When you are an avid reader and think of Indian literature that grabs you tight by the collar and tells it straight, Khushwant Singh is the name that comes storming through a gust of whiskey. He was not just any ordinary writer; he positioned himself as one in a million with his bold truth-telling skills, a provocateur willing to challenge the norms, and a literary mischief-maker in a perfectly tied turban.
Khushwant Singh was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1974; however, he returned the award in 1984 in protest against Operation Blue Star. In 2007, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India.
So pull up that comfy chair, pour yourself a kadak aromatic masala chai, or that extra strong coffee, and let us have a chinwag about the man who made India, and readers to mull over, laugh, and sometimes even blush.
The Journey From Briefs to Books
Khushwant Singh, one of the well-regarded Indian authors, was born in undivided Punjab in 1915. Singh’s birthplace, Hadali, Khushab District, is now part of Pakistan. He started on a straight-and-narrow path. He was enrolled in Modern, New Delhi, St. Stephens College, where he sharpened his intellect and later polished his skills in Government College, Lahore, before venturing abroad to pursue higher education. He studied at King’s College London to quench his thirst for knowledge, where he was conferred an LL.B. degree from the University of London and called to the bar at the London Inner Temple. Yes, he was all set to be a lawyer, arguing in a court wearing a crisp and stiff collar.
Eventually, he turned to writing and let the ink flow. His words were not just pearls of great price, each word was a dagger, coated in wit, blunt honesty, and an angel of scandal. From the get-go, there was no looking back. He was off to the races and Indian literature would never be the same again. He famously said:
“There is no word for a secular person in any Indian language. That is why we have no secular parties or secular policies. We are all communal.”
A Stalwart in Journalism and Diplomacy
Khushwant Singh was a man of many talents—a renowned author, fearless journalist, and even a diplomat. His career in journalism began with The Illustrated Weekly of India, which he transformed into one of the country’s most provocative and widely read magazines. Known for his sharp wit and unflinching honesty, Singh didn’t shy away from controversial topics, whether critiquing politics or challenging social norms.
Before his journalistic fame, he served in India’s Foreign Service, working in Canada and the UK, an experience that later enriched his writing with a global perspective. His columns in The Hindustan Times and The Indian Express became legendary, blending humor, satire, and hard-hitting commentary. A true maverick, Khushwant Singh left an indelible mark on Indian journalism, proving that the pen, when wielded with courage, could be mightier than any sword.
Train to Pakistan
His highly praised novel, Train to Pakistan (1956), holds nothing back. Set during the Partition, the book isn’t just about history—it’s about humanity gone haywire.
While others romanticized or politicized Partition, Singh peeled the mask off. He showed raw pain, senseless violence, and broken hearts without ever sounding preachy. The book will shake you to the core.
With its gripping narrative and emotional depth, Train to Pakistan captures the horrors of Partition while highlighting themes of love, betrayal, communal harmony, and sacrifice. It remains one of the most poignant literary works on India’s history.
“Freedom is for the educated people who fought for it. We were slaves of the English, now we will be slaves of the educated Indians.”
Godmen and Godwomen of India
Godmen and Godwomen of India lifts the veil on the rise of self-styled spiritual leaders in the country. With his razor-sharp wit, Singh calls a spade a spade, questioning the blind faith millions place in godmen and godwomen who often operate in the shadows of deception.
He explores how these so-called spiritual figures live like kings, preach like saints, but often act like merchants, building empires of wealth and influence. Some do offer genuine wisdom, but others sell dreams like snake oil, using theatrics and charisma to manipulate followers. Singh, ever the skeptic, doesn’t mince words as he examines the fine line between devotion and delusion, painting a vivid picture of India’s obsession with mysticism. His book is a wake-up call for those who may be too eager to place faith in robes and rituals rather than real spirituality.
“India has been in the Godman business longer and continues to produce more of them than anywhere in the world.”
More Malicious Gossip
A literary rollercoaster, More Malicious Gossip leaves no stone unturned. With his trademark wit and razor-sharp insights, Singh spills the beans on politicians, celebrities, and social elites, often calling a spade a spade. He doesn’t mince words as he lifts the veil on hidden truths, turning gossip into thought-provoking narratives.
His writing is as bold as brass, effortlessly mixing humor with candid reflections. Whether he’s putting someone under the microscope or giving readers food for thought, Singh ensures that every page keeps the reader hooked. For lovers of sharp commentary and unapologetic storytelling, More Malicious Gossip is truly the icing on the cake in his collection of essays.
“We are a nation of fence-sitters, face-flatterers, and back-biters.”
Delhi Through the Seasons
Delhi Through the Seasons is a love letter to the ever-changing face of India’s capital. With his keen eye for detail, Singh paints a picture with words, capturing Delhi’s shifting moods—from the scorching summer that burns like a furnace to the monsoon that washes the city clean, and the winter that chills to the bone.
He spices up his narrative with poetic verses, weaving a tapestry of nature’s transformation across the year. Singh’s descriptions bring the city to life, making readers feel the pulse of Delhi through its seasonal ebb and flow. For anyone who has wandered through the streets of Delhi, this book serves as a nostalgic journey through time.
“When the world is itself draped in the mantle of night, the mirror of the mind is like the sky in which thoughts twinkle like stars.”
Final Word: No One Like Him
Khushwant Singh wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea—and he was perfectly fine with that. He believed in telling the truth, even if it ruffled feathers or got him into hot water. His writing had soul, sass, and a sting. He made us laugh, made us cry, and most importantly, made us think.
He once wrote, “Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.” Poetic, isn’t it? That’s Khushwant Singh for you—a rebel with a cause and a storyteller for the ages.