The socio-cultural situation of Punjab in the eighteenth century: in the light of Waris Shah's poetry

Abstract

The Punjab of the 18th century was marked by political instability, social unrest, and economic disparity. While the elite focused on safeguarding their interests, the lower classes—farmers, shepherds, artisans, women, and rural folk—faced severe exploitation and cultural suppression.

In this context, Waris Shah's celebrated poetic work Heer Waris Shah not only presents a romantic tale but also subtly portrays the deep-rooted social contradictions, class injustice, religious hypocrisy, and cultural challenges of the time.This study explores how Waris Shah's poetry reflects the social and cultural conditions of Punjab's marginalized classes during the 18th century. The research examines issues such as the oppression of women, forced marriages, unfair judicial systems, and the hardships of peasant life.Moreover, it highlights the poet’s use of satire, resistance, reformist tone, and deep insight into societal dynamics.