THE TRADITION OF “GULZAR NAMA” IN PUNJABI: پنجابی وچ گلزار نامیاں دی روایت

The tradition of Gulzar Adab in Punjabi is a rich and enchanting tapestry, interwoven with the fragrance of devotion and the elegance of Persian literary influence. This luminous genre was lovingly introduced to Punjabi by Maulvi Muhammad Muslim (d.1881), whose masterpieces—Gulzar-e-Adam, Gulzar-e-Musa, Gulzar-e-Sikandari, and Gulzar-e-Muhammadi— captivated hearts and inspired a generation of poets to explore its verdant realms. These Gulzars unfold the sacred narratives of Prophets with a poetic tenderness, later embracing the noble life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the poignant saga of Karbala. This timeless tradition, like a perennial garden in bloom, continues to thrive, with countless Gulzar compositions gracing Punjabi literature. The article before you offers a gentle exploration of this enduring and heartfelt literary legacy.