The oldest known specimens of poetry in the Punjabi language are devotional compositions traditionally attributed to which medieval mystic poet?

Introduction / Context:
Punjabi literature has deep roots in the devotional and mystical traditions of north India. Before the Sikh Gurus composed their hymns, earlier Sufi saints and mystic poets were already expressing spiritual ideas in early Punjabi. This question asks you to identify to whom the oldest surviving specimens of Punjabi poetry are traditionally attributed, which helps you place the development of the language in a historical sequence.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is the oldest known Punjabi poetry.
• The options list Guru Nanak, Baba Farid, Guru Angad, and Guru Tegh Bahadur.
• The compositions referred to are devotional in nature.

Concept / Approach:
Baba Farid, a thirteenth century Sufi saint of the Chishti order, is widely regarded as one of the earliest poets to compose verses in a form of early Punjabi. Many of his couplets are preserved in the Guru Granth Sahib, alongside later Sikh Gurus. Guru Nanak came later, in the fifteenth century, and so his compositions are not the oldest. Guru Angad and Guru Tegh Bahadur are even later Sikh Gurus. Therefore, the earliest layer is associated with Baba Farid.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Baba Farid lived in the thirteenth century and is famous as a Punjabi Sufi poet. Step 2: Remember that Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was born in the fifteenth century, long after Baba Farid. Step 3: Note that several of Baba Farid s verses were included by Guru Arjan in the Guru Granth Sahib. Step 4: Recognise that Guru Angad and Guru Tegh Bahadur are later Sikh Gurus and cannot predate both Baba Farid and Guru Nanak. Step 5: Conclude that the oldest specimens of Punjabi devotional poetry are attributed to Baba Farid.

Verification / Alternative check:
Histories of Punjabi literature usually begin their account with Baba Farid as the earliest known poet writing in a recognisably Punjabi idiom, followed by Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus. The presence of Farid s verses in the Guru Granth Sahib further solidifies his position.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Guru Nanak and the other Gurus played a huge role in developing Punjabi religious poetry, but they lived centuries after Baba Farid. Therefore, their compositions cannot be described as the oldest specimens in the language.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Guru Nanak is so strongly associated with Punjabi religious poetry, many learners instinctively choose his name. Keeping a clear chronological order of major figures helps avoid this mistake.

Final Answer:
The oldest specimens of Punjabi devotional poetry are traditionally attributed to Baba Farid.