ABSTRACT
The essay traces the origin and development of Punjabi prose beginning with the 9th century. There were several reasons for the evolution of Punjabi prose which was rooted in the social, political and cultural ethos of the times. The medieval Punjabi prose was written according to needs of the times. This period lacked the required environment for development of literary aspects of prose. This is the reason that it did not develop much during this period. It also lacks diversity. It continued in same forms from the 15th–16th to 19th century. It was created for religious needs, and it satisfied them.
