Kishan Singh Aarif
Birth
1836
– 1900
Kishan Singh’s works embody a synthesis of Gurmat, Vedanta, and Sufism. in punjabi
Kishan Singh Arif was a renowned Punjabi poet and qissa-writer of the latter half of the 19th century. He was born in 1836 in Amritsar, Punjab, to Bhai Narain Singh. His father was a publisher and bookseller in Bazaar Mai Sewan, Amritsar, which allowed Kishan Singh to engage with qissas and books from a young age. After his father’s death, he adopted the same profession, contributing to both publishing and literary creation.
Kishan Singh Arif enriched the tradition of qissa-kavya (narrative poetry) in Punjabi literature. He authored approximately 26 works, including prominent qissas such as *Heer Ranjha*, *Shirin Farhad*, *Pooran Bhagat*, *Bharthari Hari*, *Raja Rasalu*, and *Dulla Bhatti*. Additionally, he wrote various poetic forms such as kafi, koredde, khatpade, kundaliye, *Arf Krisht Katar Bibeg Baan*, *Sarvang*, *Gyan Charkha*, *Jeev Siyapa*, *Rajneeti*, *Kasida Arf*, *Kar Sarovar*, *Baramaha*, *Siharfi*, *Satwara*, *Penti Akhari*, and *Bujhartan*.
His works highlight Punjabi culture, romantic tales, and spiritual themes. Kishan Singh Arif’s writings emphasize moral and ethical teachings over emotional expression. His language is quintessential Punjabi, characterized by simplicity and fluency. His poetry promotes themes like saintly wisdom, detachment, bravery, truth, righteousness, and virtue, while condemning evils such as theft, deceit, and fraud. He passed away in 1900.
Kishan Singh Arif enriched the tradition of qissa-kavya (narrative poetry) in Punjabi literature. He authored approximately 26 works, including prominent qissas such as *Heer Ranjha*, *Shirin Farhad*, *Pooran Bhagat*, *Bharthari Hari*, *Raja Rasalu*, and *Dulla Bhatti*. Additionally, he wrote various poetic forms such as kafi, koredde, khatpade, kundaliye, *Arf Krisht Katar Bibeg Baan*, *Sarvang*, *Gyan Charkha*, *Jeev Siyapa*, *Rajneeti*, *Kasida Arf*, *Kar Sarovar*, *Baramaha*, *Siharfi*, *Satwara*, *Penti Akhari*, and *Bujhartan*.
His works highlight Punjabi culture, romantic tales, and spiritual themes. Kishan Singh Arif’s writings emphasize moral and ethical teachings over emotional expression. His language is quintessential Punjabi, characterized by simplicity and fluency. His poetry promotes themes like saintly wisdom, detachment, bravery, truth, righteousness, and virtue, while condemning evils such as theft, deceit, and fraud. He passed away in 1900.