In this post, notes of “Unit 3A: I say unto waris shah summary by Amrita Pritam” from “DSC- 12: Indian Writing in English Translation” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.
About the Author
Biography of Amrita Pritam:
Amrita Pritam was born in 1919 in British India. She lived through the difficult time of India’s partition in 1947, which greatly affected her life and writing. She died in 2005. She is known as the first famous woman Punjabi poet, recognized for her strong voice that expressed her feelings.
Famous Works by Amrita Pritam:
Pritam was a poet, novelist, and essayist. She wrote poetry, short stories, and autobiographies. Her work often dealt with themes of love, loss, pain, and social issues. Her writing reflected her life and feelings as a woman in a changing society.
Importance in Literature:
Amrita Pritam’s writing is important in Indian literature for openly showing emotions, especially during a time when women were expected to be quiet. Her poetry combines her personal pain with the broader struggles of India, especially the suffering from the partition.
About i say unto waris shah Poem
- Title: ‘I Say unto Waris Shah’ (Ajj Akhan Waris Shah Nu):
This poem expresses deep sorrow for the pain caused by the partition of India in 1947. Waris Shah was a well-known Punjabi poet who wrote Heer Ranjha, a tragic love story. Pritam uses Waris Shah as a symbol to show the suffering of people during the partition. - Publication:
The poem was published in 1948, soon after the partition, which affected Pritam greatly. It was translated into English by N.S. Tasneem and later included in an important collection of Indian literature published by the Sahitya Akademi. - Setting:
The poem takes place in post-partition India, a time when the country was dealing with the aftermath of the violent division. Many people lost their homes, loved ones, and lives. The poem captures the emotions of this traumatic time. - Main Themes:
- Suffering from Partition: The main theme is the pain caused by the partition, as Pritam asks Waris Shah to witness the tragedy of broken lives and communities.
- Desire for Peace: Pritam calls on Waris Shah to look at the horror and help bring peace, just as he had through his poetry long ago.
- Cultural Heritage: By mentioning Waris Shah, Pritam highlights the rich culture of Punjabi literature, reflecting on the loss of lives and the deep connections between people.
Key Facts
- First Published: The poem was first published in 1948, shortly after the partition. It shows Pritam’s response to the violence and tragedy of that time.
- Genre: Poetry. The poem is emotional and written as a direct address to Waris Shah. It serves as both a personal and shared expression of grief.
- Protagonist: The main character is Amrita Pritam herself, who speaks to Waris Shah, a respected poet, to witness the tragedy of her time.
- Social Context: The partition of India in 1947 caused chaos, leading to mass migration and violence. This poem reflects on that period, showing the emotional and cultural loss that came with the division.
I say unto waris shah summary
- Summary:
In I Say unto Waris Shah, Amrita Pritam speaks to Waris Shah, an 18th-century Punjabi poet famous for the love story Heer Ranjha. She asks him to see the great suffering caused by the partition of India in 1947, which led to violence and many people losing their homes. Pritam shows the pain of the people in Punjab and urges Waris Shah to come back and witness the sorrow in his land, which is now filled with bloodshed.
Pritam’s poem expresses not only her personal sadness but also a shared desire for peace. She asks Waris Shah to “speak” and comfort people with his powerful words, as he did before. The poem connects to the culture of Punjab and uses Waris Shah as a symbol of the people’s deep emotional ties to their heritage.
- Key Lines:
A powerful line in the poem is when Pritam calls to Waris Shah: “Ajj akhan Waris Shah nu, kiton kadiyan ve, Heeran dian, rovan te.” (Today, I call out to Waris Shah, where are the Heers who once wept?) This line highlights the current violence and heartbreak, comparing it to the tragic love story of Heer and Ranjha, showing the emotional pain of partition. - Explanation:
The poem uses historical and cultural references, especially Waris Shah and his epic, to express the emotional hurt from the partition. By mentioning Waris Shah, Pritam shows that human suffering is not new and has affected the region for a long time. The reference to Heer and Ranjha’s story symbolizes the strong bond between people and their culture, suggesting that the pain of partition hurts both the people and their shared history.
i say unto waris shah Analysis
i say unto waris shah Character Analysis:
- The Poet (Amrita Pritam): She acts as a voice for the sadness and suffering of the people affected by the partition. By calling out to Waris Shah, she shows her deep grief and the loss of cultural unity in her community.
