Legends & Regional Folklore

Hatim Tai - The legend of Hatim Tai has Persian origins. He was a ruling prince of the Tayyi (or Ta'i) tribe of Arabia who died in 578 AD. The stories of his extreme generosity have made him a legend. Often seen as the icon of Arab manliness, his stories are famous in Pakistan and North India. He also appears in the stories of Arabian Nights.

Sindbad the Sailor (Lord of the Sind River) - Sindab is a fictional sailor who is said to be from Baghdad during the early Abbasid Caliphate (8th and 9th centuries A.D.). His adventures span over seven voyages in the seas east of Africa and south of Asia. Often these adventures include supernatural phenomena, monstrous creatures, and magical realms.

The Tale of Four Dervishes - is a collection of parables, legends, and folklore. These stories were originally written in the Persian language and later translated into Urdu. The legend has it, a Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya fell sick and to cheer him up his devoted disciple Amir Khusro began to tell him stories in the style of the One Thousand and One Nights. The story starts when a king named Azad Bakht becomes depressed and seeks a council of wise men. He meets four dervishes in a cemetery, and each dervish then narrates to him their own tale of love and fidelity.

Mai Kolachi - It is the origin story of the city of Karachi in Pakistan. Mai Kolachi was a fisherwoman who settled at the bank of the Indus Delta. Once her husband was lost at sea during a storm and villagers warned her not to go after him. But she did and returned with her husband, thus the villagers named their village after her. Kolachi later developed and became the modern port city of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

Prince Saif-ul-Maluk and Badi-ul Jamal - is a love story of prince Saif-ul-Maluk and a fairy. According to legend, Saif-ul-Maluk was an Egyptian prince who was extremely rich. On his treasure, he saw two names his own and of Badi-ul Jamal, a fairy princess. He dreams of a beautiful lake and a fairy and fell in love with her. He asked his father for a way to find the lake and the fairy. But his father told him that he is human and cannot be with a fairy. He set out to find her anyway and travels to Pakistan and finds the lake. There he learns that a giant has imprisoned the fairy. He meets many challenges in order to free her and win her heart. The lake was later named after him, Saif-ul-Maluk, It is in Nothern Pakistan and is considered one of the most picturesque sights on earth.

✧✦✧

Sindhi Folktales

Shah Jo Risalo (poetry of Shah) - is a compilation of folk poetry by a Sindhi Sufi poet, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. And among them, the seven tragic love stories are the most famous and often retold. They are collectively called the Seven Heroines of Shah or the Seven Queens of Sindh.

Umar Marui - is a story of a beautiful Thari girl named Marvi. She was kidnapped by the then-ruler of Amarkot, Umar. He wanted to marry her but she refused because she wanted to remain in her village in the Thar region. Thus, she was imprisoned in the historic Umerkot Fort for several years. Marvi is regarded as a symbol of love for one's soil and homeland because of her courage.

Sassui Punhun - Sassi was the daughter of the Raja of Bhambore in Sindh. At her birth, it was predicted that she would bring dishonor to the royal family. The Raja ordered for her to be put into a wooden box and thrown into Sindha (the Indus River). A washerman from a village saved her and adopted her.

She grew up to become as beautiful as the fairies from heaven. The tales of her beauty reached Punnu, a prince of Kech (now Balochistan province of Pakistan). Desperate to meet her, the young prince travels to Bhambore.

The washerman wanted Sassi to marry another washerman. He challenged the prince to wash the clothes of the villagers. But Punnu tore all clothes while trying to wash them. Before returning the clothes, however, he hid gold coins in all their pockets and the trick worked. The washerman allowed him to marry Sassi.

When Punnu's father heard of this he sent Punnu's brothers to bring him back. They came to Bhamore and tried everything, but Punnu wouldn't hear of returning. So, on the first night of his marriage, they let him drink different kinds of wines and carried away the intoxicated prince back to their homeland.

Unable to bear the separation, Sassi and Punnu went to seek the other. They traveled through the desert calling each other's names. The journey was perilous and dangerous. Sassi met a villainous character and prayed to God to hide her. The land shook and split burying her in a mountain. Punnu reached the same spot and prayed to be reunited with Sassi, he too was buried under the same mountain. The legendary grave still exists in this valley.

