Bulhe Shah (1680-1758), is considered to be one of the greatest Punjabi Sufi Poets.

Although he composed numerous Dohiras, Siharfis, Barama- has, Athvaras and Dohas, it is for his Kafis that he has carved a permanent niche for himself in the history of Indian literature. Poems mainly of spiritual love, his Kafis depict the various moods of the lover in limpid simplicity. His adoption of the projection of the human soul as a teminine form pining for communion with God lends a certain sharpness and dramatic quality to his verses. But unlike others of the same school he did not use the conventional similes and verse forms.

One cannot, however, help notice the impact of Buddhism, Neoplatonism and Sikhism on his lyrics. His poetic composition speaks of his great scholarship, humanistic outlook and catholicity of faith. It is for his eminence as a popular poet that even 200 years after his death he continues to be remembered with love by the common reader of Punjabi poetry.

Prof. Surindar Singh Kohli (b. 1920) the author of this monograph served as Prof. & Head of the Department, Punjabi, at Punjab University, Chandigarh. A prolific writer, Prof. Kohli has more than 70 books to his credit. These include books on comparative religion, literary criticism and research, creative literature and books for children, both in Punjabi and English. In the present monograph Prof. Kohli has ably brought out the essence of Bulhe Shah's poetry for the non-Punjabi reader.

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