Heer Waris Shah

Verse 90 - Chuchak's Wrath

Kaido’s allegations elicit an angry and dismissive response from Chuchak, whose family honor has been impugned. He roars that his daughter has been at play with her friends and has been spending her time at women’s gatherings. He then launches into a personal attack on Kaido, calling him a slanderer, mocking his accoutrements that proclaim his status as a holy man and declaring that he consorts with those at the fringes of respectable society. As his tirade continues, he expresses the prejudices of his class and caste, emphasizing that the low born can never aspire to high status. The poet waxes ironical at the end of the verse, observing that despite his huffing and puffing, Chuchak is after all a Jatt and that like others of ‘low caste’ origin, such as cobblers and oil pressers, the sons of Jatts cannot aspire to be holy men. Here he also questions the sincerity Ranjha’s future journey as a mendicant, despite having earlier signaled that Ranjha is on a spiritual journey and not merely on a quest to be one with his love.  

Verse 91 - The village women complain to Malki

This verse provides social commentary on the patriarchy, honor and the control of ‘wayward daughters’. A society that elevates the collective at the expense of the individual cannot accept Heer’s haughtiness and pride; the women allege that she comports herself like a queen! Class distinctions also come to the fore; while it is inappropriate for the young, unmarried Heer to spend time with any man, her transgression is compounded by Ranjha’s being a ‘mere’ servant. The Qazi, emblematic of a highly judgemental and unforgiving society, of course provides a ready solution – marry her off and save the family’s honor, while reiterating that not doing so will invite divine judgement and retribution.

Verse 92 Kaido urges Malki to punish Heer

Chagrined at being rebuffed by Chuchak, Kaido approaches Malki to vent his spleen. He warns her that her daughter’s brazen ways will bring her much trouble and he urges Malki to chastise her. Kaido, waxing hyperbolic in this verse, as he suggests improbably harsh punishments for Heer, almost appears comical, until one reflects on what is behind the words. Waris Shah is conveying the simmering menace of violence, which lurks under the surface in a society where notions of honor and shame predominate and can often result in unimaginable consequences for young women accused of sexual misconduct.

Verse 93 Malki's fury

In a toweing rage Malki summons Mithi, the barber’s wife and commands her to bring Heer to her. Triggered by Kaido, she pours a stream of abuse upon her daughter using colorful language, which will sound familiar to Punjabis who have ever had the pleasure of being berated by their grandmothers, or have heard them taking someone to task. Under the invective lies love, concern for her daughter and fear that her reputation will be ruined.