ہیر وارث شاہ میں تہذیبی عناصر کا تنقیدی جائزہ

"A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN HEER WARIS SHAH"

Abstract

Heer Waris Shah is one of the most celebrated works of Punjabi literature, reflecting the social, cultural, and moral fabric of eighteenth-century Punjab. This study explores the diverse cultural elements embedded in the narrative, character interactions, rituals, and poetic expressions of Waris Shah’s masterpiece. Through descriptive and thematic analysis, the article examines how customs, social hierarchies, family structures, marriage traditions, folklore, religious practices, and communal values are portrayed in the text. It further highlights Waris Shah’s unique ability to preserve the everyday life, and cultural sensibilities of rural Punjabi society. By analyzing these cultural indicators, the study demonstrates that Heer Waris Shah serves not only as a romantic epic but also as a valuable ethnographic document that offers deep insights into the collective consciousness and cultural identity of its time. This research contributes to understanding the enduring cultural relevance of Waris Shah’s work and its role in shaping Punjabi literary heritage.