Imaam Bakhsh
Birth
1778
– 1863
A renowned medieval poet. who composed a considerable number of tales in his time. Shah Bahram is his famous work.
Imam Bakhsh was a renowned poet of the medieval period in Punjabi literature. He was born in 1778 in the village of Pasian Wala, in the district of Sialkot (Pakistan). He received his initial education from his teacher, Mian Wadda Lahori, who imparted to him knowledge of religion and literature. By profession, Imam Bakhsh was a carpenter, but alongside his trade, he taught children to memorize the Quran Majid and trained them to become Hafiz. This reflects his deep religious inclination, which also shines through in his works.
Imam Bakhsh was primarily a storyteller (kissakār). He composed tales such as *Shah Bahram* (or *Bahram Gor*), *Laila Majnu*, *Gul Sanobar*, *Chandar Badan Badiul Jamal*, and *Kissa Gulbadan*, among others. In addition, he wrote *Munajat Mian Wadda Nam* in honor and praise of his teacher. Imam Bakhsh was the first to compose the stories of *Shah Bahram* and *Chandar Badan*; no one had attempted these narratives before him.
Imam Bakhsh penned his stories in the masnavi form, which are replete with supernatural and extraordinary events. He employed simple Punjabi dialect but enriched the language with Persian influences. His tales always conclude on a happy note. Drawing inspiration from Persian poets like Nizami, Amir Khusro, and Hatif, he infused fresh vibrancy into Punjabi literature.
Imam Bakhsh was primarily a storyteller (kissakār). He composed tales such as *Shah Bahram* (or *Bahram Gor*), *Laila Majnu*, *Gul Sanobar*, *Chandar Badan Badiul Jamal*, and *Kissa Gulbadan*, among others. In addition, he wrote *Munajat Mian Wadda Nam* in honor and praise of his teacher. Imam Bakhsh was the first to compose the stories of *Shah Bahram* and *Chandar Badan*; no one had attempted these narratives before him.
Imam Bakhsh penned his stories in the masnavi form, which are replete with supernatural and extraordinary events. He employed simple Punjabi dialect but enriched the language with Persian influences. His tales always conclude on a happy note. Drawing inspiration from Persian poets like Nizami, Amir Khusro, and Hatif, he infused fresh vibrancy into Punjabi literature.