Mian Maula Bakhsh 'Kushta' was a renowned Punjabi stage poet, ghazal writer, storyteller, and early literary thinker. Proficient in Urdu, Persian, and Punjabi, this great litterateur elevated Punjabi culture and literature to new heights. Born in July 1876 in Amritsar to a Bhatti Rajput family, his father was Sultan Bakhsh Bhatti. He established the Punjabi Sabha in 1925 to promote and propagate the Punjabi language.
Maula Bakhsh Kushta pioneered literary thought in Punjabi literature. According to well-known and accepted accounts, he authored three books: *Chashma-e-Hayat*, *Punjab ke Heere*, and *Punjabi Shairan da Tazkira*. Additionally, he wrote the famous *Kissa Heer*. These works provide insights into Punjabi poets, writers, and gurus. Against a backdrop of challenging historical circumstances, Kushta initiated efforts to preserve and highlight the pride of Punjabi heritage. His focus was on safeguarding and evaluating this heritage, emphasizing the various forms and styles of Punjabi language and poetry. Through his work, he laid the foundation for recognizing the originality and significance of Punjabi literature.
Kushta was deeply aware of the importance of folk literature and sought to trace the roots of classical literature within it. A distinctive aspect of his work was his recognition of the shared heritage of all Punjabis, establishing a secular perspective.
On June 19, 1955, Mian Maula Bakhsh 'Kushta' passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Punjabi literature.
Maula Bakhsh Kushta pioneered literary thought in Punjabi literature. According to well-known and accepted accounts, he authored three books: *Chashma-e-Hayat*, *Punjab ke Heere*, and *Punjabi Shairan da Tazkira*. Additionally, he wrote the famous *Kissa Heer*. These works provide insights into Punjabi poets, writers, and gurus. Against a backdrop of challenging historical circumstances, Kushta initiated efforts to preserve and highlight the pride of Punjabi heritage. His focus was on safeguarding and evaluating this heritage, emphasizing the various forms and styles of Punjabi language and poetry. Through his work, he laid the foundation for recognizing the originality and significance of Punjabi literature.
Kushta was deeply aware of the importance of folk literature and sought to trace the roots of classical literature within it. A distinctive aspect of his work was his recognition of the shared heritage of all Punjabis, establishing a secular perspective.
On June 19, 1955, Mian Maula Bakhsh 'Kushta' passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Punjabi literature.