Baak
In its own language: বাক
A shapeshifting water spirit from Assamese folklore that mimics humans and fears torn nets.
The baak is a malevolent shapeshifter in Assamese folktales known for living near water and troubling fishermen. It can assume the form of its victims to deceive families, though some accounts describe it as merely mischievous rather than deadly.
- Tall, thin shapeshifter living near water in Assam.
- Feared for drowning victims and assuming their forms.
- A torn fishing net is believed to repel the creature.
- Classified as an aqueous spirit by Benudhar Rajkhowa.
- Featured in films like Bakor Putek and Aranmanai 4.
What it is
The baak is a creature found throughout Assam in local folklore. It is typically described as tall and thin with long limbs and little hair. The entity is usually malevolent, living near lakes and ponds where it eats raw fish and depletes stocks. It is believed to trouble fishermen by consuming their catch while they work. Some stories describe benign versions that simply play tricks on children or possess people without causing death.
Where it comes from
Benudhar Rajkhowa classified the baak as an aqueous terrestrial spirit in his work on Assamese demonology. He listed it among five major spirits associated with water. A folk idiom connects the creature to deserted tanks, stating that the bak is supreme in such places. Kishore Bhattacharjee notes these legends often generate expectations of black magic or involve spirits of rivers and lakes.
How it is done
The baak is said to drown its victims and then assume their physical form. It may visit the victim's home to deceive family members by copying the voices of loved ones. People are warned not to answer unknown callers at night. Carrying a torn fishing net is believed to ward off the creature because it fears the object. In some tales, the baak carries a pouch containing its powers, which can be seized to gain control over it.
Tools and materials
A torn fishing net is the primary tool used to avoid or repel the baak. The creature is also associated with a pouch in some narratives, which holds its life force. Benudhar Rajkhowa attributes this pouch to the doit rather than the baak in his classification system. The creature itself relies on mimicry and deception rather than physical tools.
Baak, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Assamese demonology
What it is for
The baak serves as a cautionary figure in rural communities. It warns against answering calls at night and highlights dangers near water bodies. Some scholars suggest stories of the baak assuming a husband's form reflect unconscious fears regarding extra-marital love. The creature embodies the risks of the natural world and social anxieties within the community.
Who does it
Scholars like Benudhar Rajkhowa and Kishore Bhattacharjee have studied the baak within the context of Assamese folklore. Rajkhowa categorized it as a terrestrial spirit in his classic text on demonology. Bhattacharjee analyzed how these legends function as discourse, linking them to broader themes of magic and local history.
Peoples and places
The baak is a widespread figure in Assamese culture, appearing in folklore across the entire state. It is distinct from other regional creatures due to its broad presence. The Assamese language provides specific names and idioms for the spirit, embedding it deeply in local identity and daily speech.
At a glance: who, where and when
What people believe
The baak operates within a worldview where spirits inhabit natural features like water. It is feared for its ability to kill and replace humans. Belief in the creature influences behavior, such as avoiding certain areas or carrying protective items. The distinction between malevolent and benign baaks reflects varying interpretations of supernatural harm.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Benudhar Rajkhowa placed the baak among aqueous spirits in his demonology classification. Kishore Bhattacharjee noted that such legends often involve spirits of nature and buried treasure. He observed that international ghost stories do not fit the local cultural definition of legend in Assam. Scholars view the baak as part of a larger system of beliefs about magic and local history.
Cautions and what is closed
Belief in the baak has led to social consequences in rural areas. The 2012 film Bakor Putek depicted how superstitions about the creature can cause trouble for married couples. Accusations based on the belief that a baak has replaced a spouse can disrupt family life. These stories highlight the real-world impact of folklore on community relations.
Compare and confuse
The baak is sometimes confused with the doit, particularly regarding the possession of a power pouch. While both are spirits in Assamese demonology, Rajkhowa assigns different attributes to each. The baak is specifically linked to water and mimicry, whereas other spirits may have different domains or methods of interaction.
Today
The baak remains a popular subject in modern media. The 2012 movie Bakor Putek explored the social impact of believing in the creature. The 2024 Tamil film Aranmanai 4 also featured the story of the bak. These adaptations keep the folklore alive for contemporary audiences while examining the tension between tradition and modern life.
Questions people ask about Baak
What is a baak?
The baak is a shapeshifting creature from Assamese folklore. It is typically tall and thin, lives near water, and is known for eating fish and deceiving humans by taking their forms.
Where does the baak come from?
The baak originates from the folklore of Assam in India. It is a widespread figure in local traditions, appearing in stories across the entire region rather than being limited to one area.
How can you protect yourself from a baak?
Carrying a torn fishing net is believed to help avoid baaks, as they are said to fear the object. People are also advised not to answer unknown calls at night to prevent being lured out.
Is the baak always evil?
While often malevolent, some stories describe benign baaks. These versions may simply possess people or play tricks on children without intending to kill or cause serious harm.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Baak (Assamese folklore)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.
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