid traps undetected to devour , sometimes even silk cocoons or shells, while its body emits an offensive that taints the surrounding . These traits allow the Baak to disrupt fishermen's catches and assert presence in deserted tanks and ponds. The spirit does not generally kill but is known to beat victims mercilessly if encountered.

Habits and Human Interactions

The Baak is known for its gluttonous habits, frequently stealing from fishermen's nets or traps, causing catches to vanish mysteriously and prompting further risky expeditions. It troubles fishermen by interfering with their livelihoods around isolated water bodies. Typically solitary, the Baak haunts deserted tanks and ponds, reflecting its dominion over abandoned waters as per local proverbs.

Classification and Variations

Folklore Classification

In Assamese demonology, Baak is categorized as an aqueous spirit within the broader taxonomy of terrestrial spirits, specifically under water-bound entities that inhabit deserted tanks, ponds, and rivers. This classification, outlined by scholar Benudhar Rajkhowa in his 1905 treatise Assamese Demonology, lists Baak as the first of five major aqueous spirits. It distinguishes Baak from other water-related entities like the more violent , which is described as tall and capable of killing victims, whereas Baak primarily troubles fishermen by interfering with catches without generally causing death. Unlike the general category of Bhoot—encompassing restless or shape-shifting spirits not confined to specific environments—Baak is explicitly linked to aquatic habitats and exhibits a focus on fish consumption. Baak's position in this system reflects Assam's environmental concerns, particularly fears associated with isolated sources and perils, serving as cautionary tales against solitary ventures near such sites. These traditions group Baak with other water-bound spirits like and Jale, forming a subset of over 60 documented Assamese beings tied to natural landscapes.

Regional and Cultural Variations

In , depictions of the Baak include variants such as Ghorabak, portrayed with horse-like features such as hooves or a hybrid horse-human form, emphasizing its association with nocturnal movements near riverbanks and swamps. Tribal influences from groups like the Bodo and Mishing may incorporate animistic elements into Baak lore, blending it with concepts of animal spirit hybrids reflective of indigenous ties to rivers and forests. Cross-cultural parallels exist with Bengali water spirits like the Jal-Buri or Northeast Indian entities such as the dot, sharing themes of aquatic deception. Yet, the Assamese Baak remains distinct through its pronounced affinity for raw , often depicted as pilfering catches from nets or traps, a trait tied to local practices.

Cultural Significance

Role in Assamese Society

In Assamese folklore, Baak functions primarily as a to deter individuals, particularly children and fishermen, from venturing near water bodies at night, thereby instilling discipline and promoting safety in a region prone to aquatic perils. Parents and community elders invoke Baak's luring habits in stories to emphasize moral lessons about heeding warnings and avoiding recklessness. This narrative device reinforces social norms in rural agrarian communities, where rivers and ponds are central to daily life yet fraught with risks. Baak also embodies psychological fears prevalent in Assamese society, such as the terror of loss through and anxieties over , symbolized by its shape-shifting into familiar forms to deceive and live with spouses. These elements mirror the emotional vulnerabilities of communities living in harmony with volatile waterways, using the spirit to process collective traumas and insecurities. By personifying such fears, Baak aids in , helping individuals confront the unpredictability of nature through shared folklore. The spirit is deeply integrated into Assamese storytelling sessions and folk traditions, where tales of Baak are recounted during community gatherings to strengthen bonds and foster respect for the natural environment. These oral narratives, often shared in village settings or educational contexts, serve as cultural tools to transmit values across generations, emphasizing harmony with Assam's rivers and wetlands. Through this medium, Baak reinforces communal identity and ethical conduct toward ecological surroundings. As a of environmental hazards, Baak heightens of river dangers in Assam's , where and farming depend on sources that can turn deadly. It underscores the perils faced by fishermen, such as sudden currents or hidden depths, promoting vigilance and sustainable practices in water-dependent livelihoods. This representational role highlights the folklore's practical utility in safeguarding lives amid Assam's and cycles.

Beliefs and Protective Measures

In Assamese folklore, communities believe that the Baak, a malevolent aquatic spirit, can be repelled through simple yet symbolic protective measures rooted in everyday items associated with and rural life. Torn fishing nets are commonly carried by fishermen near water bodies, as the spirit is thought to fear or become entangled in them, preventing attacks or possessions. and red chilies are also used to protect against Baak when transporting at night. Avoiding water journeys at night is a key taboo, believed to reduce encounters with the spirit's deceptive calls or illusions. These customs underscore the deep integration of environmental awareness and spiritual caution in Assamese rural practices. Exorcism remains a central belief for countering Baak possessions, typically performed by local shamans known as bej or ojha, who invoke benevolent deities through structured ceremonies. These involve divination with eggs to identify the spirit's presence, drawing protective circles using ritual powders, leaves, and sticks, and chanting mantras in Assamese and Sanskrit to expel the entity. In cases of corpse possession, immediate cremation rituals are essential to deny the Baak a host, preventing further harm. Taboos against responding to unfamiliar voices from water at night further block potential possessions.