- Waris Shah: He stands for the cultural memory of Punjab. In the poem, he represents the spirit of Punjabi culture and the literature that has been affected by the partition. Pritam calls on him to witness the current tragedy and help the people heal.
I say unto waris shah Themes:
- Pain of Partition: The main theme is the intense suffering caused by the partition of India in 1947, which led to violence and the splitting of communities. Pritam’s poem highlights the emotional impact on the people, especially in Punjab.
- Longing for Peace: Pritam asks Waris Shah to rise from his grave and bring peace through his words, showing hope for healing through culture and shared memory.
- Cultural Heritage and Memory: Waris Shah is not just a poet but a symbol of culture. By mentioning him, Pritam highlights the loss of cultural connection due to the partition, mourning both the loss of people and shared cultural identity.
Symbols:
- Waris Shah: He symbolizes Punjabi literary and cultural heritage. By calling out to him, Pritam seeks a return to this cultural memory for comfort amid tragedy.
- Punjab: The region represents the heart of the poem. The division of Punjab during the partition symbolizes the broader emotional and cultural split among people.
- Blood: Blood symbolizes the violence and suffering of the partition, representing the emotional and physical toll of the events.
- Tears: Tears represent grief and sadness. Pritam uses this image to show the suffering of the people, highlighting their loss and helplessness.
Critical Analysis
Literary Techniques:
- Apostrophe: The poem directly addresses Waris Shah, a poet from the past, as if he were there. Pritam calls on him to see the current pain and help heal it, connecting past and present through shared suffering.
- Vivid Imagery: Pritam uses strong images to show the pain of the partition, describing suffering, bloodshed, and loss clearly. Words like “blood,” “tears,” and “broken hearts” express the deep sadness felt by the people of Punjab, showing both physical violence and emotional harm.
- Emotional Appeal: Pritam’s writing is very emotional, making readers feel the shared sadness and loss. By speaking to Waris Shah and using a sorrowful tone, she connects with the reader’s feelings, calling for understanding and healing.
Social Commentary:
The poem comments on the human cost of partition, showing how families and communities were torn apart and the long-lasting emotional damage it caused. By mentioning Waris Shah, Pritam highlights that the partition was not just about borders but also about shared history and identity. The poem criticizes the political choices that caused this divide and emphasizes the need for cultural healing.
Reception:
- Historical Perspective: When published in 1948, the poem expressed the grief of many affected by partition, resonating with those who were displaced. Amrita Pritam, as a woman poet, brought a powerful voice to post-partition literature.
- Contemporary Perspective: The poem is still studied for its emotional depth and critique of partition’s consequences. Its themes of pain, cultural loss, and the search for peace are still relevant today, especially in conflict-affected areas. Modern readers also see Pritam’s portrayal of human strength through her call for peace and healing.
All Characters
- The Poet (Amrita Pritam): She represents the voice of those who suffered from the violence of partition. Pritam mourns not just for herself but for all affected, especially the people of Punjab. By addressing Waris Shah, she seeks connection with a literary legacy that can bring meaning and comfort.
- Waris Shah: He is a historical figure in Punjabi literature, symbolizing the cultural memory of Punjab. In the poem, he represents the themes of love, loss, and longing. Pritam calls on him to witness the devastation, hoping his words can help heal the people.
Literary Style
- Narrative Voice: The poem uses a first-person voice, making it very emotional. Pritam speaks directly to Waris Shah, creating a strong feeling of personal involvement in her sorrow.
- Language: The language is rich and emotional. Pritam uses words that show not only the physical destruction of partition but also its emotional effects. The language is easy to understand yet deeply moving.
- Imagery: The poem includes strong, heartbreaking images like “blood,” “tears,” and “broken hearts,” which represent the violence and emotional pain of partition. These images highlight the sorrow and trauma felt by the people.
Narrative Technique
- Structure: The poem is in free verse, allowing Pritam to express her feelings freely. This form reflects the chaos of grief and emotions during the time. Her direct call to Waris Shah creates a close connection with the reader.
- Pacing: The emotional intensity builds up slowly. The poem starts softly, but as Pritam calls out to Waris Shah, her grief becomes more urgent, reflecting the growing sense of loss.
- Point of View: The first-person perspective lets Pritam share her feelings with both Waris Shah and the reader, highlighting the personal nature of the tragedy while being a collective lament for all affected by partition.