Sur Khahori (Poem 7) - Text Book Exercise - English (Compulsory) For HSC Part 1

Go To Index
English I (Compulsory)
For HSC Part 1
Poem 7 - Sur Khahori

By Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai
Translated In English by Professor Amina Khamisani

Text Book Exercise

• Pre-reading
• Post-reading (Exercise 1-9)

Pre-reading

1. Read the words given in the diagram and guess the theme of the poem.
Answer: The theme of the poem can be interpreted as an ascetic approach to life, highlighting the importance of self-discipline and personal virtues. The words "compassionate," "patient," "courageous," "flexible," "honest," "humble," "conscientious," "persistent," "resilient," and "disciplined" suggest a focus on cultivating inner strength and moral integrity.
In this context, the poem likely emphasizes the value of self-control, simplicity, and the pursuit of higher ideals, reflecting an ascetic lifestyle that prioritizes spiritual growth and ethical living over material pursuits. The overall message may encourage readers to embrace these qualities as a path to enlightenment and fulfillment.

2. Write the theme in the center of the diagram.
Answer:

Go To Top

Post-reading

 Exercise 1: 

Work in pairs and find out the meaning of the following words by using dictionary. Read the poem carefully and write the contextual meanings against each word. After completing Share your work with your partner.

S.NO.	Words	Meanings
1.	Traversed	Travelled across / Move across / گزرنا
2.	Ascetic	Life of a hermit / Self denying / درویشانہ زندگی
3.	Ridge	A long narrow hill top / چوٹی
4.	Desolation	Barren / Alone / Sadness / اداسی / تنہا
5.	Grieving	Mourning / lamenting /Intense sorrow / غمگین
6.	Highland	Mountainous land / High mountain land / اونچے یا پہاڑی خطوں کا علاقہ
7.	Rambling	(of writing or speech) lengthy [لمبی (تحریر یا تقریر کی)] / walk for pleasure in the countryside. [گھومنا پھرنا]
8.	Flicker	Shine unsteadily / ٹمٹماہٹ

 Exercise 2: 

Read the poem again and encircle the correct option.
1. Khahoris trouble their bodies to attain their _____.
a) goal ✔
b) class
c) earnings
d) destination

2. Khahoris face severe _____ While achieving their goals.
a) criticism
b) conditions
c) hardships ✔
d) all of them

3. Khahoris never take their ______ When they have goals.
a) property
b) care ✔
c) followers
d) none

4. "Khahoris' faces are dry, on their feet are slippers old and torn" shows the ______.
a) struggle
b) emotion
c) hardships
d) pleasure
(Note: Both (a) struggle & (c) hardships are relevant, but "struggle" more directly captures the active sense of their experience.)

5. Khahoris recognition is like ______:
a) caravan in the desert
b) raft in the ocean ✔
c) guide in the mountains
d) safety in the jungle

6. Khahoris can be found even where there is no trace of:
a) human beings
b) animals
c) birds ✔
d) cattle

7. In fourth stanza, the word 'save' is used in sense of ____:
a) safety
b) preservation
c) together
d) except ✔
(Note: In the stanza, the word "save" conveys the sense of "except." It implies that only a specific group, the ascetics, has the ability to kindle the fire, highlighting their unique role or exception in that context)

8. True seekers can only be known to those who are for ____:
a) jungle dwelling
b) deserted abodes
c) mountain peaks
d) spiritual realm ✔

 Exercise 3: 

Work in pairs and read the above selection again: Comprehend it thoroughly and paraphrase it in simple words. After you have completed, share with your partner.
Answer: Paraphrase Of The Poem "Surr Khahori":
In the above selected verses, the poet tells his mother that he saw those who have seen the one whom we urgently need. He further says that he must stay a night with them to gain spiritual power because they are the real guide to take to the God; who is with them.

They are called Khahoris which means ascetics. They travelled early in the morning to the mountains to search their beloved (truth). They give much pain to their bodies in order to achieve the goal, as to them, it is the best way to achieve the purpose.

They never take care of themselves while travelling. They went with unwashed face and with torn and old slippers. They go there, where the most elevated have not access to reach. They go secretly, talk secretly, with whom who listens to them secretly.

They lit fire there where a bird cannot reach. They will not be lost in jungle, they never forget the general path. They have given both worlds but they are full of knowledge. When they find them, they make their home close to them.

 Exercise 4: 

Read the selection again and answer the following questions:
Q.1: How is Khahori's character depicted by the poet?
Ans: Khahori's character is depicted according to their struggle. They have an ascetic character. They try to achieve that character by adopting many self-denying activities. After a long period of struggle, they succeed to achieve the spiritually.

