BUDH SINGH, BAWA Budh Singh, Bawa (1878 – 1931) was a descendent of the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das. He was the son of Bawa Lehna Singh. He studied the elementary Persian in a mosque and then joined Mission School and passed his Matriculation Examination. During his school days, he used to visit the hermitage of Baba Khuda Singh and study Punjabi books. After, his Matriculation, he joined F.C. College, Lahore where the noted mystic Swami Ram Tirath made a great impact on him.
Then he joined Engineering College, Roorki, where he studied for three years. He worked at Lyallpur, Sargodha, Mianwali, Rohtak, Hisar, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Sheikhupura and Multan. He rose to the rank of Superintending Engineer at Lahore. He died in a car accident. His compositions exhibit him as a multisided writer in the domain of literature. He was a poet, novelist, dramatist, translator,critic and researcher.
His poems, preserved in his collection entitled Pritam Chhoh, are mainly mystic in character. His novel Daler Kaur follows the style of Bhai Vir Singh. His plays include Chandar Hari Natak, Mundari Chhal Natak, Damani Natak and Nar Naveli. He combines the old Indian and western styles in his plays. In Nar Naveli he has presented a contrast between eastern and western culture.
He translated three \’Sataks\’ in Punjabi verse, viz., Niti Satak, Vairag Satak and Shingar Satak. He did a pioneering work in preserving the old Punjabi poetry, as was done by Maulana Hali and Muhammad Husain Azad in the field of Urdu literature. His works entitled Hans Chog (1913), Khoikoo (1916), Bambiha Bol (1925), Prem Kahani (in Persian Script) and Raja Rasalu reveal him as a talented critic and a fine researcher.
References :
1. Mohan Singh, A History of Punjabi Literature, Amritsar, 1956.
2. Piara Singh Padam, Kalam de Dhanni, Part II.
3. Ramdev, Jaginder Singh (ed.), Punjabi Likhari Kosh, Jullundur, 1964.
4. Sekhon, S.S. and K.S. Duggal, A History of Punjabi Literature, Delhi, 1992.
Biographical Sketch and Formative Years
Born on 4 July 1878 in Lahore, Bawa Budh Singh was a descendant of the revered third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das, and the son of Bawa Lehna Singh. His early education was eclectic: he studied elementary Persian in a mosque, attended Mission School where he passed his matriculation examination, and later enrolled at F.C. College in Lahore. It was during these formative years that he visited the hermitage of Baba Khuda Singh and immersed himself in Punjabi literary traditions. His academic journey continued at the Engineering College in Roorki, where he spent three years—an experience that later saw him rise through the ranks to become a Superintending Engineer at Lahore. Despite a professional career spanning several cities across Punjab, his literary passions flourished in parallel, reflecting a dynamic synthesis of modernity and tradition .
Literary Output and Versatility
Bawa Budh Singh’s creative corpus is as diverse as it is profound. He was not just a poet but also a novelist, dramatist, translator, critic, and researcher—an intellectual polymath whose works continue to inspire. His major contributions include:
- Poetry:
His collection titled Pritam Chhoh consists of poems that are predominantly mystic in character. Here, Budh Singh’s lyrical sensibility is interwoven with deep spiritual insights that reflect the mysticism of Punjabi culture. - Novels:
His novel Daler Kaur is noted for its style reminiscent of Bhai Vir Singh. Through compelling narrative and vivid characterization, he captured the social and emotional nuances of his era. - Drama and Playwriting:
His dramatic works include plays such as Chandar Hari Natak, Mundari Chhal Natak, Damani Natak, and Nar Naveli. Notably, Nar Naveli offers a fascinating contrast between Eastern and Western cultural paradigms, a testament to his ability to blend traditional motifs with modern influences. - Translation and Criticism:
Bawa Budh Singh translated three influential ‘Sataks’—Niti Satak, Vairag Satak, and Shingar Satak—into Punjabi verse, marking a pioneering effort paralleling the work done by literary figures like Maulana Hali and Muhammad Husain Azad in Urdu literature. His critical and research-oriented works, such as Hans Chog (1913), Khoikoo (1916), Bambiha Bol (1925), Prem Kahani (in Persian script), and Raja Rasalu, reveal his keen analytical prowess and his commitment to preserving and revitalizing Punjabi literary heritage . Cultural Impact and Legacy
Bawa Budh Singh’s oeuvre is celebrated for its ability to traverse and reconcile multiple literary traditions. He adeptly merged the old Indian literary aesthetics with Western dramatic and narrative forms, thereby pioneering new avenues in Punjabi literature. His works not only entertained but also played a crucial role in preserving old Punjabi poetry and drama—acts that have been vital in maintaining the region’s cultural identity during times of socio-political change.
His translations and critical writings provided a framework for understanding and appreciating classical texts, ensuring that the wisdom of the past was accessible to modern readers. By weaving in influences from mysticism, social reform, and literary criticism, Budh Singh’s compositions continue to resonate with scholars, critics, and readers alike, securing his place as a seminal figure in the evolution of Punjabi literature .
Bawa Budh Singh remains a symbol of literary brilliance and cultural innovation in Punjabi literature. His innovative melding of diverse influences speaks to an enduring legacy that continues to challenge and inspire the literary community.
