The speaker of the poem declares at the outset that they are unsure about their identity. Following that, the speaker lists other identities that they do not identify with. Labels based on geography, socioeconomic class, or religion are rejected by the speaker. The speaker does not practise any particular religion and does not adhere to any particular rituals. Together with the idea of the separation between the sacred and the profane, they reject the concepts of purity and impurity.
Also, the speaker disavows identities based on characteristics of the body, such as being of the earth or water. As they are not fire or air, they reject the idea that they are elements. The speaker then rejects the idea of dualism and affirms the interconnectedness of all things.
The poem might be read as a call to accept one's actual self and a rejection of societal labels. The speaker opts to define oneself on their own terms rather than according to any societal conventions. The poem can also be interpreted as a reflection on the limitations of language and how words can never truly express who we are.
The recurring refrain, "Bulla ki jana main kaun," highlights the poem's fundamental idea and evokes a state of ambiguity and doubt. The speaker acknowledges at the poem's conclusion that they are not sure of their identity but also that they are not constrained by it.
Overall, "Bulla Ki Jana Main Kaun" is strong and provocative poetry that questions social standards and highlights the significance of self-awareness and self-definition. It serves as a reminder that one's actual identity must be found within themselves and cannot be determined by outside forces.
Translation-
Bulla, I have no idea who I am.
Neither a Muslim nor a follower of the rituals of the unbeliever, a pure person amid the unclean, a component of intoxicants or the Vedas, nor one who is lost or corrupt.
Bulla, I have no idea who I am; neither union nor pain; intrinsic in the pure or impure; of water nor of land; neither fire nor air.
I neither created Adam nor Eve, nor did I give myself a name. I am neither Arabic nor from Lahore, nor am I from the Indian city of Nagour, nor am I a Turk from Peshawar.
No one is wiser than I am; I simply know myself as existing outside of beginning and end and do not accept duality.
Bulleh Shah, who is standing there? I don't know who I am; neither am I Moses, nor am I Pharaoh, nor am I wind, nor am I residing in the city of Nadaun, Bulla.
Bulla Ki Jana Main Kaun by Baba Bulleh Shah
Bulla ki jaana main kaun
Bulla ki jaana main kaun
Na main momin vich maseetan
Na main vich kufar dian reetan
Na main pakan vich paleetan
Na main andar bed kitaban
Na main rehnda phaang sharaban
Na main rehnda mast kharaban
Na main shadi na ghamnaki
Na main vich paleetan pakeen
Na main aaabi na main khaki
Na main aatish na main paun
Bulla ki jana main kaun
Na main arabi na lahori
Na main hindi shehar Nagaori
Na hindu na turk pashauri
Na main bhet mazhab de paya
Na main aadam hawwa jaya
Na koi apna naam dharaya
Avval aakhar aap nu jana
Na koi dooja hor pacchana
Mai ton na koi hor syana
Bulle shah kharha hai kaun
Bulla ki jaana main kaun
Na main moosa na pharoah
Na main jagan na vich saun
Na main aatish na main paun
Na main rahnda vich Nadaun
Na main baitthan na vich bhaun
Bulle shah kharha hai kaun
Bulla Ki jaana main kaun
Bulla ki jaana main kaun.