Sohni Mehar - is a tragic love story of a woman named Sohni and a potter named Mehar, who lived on an island in the Indus River. The two fall in love and face many trials, including opposition from their families. The story ends tragically when Sohni drowns in the river while crossing it to see Mehar.

A version of it exists in Punjabi folklore as well, i.e. Sohni Mahiwal. The only difference is the river mentioned in the story is Chinab instead of Indus. Some people interpret the story as a metaphor for the soul's longing for God.

Lilan Chanesar - the story dates back to the 14th century and has been retold in Persian and Sindhi. Queen Lilan is Raja Chanesar's wife. She is loved and spoiled by her husband and is fond of diamonds and jewelry. One time, she wants another woman's necklace that is worth a lot. In order to get that necklace she agrees for the other woman to sleep with her husband. When Chanesar discovers he has been "sold" by his wife. He becomes furious and divorces her. Lilan spent the rest of her life in repentance. In the end, they both died on the same day without ever reconciling.

Noori Jam Tamachi - is a folklore of a prince, Jam Tamachi, falling in love with a fisherwoman, Noori. She is a humble woman from a poor family. Because of her devotion and love, she becomes Jam Tamachi's favorite queen and he raises her status above the woman of royal bloodlines.

Sufis have used this story as a metaphor for divine love, showing that it transcends social barriers and status. Humility and devotion to God is the way one can rise in the favor of the creator.

Sorath Rai Diyach - The story of Sorath Rai Diyach is a tragic romance. Sorath was the queen of King Rai Diyach, who ruled over Girnar in Gujarat. One day, a wandering minstrel came to their court and sang a song that captivated Rai Diyach. He asked the minstrel what he wanted as a reward, and the minstrel said he wanted his head. Rai Diyach agreed to give his head, but Sorath intervened and said she would go with him instead. The minstrel took Sorath to a cave where he revealed himself as Yamraj, the god of death. He said he had come to take Rai Diyach's life, but Sorath saved him by sacrificing herself. Sorath died in Yamraj's arms and her soul joined Rai Diyach's in heaven.

Momal Rano - is yet another tragic love story. Momal was a princess who lived in a sand palace. She had seven sisters who were married to seven brothers. Rano was one of the brothers who fell in love with Momal. They meet secretly and professed their love to each other. Momal's sister found out and told her father. He decided to test Rano's sincerity. He set a tent on fire and told Rano that his brothers are inside the tent. Rano didn't hesitate to rush and save his brothers. Thus, leaving Momal behind. She felt betrayed and set her palace on fire. She burned with it. Later Rano died of grief beside her grave.

✧✦✧

Balochi Tales of Tragic Love, Resistance, and War

Hani and Sheh Mureed - this epic Ballad of Balochi folklore is the story of love and betrayal. It is about a warrior named Sheh Mureed and his childhood finance Hani. Their love faces many challenges and ends tragically. The story dates back to the 15th century and is considered a portrayal of Baloch heroes and their emotions as well as philosophical ideas such as God, evil, and predestination.

Kiyya and Sadu - It is about a wealthy shepherd named Kiyya who falls in love with Sadu, a beautiful girl from another tribe. Kiyya leaves his homeland because of drought and famine. Meanwhile, Sadu's parents arrange her wedding to another man. But on the night of the wedding, Kiyya returns and she elopes with him. But their families refuse to accept the marriage and are ultimately driven away from their tribes. In the end, the two kill themselves to avoid separation. They chose to die together rather than live apart.

Shahdad and Mahnaz - the story is about a brave warrior named Shahdad who has two wives: Shari and Mahnaz. He loves Mahnaz more than Shari, who is jealous and hateful of her co-wife. Shari plots to kill Mahnaz by poisoning her food, but her plan backfires when Shahdad eats the poisoned food instead. He dies in Mahnaz's arms, who then kills herself with his sword.

Lallah and Granaz - Lallah is a warrior and Granaz is his wife. They live happily until a tribal dispute threatens their peaceful life. Lallah fights bravely to protect his wife but is killed by his enemies. Granaz kills herself to meet him in death.

