Punjabi Literature Books – The Popular Writers

Punjabi is an ancient language that originated from Devnagri, the script of Hindi language. The script used for this language is now known as Gurmukhi and is widely used to create Punjabi Literature books.

Ever since when the first literature in this language appeared in 11th century, it has taken several leaps and bounds and has now become one of the prominent literature forms. The credit for the development and popularity of Punjabi literature books goes to the writers who have contributed a lot for its upliftment. Here is the list of some of the most popular and outstanding Punjabi writers.

16th to 18th Century writers

Shah Hussain
Sultan Bahu
Ali Haider
Bulleh Shah
Shah Sharaf
Waris Shah
Shah Mohammad

18th to 20th Century Writers

Nanak Singh
Vir Singh
Puran Singh
Diwan Singh
Dhani Ram Chatrik
Ustad Daman
Shareef Kunjahi
Prof. Mohan Singh

20th Century to Present

Mir Tanha Yousafi
Ahmad Salim
Shafqat Tanvir Mirza
Fakhar Zaman
Najim Hosain Syed
Afzal Ahsan Randhawa
Munir Niazi
Amrita Pritam
Shiv Kumar Batalvi
Surjit Paatar
Dalip Kaur Tiwana
Charan Singh Shaheed
Heera Singh Dard
Nanak Singh
Joshua Fazal Deen
Roop Dhillon
Harjeet Singh Atwal
Mazhar Tirmazi
Surjit Kalsi
Ajaib Kamal

Among these 21st century writers, Amrita Pritam is one of the highest-flying names who are considered as the first prominent woman poets and writers for Punjabi literature books. Born in 1919, she is remembered as a writer having equal affinity for both India and Pakistan. She is known as the voice of women in Punjabi literature books and also won several prestigious awards like Sahitya Akademi Award – A literary honor by India’s National Academy of Letters, Bhartiya Jnanpith – India’s highest literary award, Padma Vibhushan – second highest civilian award in India. Amrita Pritam is best known for her creations; Pinjar -the novel, Ajj Akhaan Waris Shah Nu – the poem and Rasidi Ticket- her own biography.

Besides, there is one more writer of Punjabi literature books who has gained immense glory as a woman writer. Dr. Dalip Kaur Tiwana is one of the foremost writers of Punjabi literature books and written a big collection of novels, short stories and biographies. She was born in 1935 and stated her career as an educationist. Her creations; Ehu Hamara Jeewana, Peele Patian di Daastan, Nange Pairan da Safar won her several awards including Sahitya Akademi award, Best Novelist of the Decade (1980-90), Saraswati Samman and Ministry of Education and Social Welfare award among several others.