Q.2: How do the Khahoris experience sleep?
Ans: If one night, we will sleep in the company of Khahoris, we will definitely achieve the spiritual power, because with them is the Lord of the universe. Neatness of their character, transparency of thought and dedication to their love make them as seer, mystic and ascetic.

Q.3: Where and why do Khahori's spend their days and nights?
Ans: Khahoris spend their days and nights mostly on the mountainous places. They spend their time in order to give pain to their bodies. They use the philosophy of gaining spiritual power by giving pain to their external mass of the body. They have firm believe in the fact that spirituality can be achieved by the denial of material desires.

Q.4: What does the poet want to say when he says "Where not a trace of birds is seen, fire is lit"?
Ans: The poet here wants to tell the reader about the spiritual power of Khahoris. They have spiritual access that is why they can go there where no one can go easily. They reach there before the birds and make that place brighten.

Q.5: What reward does a Khahori get after his hard work?
Ans. A Khahori gets spiritual power after his hard work.

Q.6: Surr Khahori is the narration of Khahori's struggle. Elaborate.
Ans: Surr Khahori is one of 30 Surs of Shah Latif's poetry. In this Surr, Shah Latif defines a Khahori and his struggle of satisfying his life. Khahori always tries to remain in search of spiritual power. He wants to make his soul permanent by giving up the desires of the world. In order to pious search, he sacrifices his worldly pleasures for the sake of his soul. He also gives pain, to his body so that he can achieve the internal happiness.

Q.7: Which poetic devices have been used in this poetry? Write with the examples.
Ans: The following poetic devices have been used in this poetry.

1. Metaphor:
   Examples: Their recognition becomes a raft in this ocean of the world.
2. Hyperbole:
   Example: Those who gave up both the worlds.
3. Alliteration:
   Example: Those on high way we're way land.
4. Irony:
   Example: Where not a trace of birds is seen.

Q.8: How do you express your emotions on the struggle of your friend or a family member?
Ans: I always become emotional when I see the struggle of the Carvans in Arabian deserts. They travel the distance of various sacred places on foot. Their journey is spiritual. They also give pain to their body in order to gain the spiritual power.

 Exercise 5: 

Work in groups of three. Compose your own poem on the theme of Search of Reality, using elements of poetry based on three stanzas. Each member of group should compose I stanza. Once your group has composed the poem, exchange it with other groups.
Ans: (Note: Do it yourself; below is a given sample poem.)

Search of Reality

In shadows deep where whispers dwell,
A quest unfolds, a silent spell,
Through veils of dreams, the mind takes flight,
In search of truth, beyond the night.

The stars above, they flicker bright,
Yet questions linger, veiled in light,
What lies beneath the surface sheen?
A world unseen, a space between.

With every step, the heart will yearn,
For answers found, for lessons learned,
In the labyrinth of thought we roam,
In search of reality, we find our home.

 Exercise 6: 

Work individually and write the central idea of the lines of Sur Khahori in your notebook. Once you have completed, exchange your work with your class fellows.
Ans: CENTRAL IDEA:
By Practical Center
Introduction: The selected poems from Sur Khahori are taken from Shah Latif's book, Shah Jo Risalo. The Sindhi poems are translated by Professor Amina Khamisani. Sur Khahori is one of the 30 Surs in Shah Latif's poetry.

The central idea of the lines of Sur Khahori is that a man should not give up his efforts while walking on the path of truthful people. They should select the difficult path. As much as they bear hardships, they will reach hastily to their destination. After toughness and difficulty, one can achieve a very high and strong destination, which cannot be shattered in future in any case. 

Central idea From Text Book (Page No. 219)
Khahori means wandering ascetics or those who search. This sur contains the verses on the wandering life of ascetics who symbolise search of reality by following spiritual path to have glimpses of the reality.

By Admin
The central idea of the lines in Sur Khahori is that a person should not give up their efforts while walking the path of truth. They should choose the difficult path, as the more challenges they face, the more hastily they will reach their destination. After enduring hardships and difficulties, they can achieve a high and strong destination that cannot be shattered in the future in any case.

OR

In this Sur, Latif defines a Khahori and his struggle to find satisfaction in life. He always seeks spiritual power and aims to make his existence meaningful by renouncing worldly desires. In pursuit of this pious search, he sacrifices worldly pleasures for the sake of his soul. He also endures pain in his body to achieve internal happiness.

 Exercise 7: 

Work in pairs and give a critical appreciation of the poem based on the following aspects. Once you have written, compare your work with your partner.

1. Poetic Diction
2. Theme
3. Structure
   
4. Language
5. Message

Ans: 1. Poetic Diction:
The diction used in the poetry is not difficult. The figurative diction is used. It furthers beautifies the poem.

