Waris Shah

Waris Shah (1722 – 1798), an Indian Punjabi Muslim poet, was born in what is now Pakistani Punjab. Known for his seminal work of Heer Ranjha, based on the traditional folk tale of Heer and her lover Ranjha, Shah's Heer is considered one of the quintessential works of classical Punjabi literature. Though the story has been written by several other writers, Waris Shah's version is by far the most popular today. Shah who was born in Jandiala Sher Khan, Sheikhupura District, Punjab is popular in India and Pakistan, especially in the Punjab region.

Waris Shah was born into a reputed Syed family, a descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. His father's name was Gulshar Shah. Waris Shah acknowledged himself as a disciple of Pir Makhdum of Kasur. His parents are said to have died when he was young, and he probably received his education at the shrine of his preceptor. After completing his education in Kasur, he moved to Malka Hans, a village twelve kilometers north of Pakpattan. Here he resided in a small room, adjacent to a historic mosque, now called Mosque Waris Shah.

His mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage today, especially for those in love. A consummate artist, deeply learned in Sufi and domestic cultural lore, Shah's verse is a treasure-trove of Punjabi phrases, idioms and sayings. His minute and realistic depiction of each detail of Punjabi life and the political situation in the 1700s, remains unique.

Excerpted from the Wikipedia article on Waris Shah.