Forum Pakistan

Bewas (1885-1947)
Poet. Bewas (real name, Kishinchand Tirathdas Khatri) was a poet and dramatist writing in Sindhi. He worked as a schoolteacher and his literary career began with children's verse, which he later published as a collection titled Shiriri Shair ('Sweet Tunes'). His poetry combines the multiple influences of Indian and Middle East literatures. The narrative poem Samundi Sipun ('Sea Shell') is based on Krishnavite motifs. His Musaddas was composed according to the rules of Persian poetry. Gariban ji Jonpri ('Beggar's Hut') and Porhiyut ('Toiler') are noted for their social message. Bewas's language is close to the people's spoken language. He made a wide use of original Sanskrit and Arabic-Persian words that had become part of spoken Sindhi.
Many followed Bewas's attempt to revitalize Sindhi poetry. His influence is particularly evident in the early work of Shaykh Ayaz. Bewas's plays are mainly devoted to Sindhi peasant life.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: L.H. Ajwani, History of Sindhi Literature, New Delhi, 1977.