Crossword Genius

Syrup-soaked cake made by old man in India (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

baba

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'syrup-soaked cake' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'old man in india' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'man' could be 'ab' and 'ab' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ba' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'made by' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for baba that I've seen before include "Rum fare" , "Ali . . . . and the Forty Thieves" , "infant" , "small cake" , "a little one" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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