Waris Shah was born in Jandiala Sher Khan (district Shekhupura) in 1719 or 1730.
After completing his education in Kasur (district Lahore), he shifted his residence
to Malka Hans. Here, he resided in a small room adjacent to a historic mosque
that was constructed in 1340. The room where the poet lived is still there, though
devoid of any furniture or things that could be related to Waris Shah to bring back the
memory of the poet.
The Story of Heer Ranjha
**Takht Hazara is a pleasant place on the banks of the river Chenab. It is the abode of the Ranjhas who live there in proud luxury. Mauju Chaudhri was chief land owner in the village. He had eight sons and two daughters.Of all his sons Ranjha was the most beloved of his father; and as his father loved him, so his brethen hated him. Now it came to pass on the Night of Nights that the leaves of the Tree of Life were shaken and by the decree of God, Mauju died. **
**After Mauju’s death, the good land was given to the brothers and the land barren and inhospitable land was given to Ranjha: and Ranjha’s enemies flapped their arms exultantly and said, ‘Now Ranjha’s brethren have entangled him in a net’. And they jeered at the Jatt, saying, ’ How can a man plough who wears long hair and anointshis head with curds’? His brothers jeered saying, 'He wears a looking glass on his thumb like a woman. He plays on the flute all day and sings all night. **
**So Ranjha, with his flute under his arm, left his father’s country declaring that he would no longer eat or drink in Takht Hazara. Ranjha quarrelled with his brethren and left Takht Hazara. **
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After much journeying he reached a mosque, hunger and cold fell upon him and weariness of travel. Then he took up his flute and played, and strange things happened. Some became senseless and others hearts yearned when they heard the music. Not a man or woman remained in the village. They all thronged around the mosque. Last of all out came the Mullah who was a very bag of quarrels. **
**The Mullah protested that he knew all the doctrines of the faith and all the prayers ordained for believers, and could lead the pious across the bridge of salvation. ‘But’, said he, 'lewd fellows like Ranjha should be spurned from the assemblies of honest men. **
Hearing this, Ranjha jested right merrily at the Mullah’s morals and his bawdy tricks, so that his hearers were much astonished and not a fewe were mightily pleased. He teased the Mullah sorely, ‘Mullahs run after women in mosques and cultivated land like laymen. They are like curses clinging to the house of God’. The Mullahs face was blackened. So Ranjha slept in the mosque during the night and at early dawn he set forth on his travels. (WAIT FOR NEXT EPISODE)being lonlely
**