The Epic Of Puran Bhagat

Let’s talk about Qadiryar - the forgotten genius of Punjabi poetry. You know Bulleh Shah’s soulful verses, Waris Shah’s epic romances, and Sultan Bahu’s mystic fire. But Qadiryar? His masterpiece Puran Bhagat has lingered in the shadows for too long. Unlike the crowd-pleasing rural charm of classic epics, this is raw, unflinching storytelling - a tale of forbidden desire and spiritual reckoning that echoes the haunting Greek tragedy of Phaedra.

Taufiq Rafat’s translation isn’t just a “first-ever in English.” It’s a rescue mission. For years, Puran Bhagat gathered dust, overlooked for its lack of folksy interludes. But crack it open, and you’ll feel the poem’s tidal force - Qadiryar’s words don’t just whisper; they roar. Rafat strips away academic pretension, letting the narrative surge like a river. No cherry-picked quotes here - the wisdom is woven into the story’s bones.

Why this matters:

• For Punjabi lit lovers: It’s a missing puzzle piece - Qadiryar’s genius finally gets its spotlight.
• New readers: Brace yourself. This isn’t a gentle read. It’s a fever dream of moral dilemmas and human frailty that’ll cling to you long after the last page.

A warning: Try putting it down mid-read. We dare you. Qadiryar’s grip is relentless.

PAGES: 240
AUTHOR: Taufiq Rafat
FORMAT: Hardback