Puran Das Baul, popularly known as Purna Das Baul Samrat, is an Indian musician and singer, in Baul tradition. The artist is sometimes cited as Purna Chandra Das, though 'Purna Das Baul' is used to avoid confusion with other artists and individuals with the same name. He has traveled in 140 countries, throughout the world and presented the Baul tradition. He was born on 18 March 1933 in Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. In India, Purna Das has brought Baul music to the attention of a wide public through concerts, performances at religious festivals, and numerous recordings. He first came to the U.S. in the late 60s, invited by Albert Grossman, manager of Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul and Mary. He was befriended by Dylan and poet Alan Ginsberg, with whom he resonated as “Western Bauls.” 

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, first President of the modern state of India, acknowledged Purna Das as Baul Samrat in 1967. In this capacity, Purna Das Baul Samrat was awarded the Indian President's Award by Shri K. R. Narayan, tenth President of India, in 1999. Purna Das has also appeared in numerous films, and was personally fêted by Mick Jagger in England, and by Bob Dylan who told Purna Das that he himself would be 'the Baul of America'.