Modern Depictions

In Literature and Traditional Media

Baak features prominently in Assamese oral as a recurring in tales centered on fishermen, where it is depicted as a shape-shifting that steals from nets and buries victims upside down in mud, embodying warnings against venturing near rivers or ponds after dark. These stories, embedded in rural traditions, highlight the creature's obsession and deceptive nature, often resolving with clever escapes, such as using a torn , which the Baak fears. In early 20th-century scholarly , Baak receives detailed documentation in Benudhar Rajkhowa's Assamese (1905), which classifies it among aqueous spirits inhabiting deserted s, fond of netting , and emitting a foul that taints nearby . Rajkhowa's work blends ethnographic with collection, portraying Baak through proverbs like "A jackal is the lord of ; a bak is supreme in a deserted ," underscoring its dominance in abandoned waters. This analysis draws from village accounts to illustrate Baak's role in local beliefs, integrating supernatural elements with everyday perils faced by communities reliant on . Such portrayals extend to broader Assamese folk narratives documented in regional studies, where Baak appears as a mischievous yet terrifying entity in stories warning of nocturnal water hazards, often invoking its luring behaviors to teach vigilance.

In Contemporary Culture

In contemporary Assamese culture, the entity Baak has been reimagined in modern horror literature, particularly through Neil D'Silva's 2021 "Baak: A Horror Story," which draws on the legend to explore psychological terror and the spirit's deceptive nature near water bodies. This narrative updates traditional elements, such as the Baak's abilities, to heighten suspense in urban settings, blending with contemporary fears of isolation and . Baak frequently appears in digital media as an urban legend, featured in Assamese short films like the 2024 TD Film Studio production "Assamese Horror Story – Baak (Ghost Legend)," which dramatizes its malevolent encounters with fishermen. On YouTube, channels produce narrated tales such as "বাঁক || Baak Ghost || Assamese Horror Story" (2024), portraying Baak as a lurking water spirit that preys on the unwary, amassing views through eerie visuals and local dialects. As of 2025, YouTube channels continue to produce content on Baak, including videos on its urban legends. Social media platforms like Instagram host reels and AI-generated art depicting Baak, often as a shape-shifting demon in modern contexts, contributing to viral discussions on Northeast Indian myths and boosting engagement among younger audiences. Assamese , including tales of water spirits like Baak, is incorporated into educational settings to promote environmental , such as cautioning against unsafe practices near rivers and ponds. These narratives serve as tools in primary-level , linking mythical threats to real conservation lessons about body safety and ecological respect. Baak influences Assam's tourism and cultural festivals through themed events that highlight regional . Such integrations enhance by offering immersive experiences of Assamese myths alongside natural sites like rivers, attracting enthusiasts of indigenous legends.

References

  1. https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/editorial/the-folklore-of-assamese-ghosts-and-spirits-a-brief-study-685337
  2. https://archive.org/details/assamesedemonolo00rajk
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2327223/
  4. https://mythlok.com/baak/
  5. https://enrouteindianhistory.com/into-the-deep-waters-baak-the-water-demon-of-assam/
  6. https://archive.org/download/ICACAMEGYINAABONTSENAMEREKASAYIPDF2018/Assamese_Demonology.pdf
  7. https://www.xobdo.org/dic/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%81%E0%A6%95
  8. https://www.academia.edu/40189295/BONGAIGAON_PHILOSOPHY_OF_CHANGE
  9. https://www.academia.edu/74397316/Revisiting_Orality_in_Northeast_India
  10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376270754_Folklore_that_Represents_the_Commons_Writing_the_Environmental_History_of_Assam_through_the_Assamese_Proverbs_and_Maxims
  11. https://archive.org/stream/AssameseDemonology/Assamese_Demonology_djvu.txt
  12. https://ia600301.us.archive.org/27/items/ICACAMEGYINAABONTSENAMEREKASAYIPDF2018/Assamese_Demonology.pdf
  13. https://www.sonapurcollege.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sona-Sophia-2022-23-1.pdf
  14. https://www.facebook.com/groups/974042443208761/posts/1303698623576473/
  15. https://www.indiatodayne.in/entertainment/story/ghorapak-assams-chinmoy-barma-adds-another-cinematic-gem-with-a-melodious-tune-of-ojapali-540721-2023-04-10
  16. https://assaminfo.com/general-knowledge-assam/487/is-the-baak-ghost-real-myth-and-folklore-in-assamese-culture.htm
  17. https://ia600606.us.archive.org/20/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.219845/2015.219845.Folklore-Of_text.pdf
  18. https://latest.sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/5216-malevolent-spirits-need-death-survive
  19. https://lifestyle.livemint.com/news/talking-point/the-little-fish-in-big-rivers-111645433850541.html
  20. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/57445138-baak
  21. https://books.google.com/books/about/Baak.html?id=K7AhEAAAQBAJ
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DKXbivJFE0
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2XwrYwguU0
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikpdIIC1A8E
  25. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/assams-ghosts-take-digital-form-with-ai-art/article66649390.ece
  26. https://chalohoppo.com/mystical-creatures-of-assamese-folklore/
  27. http://pedagogyoflearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Tulika-Dey.pdf
  28. https://assam.gov.in/about-us/fairs-and-festivals
  29. https://www.sandpaper.guru/blog/post/folk-festivals-assam-cultural-heritage
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