Mast and Sammo - Mast Tawkali was a poet who belonged to the Marri tribe. He fell in love with Sammo, a married woman who lived a hard life as a nomad. When Tawkali Mast saw her situation, he became sad and could not tolerate it. It's said that Tawkali Mast used to sit many days in front of the Sammo's house and one day Sammo's husband and other tribesmen saw him so they didn't like this act. They tested his love and came to respect it. After that, no one bothered him as he sat outside her tent and wrote poetry for her until the day she died. He died years later at the age of 67. The shrine of Tawkali Mast is located in the Mawand area of Kohlu district.

Balach and the Bulethis - is a folklore about a brave Balochi warrior named Balach who fought against a tribe of Bulethis who had oppressed his people. He stole their money and cattle, killed many of them with his arrows, and escaped to different places. He was eventually killed by a band of Bulethi horsemen when he was old.

Shahdad Chota - tells the tale of a Baloch mercenary who battled the Portuguese in Makran.

✧✦✧

Kashmiri Tales of Justice and Equality

Layak Tchoor - tells the tale of a young man who was known to steal from the rich and distribute it among the poor in the Kashmir Valley. He would cover himself in oil and enter the premises of wealthy individuals through their chimneys and then escape with all their gold. Layak Tchoor is among several venerated thieves in Kashmiri folklore including, Usman Cacha, Madav Lal, and Layak Singh.

Himal and Nagrai - is about a serpent king named Nagrai who falls in love with a princess named Himal. He transforms into a human and marries her, but he has to return to his serpent form every night. Their love is tested by many trials and tribulations, such as jealous rivals, evil witches, and angry gods. The story has been retold many times and various versions of it can be found in the literature.

Aka Nandun - It is about a Hindu couple who are childless for many years. A yogi comes to them and promises them a son, but they must give him back after twelve years. The couple agrees, but when the time comes, they are reluctant to part with their son. The yogi then tests their detachment and selflessness by slaughtering their son and reviving him later.

Aka Nandun is a foundational myth in Kashmiri society that has been told in different periods and religions. It has been composed by many poets and playwrights in various forms.

Gul Noor - Gul Noor is a tale of joy, wonder, and generosity that celebrates the beauty of nature and human kindness. It is about a pious man whose laughter can make flowers bloom, even in winter. The king invites him to his palace to see this miracle. The king is astonished and impressed by Gul Noor's gift. He offers him riches and honors, but Gul Noor refuses them all. He says he only wants to serve God and spread joy in the world. The king respects Gul Noor's wish and lets him go back to his hut. He also learns from Gul Noor's example and becomes kinder and more generous to his subjects.

✧✦✧

Punjabi Stories of Love, Valour, and Moral Integrity

Mirza Sahiba - Mirza and Sahiban are cousins who fall in love when Mirza is sent to Sahiban's town to study. Sahiban's parents disapprove of the match and arrange her marriage to Tahar Khan. Sahiban sends a taunting message to Mirza in his village, Danabad, "You must come and decorate Sahiban's hand with the marriage henna." Mirza arrives on his horse, Bakki, the night before the wedding and secretly carries Sahiba away, planning to elope. Sahiba's brothers follow and catch up with them as Mirza is resting in the shade of a tree. Knowing that Mirza is a good marksman who will surely kill her brothers, and confident that her brothers will forgive and accept him when they see her, Sahiba breaks all Mirza's arrows before she wakes him up. Her brothers attack Mirza and kill him, and Sahiban takes a sword and kills herself.

Heer Ranjha - is a tragic love story of Punjab that has been narrated by many poets. The most famous version is by Waris Shah written in 1766. It tells the story of Heer, a beautiful woman from a wealthy Muslim family, and Ranjha, a poor flute player who works as a laborer in her father's house. They fall in love but face many obstacles from their families and society. Their story ends with their death by poison.

Shirin Farhad - is a Punjabi version of a Persian love story (Khosrow and Shirin). It is an exaggerated romantic tale of a Sasanian king and an Armenian princess, who becomes queen of Persia. The story starts with Khosrow's birth, his love story with Shirin, his exile, and later death at the hand of his own son. Khosrow and Shirin face many obstacles and rivalries, and in the end, both die tragically. The Punjabi version focuses more on Farhad, a sculptor who falls in love with Shirin. To impress her he carves a staircase in the mountain. But Khosrow finds out and sends him false news of Shirin's death. Farhad kills himself and Shirin mourns his fate.