2. Theme:
There are two main themes in the poem which are 'Ascetics' and 'Their struggle' to gain spiritualism. Kahoris are ascetics here, they select the path of difficulties to reach spirituality.

3. Structure:
The selections are mostly dived into three lines (Tercet) except a couplet (two line). The couplet has a rhyming scheme, while all other verses are in free verse. The selection is from a Sur of Shah Latif's poetry.

4. Language:
The language used in the poem is elevated. It directly transfers from this world to the spiritual world. Some peculiar words are also used as 'khahori' is itself a struggle-related word. Very selective and far fetched words are used. All in all, Latif has used the language fit to the poetry.

5. Message:
The message of the lines of Sur Khahori is that a man should not give up his efforts while walking on the path of truthful people. He should select the difficult path. As much as one bear hardships one will reach hastily to one's destination. After toughness and difficulty, one can achieve a very high and strong destination, which cannot be shattered in future in any case.

 Exercise 8: 

Work individually and identify the poetic devices in the poem. Make a list of them and use them in your sentences. Share your work with your class fellows after you have completed.
Ans: The poem "SURR KHAHORI" employs several poetic devices. Here’s a list of some of them along with sentences that illustrate their use:
1. Metaphor:
Example: "Their recognition becomes a raft in this ocean of the world."
(This compares recognition to a raft, suggesting it provides safety and guidance in a vast and chaotic environment.)
Sentence:
* In times of uncertainty, their recognition becomes a raft in this ocean of the world, providing stability and direction amidst the chaos.
* For those lost in despair, hope serves as a raft in this ocean of the world, guiding them toward brighter shores.
* Her laughter was a melody that danced through the air, lifting the spirits of everyone around her. (As metaphor)

2. Hyperbole:
Example: "Those who gave up both the worlds."
(This exaggerates the idea of renouncing worldly attachments, emphasizing the depth of their commitment.)
Sentence:
* In their quest for enlightenment, they became like those who gave up both the worlds, forsaking material possessions and earthly desires to seek a higher truth.
* I’ve told you a million times to clean your room! (As hyperbole)

3. Alliteration:
Example: "Those on the highway were waylaid."
(The repetition of the 'w' sound creates a rhythmic quality and emphasizes the phrase.)
Sentence:
* As the storm approached, those on the highway were waylaid by the sudden downpour, forcing them to seek shelter under the nearest overpass.
* The gentle breeze blew softly through the blooming blossoms, bringing with it the scent of spring. (As alliteration)

4. Imagery: Example: "Their faces are dry, on their feet are slippers old and torn."
(This vivid description appeals to the senses and paints a picture of the characters' hardships.)
Sentence:
* As they trudged through the dusty streets, their faces are dry, on their feet are slippers old and torn, telling stories of countless journeys and the hardships they have endured.
* The sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, as the waves crashed against the shore, whispering secrets to the sand.(As imagery)

5. Irony:
Example: "Where not a trace of birds is seen."
(This suggests a lack of life and vitality in a place that is typically associated with freedom and joy, highlighting a stark contrast.)
Sentence:
* In the once vibrant park, where not a trace of birds is seen, the silence now echoes the absence of life that once filled the air with song and joy.
* It was ironic that the fire station burned down while the firefighters were out on a call.

 Exercise 9: 

Work individually and explain the following lines. Write your work in the notebook and share it with your class fellows once you have completed.

Line No.	Lines
1-3	Mother! I saw those, who have Beloved seen, One must stay a night with those who with God have been, Their recognition becomes a raft in this ocean of the world.
4-6	Khahoris prepared early to depart, Searching in the rocks, reduced to bones they are, Giving much trouble to their bodies, they sought their goal.
7-9	Their faces are dry, on their feet are slippers old and torn, They traversed that land, where even the knowing ones are lost, Their secretive ones, talk secrets of that far off land.
10-11	Where not a trace of birds is seen, fire is lit, Who save a group of ascetics can kindle it?
12-14	Those who went to jungle were not misled, Those on high way were way-laid, Those who gave up both the worlds, were from ignorance saved.
15-17	True seekers still exist, Known only to those who are for spiritual realms, Having found them, they have built their nests close to them.

Ans: Line No.: 1-3
Mother! I saw those, ....... raft in this ocean of the world.
Reference To Context: These lines are taken from the Selection From Surr Khahori and the poet is Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. This poem is translated in English by Professor Amina Khamisani.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet, tells the approach of Khahoris. He tells his mother that he saw the people who are close to the Creator of the universe. He desires to stay a night in the company of these people. They are like a raft in the ocean, which can save one's life. He also wants to save his life and is sure that the wanderers are the people who can save them by guiding the true path. All the adventure is being done to save their character and spiritual entity.

