Waris Shah

Introduction

Popularly recognized for his contributions to Punjabi literature, Waris Shah was a Chishti-order Sufi poet from the 18th century. His most well-known work, Heer Ranjha, is one of Punjab's most well-known tragic romances.

His groundbreaking novel Heer Ranjha, based on the age-old folktale of Heer and her lover Ranjha, is his most well-known creation. Heer is regarded as one of the most important pieces of traditional Punjabi literature. Several other authors have also narrated the narrative of Heer, including important renditions by Damodar Das, Mukbal, and Ahmed Gujjar; nevertheless, Waris Shah's version remains the most well-known to the current day.

About Waris Shah

• Date of Birth: January 23, 1722
• Died: 1798
• Place of Birth: Sheikhupura, Punjab
• Profession: Music Department, Writer, Soundtrack

Background of Waris Shah

Born in Jandiala Sher Khan, Punjab, Pakistan, Syed Mohammad Waris Shah belonged to a well-respected Sayyid family. His mother's name is Kamal Banu, and his father's name is Gulsher Shah. There are rumors that Waris's parents passed away while he was a small boy. Waris looked for the ideal spiritual mentor for years.

Waris Shah identified himself as a follower of an ustad from Kasur, Hafiz Ghulam Murtaza, from whom he acquired his education. After completing his studies, Waris relocated to Malka Hans, a small town twelve kilometers north of Pakpattan. He lived till death in a tiny chamber (called a Hujra) next to a former mosque known as Masjid Waris Shah.

Waris Shah also directly saw Afghan commander Ahmad Shah Abdali's initial invasion of India. He was there at the Battle of Lahore, which took place in January 1748and saw the Afghan forces defeat the Mughal forces led by Shah Nawaz. Shah Nawaz was called a coward by Waris Shah, who also denounced his conduct throughout the conflict.

Later in history, several poets contributed their song lyrics to Qissa Waris Shah. In the widely accessible Qissa Waris Shah, there are thought to be 11069 fake verses. One of the oldest and most genuine copies of Qissa Waris Shah, which was published by Kripa Ram in 1916, is kept at the Punjab Public Library in Lahore.

Media Representation

Films in the Punjabi language have fictionalized the biography of Waris Shah. Inayat Hussain Bhatti played the lead in the 1964 Pakistani film Waris Shah. Another biographical film about Shah's life, Sayyed Waris Shah, was made in India in 1980. Gurdas Maan played Waris Shah in Waris Shah: Ishq Daa Waaris, released in 2006.