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Punjabi literature refers to the literature written in the language of Punjabi in the region of Punjab (both India and Pakistan). It is derived from the Gurmukhi script. Punjabi literature has been written on multiple religious, historical, and political topics. It includes various stories, poems, and proverbs. Punjab literature beautifully includes Sufism and Sikhism. Also, it has summarized the history in a captivating way.
Until the late 1800s, Punjabi writing had three main types: Sikh Religious Poetry, Sufi Poetry, and Love Stories in Verse. Punjabi literature in the past was mainly about religion, love, and romantic stories. There is much about the history, types, foundation, and father of Punjabi literature. Punjabi literature comes in various competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, RPSC RAS preliminary exams, and more.
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History of Punjabi Literature
Punjabi writing started much later than other Indian languages. Early writings were actually in Old Hindi, not Punjabi. The first true Punjabi book was about Guru Nanak’s life. Sufi poetry, which talks about love and spirituality, became very popular. Famous Sufi poets like Bulle Shah wrote beautiful poems in simple Punjabi. People also loved “qissas,” which are like long love stories in poems. The most famous qissa is “Heer Ranjha.”
Modern Punjabi writing began around 1860. Writers started writing poems about their country, funny poems, and even tried new styles of writing. There were also many great writers of stories and novels. So, Punjabi literature has a rich history, from old religious poems to modern stories and plays.
Who is the Father of Punjabi Literature?
Fariduddin Ganjshakar is often called the father of Punjabi literature. He lived a long time ago and wrote beautiful poems about Sufism, a kind of spiritual belief. His poems were so special that they were added to a very important Sikh book called the Adi Granth. Because of his great work, people started calling him Baba Farid. So, Baba Farid was the first important person who helped Punjabi literature grow.
Fariduddin Ganjshakar Poetries
There are various famous poems of the Fariduddin Ganjshakar. Baba Farid was the first major Punjabi poet; a section of his poetry can be found below.
| Punjabi Poetry | English Translation |
| Farīdā jo taīN mārani mukīāN tinhāN na mārē ghumm | Fareed, do not turn around and strike those who strike you with their fists. |
| Farīdā jā lab thā nēhu kiā lab ta kūṛhā nēhu | Fareed, when there is greed, what love can there be? When there is greed, love is false. |
| Kālē maiḍē kapṛē, kālā maiḍā wais, GunahīN bhariyā maiN phirāN, Lōk kahaiN darvēsh | Laden with my load of misdeeds, I move about in the garb of black garments. And the people see me and call me a dervish. |
| GallīN cikkaṛ dūr ghar, nāḷ piyārē nīNh, ChallāN tē bhijjē kamblī, rahāN tāN ṭuṭṭē nīNh | My promise to my love, a long way to go and a muddy lane ahead. If I move I spoil my cloak; if I stay I break my word. |
| Roti meri kāṭh di, lawan meri bhukh Jina khaadi chopadi, ghane sehenge dukh | My bread is of wood, which is enough to quench my hunger, but the one who feasts on buttered breads will eventually suffer. |
Also Read: Odia Literature
Guru Nanak and his Role in Punjabi Literature
The janamsakhis, which are the legends of Guru Nanak’s life, were written in prose, and he also preached in a mixture of Punjabi, Khari Boli, and Awadhi in the form of verses.
Mughal Period
During the Mughal period, Punjabi poetry started to grow. Poets began writing poems called “kafi”, which were similar to the Persian ghazals. People like Bulleh Shah, Ali Haider, and Shah Hussain wrote poems about life and society in a simple way that everyone could understand. Here are some key points about the Mughal Period:
- Poets during the Mughals wrote poems called ‘kafi,’ similar to Persian ghazals.
- Bulleh Shah, Ali Haider, and Shah Hussain wrote about life and society in simple Punjabi.
- Different forms of prose and poetry emerged, including love stories (‘qissas’).
- ‘Heer Ranjha’ by Waris Shah is a famous qissa, still popular today.
- Other qissas like ‘Sohni Mahiwal’ and ‘Mirza Sahiba’ explored love, loss, and emotions.
- These qissas gained popularity and were translated to other parts of India.
- Writers like Waris Shah, Fazal Shah, and Hafiz Barkhudar are celebrated for their qissas.
Also Read:Kannada Literature
The Sikhs
Sikhism also produced a lot of written works. Many were religious poems. There were special songs called “vaars” that told stories about brave Sikh warriors called Nihang Singhs and Khalsa. These songs inspired people to be strong and brave.
People also wrote about the history of wars. These stories were like books that told about the brave things Sikh kings and soldiers did. Everyone was proud to read about their heroes.
Modern Era
During British rule, the Punjabi language became much more popular. It was no longer just a language for a few people. People started printing books in Punjabi, and Punjabi stories and poems were shared more widely. Many Punjabi writers wrote about the problems people faced under British rule.
They wrote stories and novels about the bad things the British did. Punjabi literature also gave us beautiful love stories. Vir Singh wrote a famous love story, and other writers like Sundari and Satwant Kaur wrote wonderful novels too. Punjabi music also grew from Punjabi poems. Old Punjabi songs called “tappe” became very popular all over India. These songs were loved by everyone and later became famous around the world.
List of Poets And Books of Literature Of Punjabi
Below is a list of some of the most popular poets and books of literature of Punjabi. Check out the given table consisting of the names of the books along with the names of their respective authors.
| Book Title | Author |
| Tu Keha Main Man Liya | Mureed Sandhu |
| Milage Jarur | Preet Kawal |
| Chaali Din | Gurpreet Dhugga, Gurdish Pannu |
| Mera Dagistan Punjabi | Rasool Hamzatov |
| Amrita Imroz – Ik Piar Kahani | Uma Trilok |
| Kamaal Karde O Baadshaho | Tajammul Kaleem, Jaspal Ghai, Harmeet Vidyarthi |
| Waqut Ikko Jiha | Debi Makhsoospuri |
| Chitta Lahu | Nanak Singh |
| Kothe Kharak Singh | Ramsarup Anakhi |
| Rani Tatt | Harmanjit |
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FAQs
Punjabi culture is characterized by vibrant music, colorful festivals, rich cuisine, and traditional folk dances like Bhangra and Giddha.
Famous Punjabi poets include Waris Shah, known for Heer Ranjha, Bulleh Shah, Amrita Pritam, and Shiv Kumar Batalvi.
Punjabi literature has evolved from early religious poetry and qissas to modern prose and contemporary works reflecting diverse themes.
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