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The
scriptures of Sikhism form the most important part of Punjabi
literature. The founder
of Sikhism, Guru Nanak (1469-1539), shared with Kabir a belief in
the abstract nature of God. The
writings of Nanak, later Sikh gurus, and other poets of the Sant
tradition are collected in the sacred Sikh book, the Adi Granth (The
Original Book). Many of
the poems in this text, including some by Kabir, are in old Hindi
rather than Punjabi. The
line of Sikh gurus came to an end with Guru Gobind Singh
(1666-1708). After his
time, the Adi Granth itself became the source of all authority.
Now called the Guru Granth Sahib (The Revered Book), the
sacred scripture is an object of great respect in the Sikh gurdwaras
(temples). See ADI
GRANTH; NANAK.
Later
Punjabi literature was largely the work of Muslim poets writing in
the Persian script. The
poem Hir Ranjha, named after the hero and heroine and written in
1766 by Varis Shah, is an example of the type of romantic legend
still popular in modern times
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