What if Punjab could speak? Would it sing its praise for the golden sarsoun, or would it mourn the loss of its lovers? To understand Punjab, one must understand Waris Shah, and to understand Waris Shah, one must understand the cries of Heer. Waris Shah, the celebrated Sufi poet of the 18th century, was not just a writer; rather, he was a storyteller, commanding prose that millions could resonate with. His masterpiece, Heer, offers a timeless lens through which we can ascertain the soul of Punjab, viewing it in its raw, natural state.
Punjab in the 1700s:
The 1700s were a time of political and social turmoil for Punjab. As the Mughal Empire had lost its last reputed emperor, Aurangzeb, the Mughals began to face their decline. With this, the Sikhs, who had been previously ousted by the Mughals, started to push back, along with Afghans attempting to gain control of the region. This instability is portrayed in Shah’s poetry, as seen in the enmity between Murad Baloch (Balochi) and the Kherras (Punjabi) in the prose.
Heer and Ranjha: More Than Just Lovers
Although the story of Heer Ranjha was written by many others, it is safe to say that only Waris Shah could uphold the unparalleled realism and depth found in his prose. Heer, according to Shah’s poetry, was a symbol of resistance and patience, someone who would fight for her cause until the very end. Similarly, Ranjha was not some lovesick wanderer; rather, he was the voice of the oppressed and someone who sought solace in the mystical path of Sufism. Both protagonists reflected patience and passion through their approach—qualities that depict the social norms of Punjab.
Heer Ranjha: A Reflection of Punjabi Society
Waris Shah’s version of Heer Ranjha echoes the struggles of Punjab’s socio-political fabric, where love is born but lovers are buried, where passion is worshipped but at the same time punished, and where existence is reliant on the hands of other powerful entities. It was a reflection of a society that celebrates romance but fears its rebellion. From Ranjha’s flute to Heer’s vibrant nature, it portrays how Punjab celebrates an exuberant environment. But what strikes as most interesting is how such vivaciousness might conceal other morbid aspects of the culture, which Waris Shah does not shy away from but rather presents them in their rawest form. Ranjha being banished from his own house and failing to celebrate his love for Heer because of his social status as a servant represents the class consciousness of Punjabi society. Similarly, the patriarchal setup can be observed in how no one from the town supports Heer against her forcible marriage, highlighting the crude reality of many marriages in the province even today. This is also symbolized by Heer’s firm refusal during her nikkah going unrecognized by the elders. Another significant aspect of the cultural fabric of Punjab may be the mystic elements in the story of Heer, illustrated by the people’s trust in a jogi (ascetic), believing in their ability to cure even snake venom. Waris Shah captures this spiritual connection, showing how mysticism was not just folklore but an integral part of Punjabi society.
Punjab and Its Transformation:
Industrialization, migration, urbanization, and overpopulation mark the socio-economic landscape of today’s Punjab. However, the agrarian traditions and caste-based structures discussed in Waris Shah’s poetry are still intact. The timeless nature of his prose finds its way into modern debates about social justice, freedom, and identity, highlighting how, even after three centuries, the deeply ingrained roots of patriarchy and misogyny in Punjab have not changed.
Punjab: A Land of Love and Longing:
The revival of Shah’s poetry in mehfils, qawwalis, and academic discussions serves as a reminder that Punjab is not just a piece of land—rather, it is a feeling, a melody, and a longing. It is a land where love is both celebrated and sacrificed. Punjab, although embellished with beauty represented in its people, its sarsoun k kheti, its vande, and its rivers, some aspects, if forgotten, may serve its prosperity better.
