HEER RANJHA
Waris Shah''''s
composition, the love story of Heer Ranjha takes a pre-eminent place, in what
may be called the ''''qissa'''' literature of Punjab. It is the story of the youngman
and a youngwomen, which did not receive the sanction of society in the shape of
marriage, a major theme of literature, music, dance and drama not only in
Punjab, but everywhere in the world.
The story prformed in the form of an opera as well as a ballet is very typical.
Heer was the daughter of a feudal landlord Chuchak Sial from Jhang. Before her
sacrifice for Ranjha, she proved herself to be a very courageous and daring
young girl. It is said that Sardar (Chief) Noora from the Sambal community, had
a really beautiful boat made and appointed a boatman called Luddan. Noora was
very ruthless with his employees. Due to the ill treatment one day Luddan ran
away with the boat and begged Heer for refuge. Heer gave him moral support as
well as shelter.
Sardar Noora was enraged at this incident. He summoned his friends and set off
to catch Luddan. Heer collected an army of her friends and confronted Sardar
Noora and defeated him. When Heer''''s brothers learnt of this incident they told
her,"If a mishap had befallen you why didn''''t you send for us?" To
which Heer replied," What was the need to send for all of you? Emperor
Akbar had not attacked us."
It is the same Heer who, when she is in love with Ranjha, sacrifices her life
for him and says, " Saying Ranjha, Ranjha all time I myself have become
Ranjha.
No one should call me Heer, call me Dheedho Ranjha."
When Heer''''s parents arranged her marriage much against her wishes, with a
member of the house of Khaidon, it is Heer who plucks up courage during the
wedding ceremony and reprimands the Kazi (priest)." Kazi, I was
married in
the presence of Nabi (Prophet). When did God give you the authority to perform
my marriage ceremony again and annul my first marriage? The tragedy is that
people like you are easily bribed to sell their faith and religion. But I will
keep my promise till I go to the grave."
Heer is forcibly married to Khaidon but she cannot forget Ranjha. She sends a
message to him. He comes in the garb of a jogi (ascetic) and takes her away.
When Heer''''s parents hear about the elopement they repent and send for both of
them promising t get Heer married to Ranjha. But Heer''''s uncle Khaidon betrays
them and poisons Heer.
In this love tale Heer and Ranjha do not have the good fortune of making a
home. But in the folklore sung by the ladies, Heer and Ranjha always enjoyed a
happy married life.
It was Heer''''s strong conviction, which has placed this tragic romantic tale on
the prestigious pedestal along with Punjab''''s religious poetry.