Writer · British Raj
Khushwant Singh
Khushwant Singh (1915–2014) was a renowned Indian author, journalist, historian, and columnist. Best known for his novels, short stories, essays, and sharp social commentary, he wrote extensively about Indian society, politics, religion, human relationships, and the Partition of India. His novel Train to Pakistan remains one of his most celebrated works.
Wikimedia CommonsKhushwant Singh
Khushwant Singh (2 February 1915 – 20 March 2014) was a prominent Indian author, journalist, historian, editor, and columnist. Known for his distinctive writing style, wit, and social commentary, he became one of India's most widely read English-language writers.
Selected bibliography
| Year | Work |
|---|---|
| 1950 | The Mark of Vishnu and Other Stories |
| 1956 | Train to Pakistan |
| 1990 | Delhi: A Novel |
| 1999 | The Company of Women |
| 2002 | Truth, Love & a Little Malice: An autobiography |
| 2008 | Sahibs Who Loved India |
| — | Karma |
Biography
Early Life
Khushwant Singh was born on 2 February 1915 in Hadali, Punjab, then part of British India. He studied at Government College, Lahore, and later studied law at King's College London and the Inner Temple.
Before becoming a full-time writer and journalist, he worked as a lawyer for several years.
Literary Career
Khushwant Singh wrote novels, short stories, essays, biographies, histories, and newspaper columns. His writing often combined humor, realism, social observation, and commentary on contemporary India.
His most famous literary works include:
- Train to Pakistan
- I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale
- Delhi: A Novel
- The Company of Women
- Burial at Sea
- The Portrait of a Lady
- Truth, Love and a Little Malice
Train to Pakistan
Published in 1956, Train to Pakistan is Khushwant Singh's best-known novel. Set during the Partition of India in 1947, the novel portrays the impact of communal violence and political upheaval on ordinary people.
The book became an important work of Indian English literature and has been widely studied and translated.
Journalism and Editing
Khushwant Singh had a long and influential career in journalism. He edited major publications including The Illustrated Weekly of India, where he helped develop a large readership through his distinctive editorial style.
He also wrote popular newspaper columns, including "With Malice Towards One and All," which became known for its humor, observations, and commentary on Indian society.
Historical and Cultural Writing
Singh also wrote extensively about Indian history, religion, and culture. His works included studies of Sikh history and other aspects of India's social and political development.
Among his notable historical works is A History of the Sikhs, a widely known two-volume history.
Awards and Recognition
Khushwant Singh received several major honors for his contributions to literature and public life. These included the Padma Bhushan in 1974 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2007.
He also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament, from 1980 to 1986.
Death and Legacy
Khushwant Singh died on 20 March 2014 in New Delhi at the age of 99.
He is remembered as one of India's most influential writers and journalists. His works continue to be read for their literary quality, historical perspective, humor, and observations of Indian society.
Did you know?
Khushwant Singh's **Train to Pakistan** was published in 1956 and became one of the best-known literary portrayals of the human consequences of the Partition of India.
