Khushwant Singh
Khushwant Singh was a prominent Indian author, lawyer, diplomat, journalist, and politician. He is best known for his trenchant secularism, his humor, and an abiding love of poetry. His most famous works include 'Train to Pakistan', 'I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale', and his autobiography 'Truth, Love & a Little Malice'.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Train To Pakistan
Set against the backdrop of the Partition of India in 1947, the novel delves into the tumultuous events that unfold in the border village of Mano Majra, where Sikhs and Muslims have coexisted peacefully for generations. As the country is cleaved into India and Pakistan, the once tranquil village is thrown into chaos by the arrival of a train filled with the corpses of Sikhs and Hindus, escalating communal tensions. The narrative follows the lives of several characters, including a young Sikh boy and a Muslim girl whose love story is threatened by the rising violence, and a local gang leader who faces a moral dilemma. Through these personal stories, the book explores the themes of human morality, the senseless brutality of mass violence, and the complex nature of religious and national identity during a time of crisis.
The 13506th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. Delhi
"Delhi" by Khushwant Singh is a captivating exploration of the city's rich history, culture, and people. Through vivid anecdotes and personal experiences, the author paints a vivid picture of Delhi's transformation from ancient times to the present day. From the Mughal era to British rule, and the struggles of Partition, Singh delves into the city's tumultuous past while highlighting its enduring charm. With a blend of wit and nostalgia, this book offers readers a delightful journey through the vibrant streets, monuments, and diverse communities that make up the heart of Delhi.
The 17119th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
3. Ranjit Singh
Maharaja of the Punjab
A concise biography of the Sikh sovereign who unified the Punjab in the early nineteenth century, tracing his rise from misl chieftain to empire-builder. It portrays his tolerant, pragmatic governance; the modernization of his army with European officers; deft diplomacy with Afghans and the British; and campaigns that secured Multan, Kashmir, and Peshawar. Vivid glimpses of court life and personal flaws sit alongside analysis of strategy and statecraft, explaining both his lasting legacy and the instability that followed his death.
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4. We Indians
A brisk, witty portrait of a vast, contradictory society that skewers foibles and hypocrisies while celebrating resilience, humor, and diversity. Through sharp sketches of everyday habits, politics, religion, and class, it holds up a mirror to a people juggling tradition and modernity, pride and prejudice, superstition and pragmatism. The tone is satirical yet affectionate, urging self-reflection without losing hope.
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5. Why I Supported The Emergency
A controversial defense of the 1975–77 Emergency in India that explains the author’s reasons for supporting suspension of certain democratic norms as a necessary means to restore order, curb corruption and implement reforms; the narrative balances pragmatic arguments about stability and national interest with candid acknowledgment of abuses and excesses, and reflects on the difficult trade-offs between civil liberties and effective governance during a crisis.