Noori Jam Tamachi (Sindhi:نوري ڄام تماچي) is a folktale in the Sindhi folklore dating back to the 15th century.[1]
| Noori Jam Tamachi | |
|---|---|
| Folk tale | |
| Name | Noori Jam Tamachi |
| Region | Sindh |
| Origin Date | 15th century |
The story appears in Shah Jo Risalo and forms part of seven popular tragic romances from Sindh, Pakistan. The other six tales are Umar Marvi, Sassui Punnhun, Sohni Mehar, Lilan Chanesar, Sorath Rai Diyach and Momal Rano. The seven tragic romances are commonly known as the Seven Queens of Sindh, or the Seven heroines of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.
Noori Jam Tamachi is the famous tale of Prince Jam Tamachi's falling in love with the charming fisherwoman Noori. Noori makes Jam happy with her perfect surrender and obedience which causes him to raise her above all the other queens. It is the only story of the lot of fulfilled love and happiness and not of burning love and helpless search.
Overview
editJam Tamachi was a Samma prince, a ruler of Sindh. There are three lakes lying between Jherruk and Thatta, called the Keenjhar, the Chholmari and Sonahri. On the banks of Keenjhar, broken walls are still visible that mark the site of an old fishing village. A girl of this class, Noori, attracts the attention of Jam Tamachi, who madly fell in love with her and raised her above the ladies of royal blood. She was also called Gandri, her clean name.
This legend has been retold countless times and is often used as a metaphor for divine love by Sufis. Its most beautiful rendering is found in the poetic compendium Shah Jo Risalo of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. By this anecdote, Shah shows that humility is a great thing and is meant to rise in the favour of the creator.[2]
Noori's grave
editAccording to the legend, Noori was buried in the middle of Keenjhar Lake, Pakistan. Her last resting place is visited by hundreds of tourists daily.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Schimmel, Annemarie (1 January 1976). "Shah Abdul Latif's Life and Teaching". Pain and Grace. Brill: 157. doi:10.1163/9789004378544_010. ISBN 978-90-04-37854-4.
- ^ K F MIRZA (Mirza Kalich Beg) (1980), Life of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai: A Brief Commentary on his Risalo, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan: Bhit Shah cultural centre committee