There are a number of love tales in Indian Literature but Heer-Ranjha has been the most popular for centuries. There are evidential facts proving its historical authenticity but it was originally recorded in literary form by one BAQI KOLABI of Afghanistan, then by other famous Punjabi poets like DAMODAR and MAQBUL who introduced it to Punjabi masses. But most accepted version of this epic is by WARIS SHAH which swayed the hearts and palpitation of the whole population of North West India in particular and Indians in general.

The editor of this volume has made a careful selection of Love Dialogue between the lover and the beloved and other important characters representing different tendencies prevailing in Punjabi Feudal society. The original KISSA is a huge creation in Gurumukhi script but here the selection is being provided in three scripts. First is the original Gurumukhi, then in Devanagari and Roman scripts for those who are unable to read original Gurumukhi text.

It is hoped that the effort of this venture will provide an idea about the several revealing tales, supposed to have happened on this soil.

“Heer has not been created by Waris, Damodar or Baqi Kolabi but Heer has created these poets and immortalized them alongwith herself…”

“.. Love is not something where both the lovers wont/need to always be together.. When two people are in love they automatically establish a relationship that can not be destroyed whether they live together or not, they then are together for ever even if at the extreme ends of Earth,whether living or dead. .”

S. BALWANT a well known publisher and writers received several awards in Indian, European and North American soils. He has served in various capacities while holding offices with many social and professional organizations including, as- - President of the Federation of Indian Publishers and —President, Centre for Punjabi Culture. He has been traveling through various parts of The world for his professional and literary pursuits.

Having about a dozen books to his credit on date, he has been writing for several newspapers and magazines regularly. His first book of short Stories entilled MAHANAGAR already generated a heated debate from the thematic as well as generic point of view, evidencing the emergence of a challenging shift of themes in fiction. Besides others a few important books by him include: An Encyclopedia of Punjabi Culture and History. English-Punjabi (Roman Script)-Gurumukhi-Dictionary. And in fiction includes Ikk Miriam Hore., .1 (Short Stories), and translations from English Meriyaan Anbhul Yadaan and another outstanding book of fiction from Indian Languages entitled Gole Pinna: Bhortiya Bhashwan ‘ch Kahani. His other books in the process are having humane themes and historical values, which are likely to hit the market soon.

The cover pic is from HEER’s grave . these Bangles are tied to the wooden posts in the four corners of the grave of HEER & RANJHA Jhang Distt Punjab, Pakistan. These are tied up by female visitors who seek solace in love, or union with the lover, as a MANNAT (vow to HEER so through their alligience of this act and HEERs prayer for them, they may get their lover/get united/remain steadfast in love. Cover pie by UMAIR GHANI Copyright Umair Ghani Selection of pic and cover design by S. BALWANT