During the reign of Akbar, Damodar composed the first romance (Qissa) on Hir-Ranjha, the famous lovers of medieval Panjab. This book revolves around its English translation in a prose format. It places Damodar’s work in the larger context of iconic love tales emerging from the Islamic lands and similar literary efforts rooted in medieval north India. The historical developments in medieval Panjab (1400-1600) form a suitable backdrop to the experiences of Hir-Ranjha and the composition of Damodar’s poem. While analyzing Damodar’s narrative, this book examines the painful struggle of Hir-Ranjha against heavy odds. It delves into the organization of the Jat clans, with reference to their internal cohesion, marriage alliances and local dominance. It throws ample light on agrarian economy, patriarchal norms, frequent warfare and depressed castes. It pays equal attention to fluid religious traditions and superhuman entities that played a crucial role in medieval times.
