Kartabhaja

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The Kartabhaja, or Kartabhaja Sampradaya, means the Worshippers of the Master. It is a religious community from West Bengal, India, which rose to prominence in the mid-18th century, grew in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and declined in the early 20th century.

The founder was Aulchand (also known by many names like Aule Mahaprabhu, Kangali Mahaprabhu, Fakir Thakur, Siddha Purush, Sain Gosain, Purnachandra). He is said to have been discovered as an eight-year-old boy by Mahadab Barui and, after many years of wandering, gained followers. His disciples believed he was the reincarnation of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Aulchand died in 1769. Important early leaders beside him were Ramsharan Pal, his wife Sarasvati (Sati Ma), and their son Dulalchandra Pal. Under them, the village of Ghoshpara (now a part of Kalyani in Nadia district) became a major center, and a later pitha (spiritual seat). An annual fair called the Sati Mar Dol Mela is held in Ghoshpara on Dol Purnima (February/March) in honor of Sati Ma and attracts many followers.

After Aulchand’s death, the followers split into two main groups. Ramsharan Pal’s group, led by him, established a center at Ghoshpara; the other group set up at Parari near Chakdaha and cremated Aulchand there. Ramsharan Pal’s leadership became hereditary, and his descendants were known as the Shriyut or Shrishriyut.

Ramsharan Pal died in 1783, after which Sati Ma became the leader, followed by her son Dulalchandra Pal (1775–1852). Dulalchandra wrote devotional songs, many of which were published later under the name Bhaver Gita. About 500 poems and songs by members of this community were published in two collections: Kartabhajar Gitavali (1872) and Shrishriyuter Padavali (1893). Dulalchandra was followed by his wife and then their son Ishvarchandra Pal.

The Kartabhaja did not strictly follow caste distinctions in their religious ceremonies. They practiced mantra chanting and premanushthan (a ritual of love) which they believed led to siddhi (perfection). They met regularly in gatherings called baithaks, often staying up all night, where people expressed prem (love) through crying, trembling, laughing, and grinding their teeth.

The sect had four classes: Aul, Baul, Derveshes, and Sain. Its members included Hindus, coming from communities like Sadgop, Raju, and Muchi, and Muslims. The Kartabhaja tradition was especially influential in the 18th and early 19th centuries before fading in the following century.