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.