28th August 2022
Shah Inayat Qadiri, a spiritual teacher in the Punjab region of present-day Pakistan, played a significant role in the life of Bulleh Shah, an Ashraf Syedi from an "upper" caste background. Seeking a teacher, Bulleh Shah was drawn to Shah Inayat based on his charm and intelligence, and he decided to become his disciple.
However, Bulleh Shah's family, upon learning that he had chosen an Arain, a member of a "lower" caste, as his teacher, strongly objected and tried to convince him to find someone more "worthy." They questioned how an Arain could be a teacher to a Syed. Influenced by his family's opinions and feeling obligated, Bulleh Shah went to Shah Inayat to inform him that he would no longer be his disciple, citing the differences in their castes as the reason for his decision. In response, Shah Inayat is believed to have uttered a profound statement: "You are not Bulleh, you are lost."
After leaving Shah Inayat, Bulleh Shah became increasingly confused. Shah's words kept echoing in his mind, and his longing and love for his teacher became unbearable. He realized that caste should not matter more than his love for Shah Inayat and recognized the grave mistake he had made. Deeply remorseful, he ran back to his teacher, pleading for forgiveness and proclaiming that despite being a Syed, he considered himself of lesser stature than his great Master, who was an Arain.
However, Shah Inayat, displeased with Bulleh Shah's wavering and shallow mindset, sent him away. Desperate to rectify his actions and seeking to make a grand gesture, Bulleh Shah immersed himself in the world of street dancers known as Kanjrs, who were considered to be from the "lowest" caste. For 12 years, he lived among them, learned their dances, and attempted to "become" one of them—a symbolic penance for his earlier discriminatory behavior. Despite his own high caste status as a Syed, Bulleh Shah found solace in performing the dances of the oppressed Kanjr community.
In a climactic act, Bulleh Shah donned women's clothing worn by Kanj*r women and performed a transcendent dance as a final expression of devotion and repentance for Shah Inayat. This dance was accompanied by his song "Tere Ishq Nachaya" (Your Love has Made me Dance). In the song, Bulleh Shah yearned for Shah Inayat and expressed his willingness to sacrifice anything to catch even a glimpse of him. Sensing Bulleh Shah's sincere devotion and repentance, Shah Inayat forgave him.
The song "Tere Ishq Nachaya," written by Bulleh Shah for his "low" caste teacher, has become a cultural staple across large sections of India and Pakistan. It is sung in villages, cities, weddings, and at various functions, transcending religious boundaries. The song has been adapted into qawwali, folk, hip hop, rock, and even Bollywood versions, with Abida Parveen's rendition of the song evoking intense sentiment among listeners.
While Bulleh Shah's story and his association with Shah Inayat Qadiri have gained prominence in history and cultural expressions, questions remain unanswered. Why did Shah Inayat forgive Bulleh Shah and accept him despite the insults? Although Shah Inayat was a celebrated poet and saint, he does not occupy a position of equal eminence in history as Bulleh Shah. Additionally, it is intriguing to consider the perspective of the Kanj*r community, their thoughts on Bulleh Shah's act of "penance" within the context of their own lives, and whether they resisted or embraced his involvement.
Shah Inayat Qadiri, born in 1646 and passing away in 1728, is honored at the Shrine of Shah Inayat Qadri, situated on Queens Road.
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