An Analysis of Themes of Struggle and Hardships in Sur Sasui of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.

Abstract

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689-1752) is the leading poet of Sindhi Language and Literature. His poetic work Shah Jo Risalo is considered as a sacred literary work in Sindh with hundreds of people memorizing its verses like the Holy Quran. There are about 30 surs (parts) in his Risalo. Latif's poetry is replete with universal themes of love, humanism, mysticism, struggle, motivation and dialogism. The current study focuses on the Sur Sasui of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai to investigate the themes of Struggle and Hardships faced by Sasui one of the leading female protagonists of Shah Latif. Sasui metaphorically represents the entire humanity. Shah Latif who is a seminal figure in Sindhi Literature in this Sur reflects the universal themes of human sufferings and resilience. Through a close textual analysis of the verses Shah Latif, this study will shed light on the human conditions, sufferings and struggle articulated by him. The study will also contribute in examining the existential challenges faced by Sasui and how she copes with these hardships and attains spiritual enlightenment and growth through human struggle. In this Sur, Shah Latif presents the characteristics of Self - chastisement, sacrifice, patience, steadfastness and reliance on nature. He sums up that to the man of such character even the water seeks the thirsty person. The present study contributes in indigenous treasure of Pakistani literature and will introduce Shah Latif to Pakistani scholars and academia with new understanding.