Singh, Jagtar, an eminent Punjabi poet, was born at Rajgomal, district Jallandhar (Punjab). He did his M.A. in Punjabi and Urdu (first class first) and later Ph.D., on the critical study of Punjabi poetry in Pakistan from 1947 to 1972. Jagtar is well versed in Urdu, Punjabi, English and Hindi. His first collection of poems Ruttca-ranglian was published in 1957. His next book of poems Talkhian ranginian came a 1960 followed by Dudh pathiri in 1961.
Six years later Jagtar brought his fourth book of poems Adhura aadmi in 1967. Lahu de naksh was published in 1973. Then Changia rulih, his sixth book of poems, came out in 1976. His latest book of poems Sheeshe da jungle, published in 1980 is a collection of ghazals, In modem history of Punjabi literature, Jagtar is known best as a lyricist, and an experimentalist as well as a militant poet.
References :
1. Amarjit Singh, Punjabi sahit da itihas ”Qissa kal, Amritsar, 1981.
2. Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature, 6 Vols. Delhi, 1995.
3. Kohli, S.S., Punjabi Sahit da Itihas, Ludhiana 1955
4. Mohan Singh, A History of Punjabi Literature, Amritsar, 1956.
5. Ramdev, Jaginder Singh (ed.), Punjabi Likliari Kosh, Jullundur. 1964.
6. Sekhon, S.S. and K.S. Duggal, A History of Punjabi Literature, Delhi, 1992.
7. Singh, N.K., Encyclopaedia of Indian Biography, Delhi, 2000.
Jagtar Singh stands as an eminent figure in modern Punjabi literature—renowned both as a poet and a masterful lyricist. Born in Rajgomal, in the Jalandhar district, he dedicated his life to an intricate exploration of language and form. After excelling academically with an M.A. in Punjabi and Urdu and later a Ph.D. focused on the critical study of Punjabi poetry in Pakistan (1947–1972), he embarked on a literary journey that would leave a deep imprint on the cultural fabric of Punjab .
His poetic career is marked by a commitment to rhythmic precision and a passionate embrace of meter and rhyme. In his early days, he adopted the pen name “Papiha,” a moniker that resonated with the politically conscious and left-wing audience he increasingly attracted. Over the decades, Jagtar Singh authored over 32 books, with landmark collections such as Ruttan-Ranglian (1957), Talkhian-Ranginian (1960), Dudh Pathiri (1961), and Adhura Manukh (1967). Later works like Lahu De Naksh (1973), Chhangya Rukh (1976), and his celebrated collection of ghazals, Sheeshe Da Jungle (1980), showcase his experimental spirit and his mastery in blending lyrical beauty with potent social and political commentary .
Jagtar Singh’s work is characterized by its dynamic fusion of traditional Punjabi poetic forms with innovative, modern techniques. His lyrical style not only enchanted readers through its musical quality but also provided incisive reflections on social realities. This dual focus—where artistic expression meets subtle political discourse—helped redefine the boundaries of contemporary Punjabi poetry and secured his reputation as a poet who could articulate both the beauty and the turbulence of his times. Beyond his writings, his role as an educator allowed him to mentor future generations, ensuring that his passion for linguistic rigor and literary excellence would continue to influence Punjabi literature for years to come .