OR

Explanation:
In these lines, the pot expresses to the mother that he has seen the people those who are beloved by God. He suggests that spending time with such individuals, who have a deep connection with the God, can lead to spiritual enlightenment. The phrase "Their recognition becomes a raft in this ocean of the world" implies that understanding and connecting with these spiritually elevated beings can provide guidance and support amidst the chaos of worldly life. By engaging with them, one can also attain a closer relationship with Allah, experiencing spiritual relief and elevation.

Line No.: 4-6
Khahoris prepared......... they sought their goal.
Reference To Context: These lines are taken from the Selection From Surr Khahori and the poet is Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. This poem is translated in English by Professor Amina Khamisani.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet tells more about the struggle of Khahoris. Khahoris start their search of spirimal power from early in the morning. They travel to the mountains and give pains to their bodies. They are in view to be more spiritual and stronger. For achieving such strength, they try to spend a difficult life. They prefer thorny path to the smooth one.

OR

Explanation:
In these lines, the poet describes the Khahoris as individuals who are habitual to rise early to embark their journey in watch of truth in Jungle, barren rocks and mountains, enduring significant physical hardships. They often spend days and nights without food or water in pursuit of their goal. Their willingness to endure pain and discomfort reflects their deep commitment to seeking spiritual enlightenment and truth, highlighting the sacrifices they make on their journey.

Line No.: 7-9
Their face are dry......... talk secrets of that far off land.
Reference To Context: These lines are taken from the Selection From Surr Khahori and the poet is Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. This poem is translated in English by Professor Amina Khamisani.
Explanation:
In these lines the poet tells that Khahoris do not care about their outward personalities. They never wash their faces properly, they never put a good slipper in their feet. They travelled to the place where all people cannot go. They build inner personality, in which they create secret language that helps them to communicate with their God.

OR

Explanation:
In these lines, the poet illustrates the physical toll of the Khahoris' relentless search for truth and spiritual enlightenment. Their dry faces, cracked lips, and blistered feet, clad in old and torn slippers, symbolize the sacrifices they make on their journey. They reach where even most learned experienced can't even dream. The "secretive ones" possess profound insights and communicate their certainties and revelations from the Divine, guiding their followers along the spiritual path. Their achievements, born from extreme self-discipline and mortification, reflect a deep connection with the Lord and a unique understanding of the spiritual realm.

Line No.: 10-11
Where not a trace.......... ascetics can kindle it
Reference To Context: These lines are taken from the Selection From Surr Khahori and the poet is Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. This poem is translated in English by Professor Amina Khamisani.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet tells that Khahoris try to go and spread knowledge there where even a bird cannot go. They never fear the hardships of life. They try to make the world bright everywhere.

OR

Explanation:
In these lines, the poet emphasizes the profound dedication of the ascetics, who have renounced worldly attachments. Even in desolate and barren landscapes, the ascetics maintain their spiritual practices. The poet implies that it is only these ascetics, through their deep understanding and focus on their spiritual journey, who can sustain the flame of enlightenment amidst the challenges of the wilderness. They remain steadfast in their pursuit, fully aware of their struggles and goals, and do not lose sight of their path.

Line No.: 12-14
Those who went to jungle.......... ignorance saved
Reference To Context: These lines are taken from the Selection From Surr Khahori and the poet is Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. This poem is translated in English by Professor Amina Khamisani.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet says that Khahoris go to the jungle. If one want to get spiritual awareness, one should move there. They prefer to go there in order to root out ignorance from the jungle. They have quit the world for the sake of spiritual power. They seek to mitigate ignorance.

OR

Explanation:
In this verse, the poet contrasts the paths of different ascetics with other people. Ascetics are those who venture into the jungle, seeking solitude and spiritual truth, remain undeceived and true to their purpose. In contrast, those who follow the common path in life are often misled and distracted by worldly concerns. Finally, those who renounce both material and spiritual attachments find liberation from ignorance, achieving a deeper understanding of existence. The verse highlights the importance of true spiritual seeking and the wisdom that comes from letting go.

Line No.: 15-17
True seekers still.......... built their nests close to them.
Reference To Context: These lines are taken from the Selection From Surr Khahori and the poet is Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. This poem is translated in English by Professor Amina Khamisani.
Explanation:
These last lines are for the true seekers other than Khahoris. The poet says that if they want to search the truth, they should come close to their houses. From their houses, they can Search the spiritual realm.

OR

Explanation:
In this verse, the poet suggests that true seekers of God still exist in the world, but they are recognized only by those who genuinely seek to elevate their souls and earn divine blessings. These ascetics, who embody spiritual wisdom, attract those who are on a similar path. Once found, these seekers choose to live close to the ascetics, following in their footsteps and learning from their example. The verse emphasizes the importance of seeking out genuine spiritual guides to aid in one's own spiritual journey.