Pooran Bhagat - Pooran Bhagat was a prince and a saint who lived in Sialkot. He was born to King Salwan and Queen Ichhran who had been blessed by a saint named Gorakh Nath. He was exiled by his father after being falsely accused of leading a sinful life by his stepmother Loonan. He became an ascetic and performed miracles with his spiritual powers. He is also known as Sri Chauranginatha.

In another version, he was ordered to be thrown in a dry well. He survived as a snake and a rat brought him food and water. After 12 years he emerged from the well and became a wandering saint.

Dhol Sammi - Scholars date the genesis of this tale to as early as 1000 C.E. The conflict of the story relates to the separation of Prince Dhola from the woman he was engaged to as a child, Princess Marvani (Who becomes known in Punjab as Sammi). Marvani/Sammi pines for her true husband, Dhola, who is far away in the Rajasthani desert. In Punjab, they say that in her pains of separation, Sammi danced and sang songs of Dhol.

The phenomenon of 'Dhol' as an epithet for the lover gone abroad may have its origin in this tale. The word "dhol/dhola" itself, in this context, is probably from the Sanskritic word 'dulha,' meaning bridegroom or husband.

Layla Majnun - is a classic story of love that originated from Arabic literature and has been adapted by many cultures. It tells the tragic tale of two lovers, Qays (Majnun) and Layla, who are separated by their families and society. Their love is so intense that it drives Majnun mad and he wanders in the desert longing for Layla until they both die.

Dulla Bhatti / Abdullah Bhatti - Dulla Bhatti was a Punjabi folk hero who led a revolt against Mughal rule during the reign of Akbar. He is also known as the 'Son of Punjab' or 'Robin Hood of Punjab'. He is famous for rescuing girls from lecherous men and marrying them off. He is entirely absent from the recorded history of the time, and the only evidence of his existence comes from Punjabi folk songs. His life has inspired many songs, poems, and movies.

✧✦✧

Pashtun Folklore

Adam Khan and Durkhanai - Durkhanai is a beautiful and educated girl who falls in love with Adam Khan, a lute player (rabab) when she hears his music. Adam Khan catches a glimpse of her beauty and is equally infatuated. Durkhanai is already betrothed to another suitor and is obliged to go through with the marriage, but she cannot give up her love for Adam Khan. Both of the lovers are driven mad by their love and cured by some yogis. Eventually, Durkhanai's husband releases her, but Adam Khan dies before they can be reunited. She pines away and they are buried side by side.

Yusuf Khan and Sherbano - The story, put into verse by the Pashtun poet Ali Haider Joshi (1914–2004), is about Yusuf Khan, a hunter who falls in love with the beautiful Sher Bano. Yusuf Khan's jealous cousins conspire against him. They deprive him of the legacy of his deceased father, and while he is serving in the army of King Akbar, arrange Sherbano's betrothal to another man. Yusuf Khan arrives with a military contingent on her wedding day, avenges himself, and marries his beloved. They are happy together, but when Sherbano sends him to hunt for a game he is betrayed by his deceitful cousins and killed on a mountain. Sherbano rushes to his side and takes her own life.

Momin Khan and Sherino - is a tragic love story that has been passed down orally for generations among the Pashtun people. It tells the tale of a brave warrior named Momin Khan who falls in love with a beautiful girl named Sherino who belongs to a rival tribe. Their love faces many obstacles and enemies, including Sherino's brother who wants to marry her off to another man. The story ends with Momin Khan and Sherino dying in each other's arms after a fierce battle. It is one of the most popular and romantic stories in Pashto literature.

Yusuf and Zulekha - is a story of love and temptation that has been told in various versions by different authors and languages. It is based on the Qur'anic chapter "Yusuf," which narrates how Yusuf, a prophet and son of Yaqub, was sold as a slave to an Egyptian royal guard named Aziz. Aziz's wife, Zulaikha, became infatuated with Yusuf and tried to seduce him, but he resisted her advances. The story explores themes of faith, virtue, beauty, and forgiveness.

One of the most famous versions of this story was written by Jami (1414–1492), a Persian poet who considered it one of his masterpieces. He portrayed Zulaikha as a sincere lover who eventually repented and reunited with Yusuf after many trials and tribulations.

•✦──────✧✦✧──────✦•

Did you find this interesting? Please let us know in the comments!