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Khushwant Singh: Biography, Awards, Books & Achievements

Name of khushwant singh is bound to go down in indian literary history as one of the premium historians & novelists, an up-front political commentator & an exceptional observer & social critic..

His was founder-editor of Yojana, The National Herald and Hindustan Times. Khushwant Singh was born in the year 1915 in Hadali, Pakistan. He died on 20th March 2014. He is most famoous for his historical novel 'Train to Pakistan' published in 1956.

In addition to a writer he was also an historian,columnist, up-front political commentator and social critic. Family Details  Khushwant Singh’s family was rich. His father’s name was Sir Sobha Singh who was a builder and contractor. His Mother’s name was Lady Varyam Kaur. He was married to Kawal Malik and has a son Rahul Singh, and a daughter, Mala. Renowned film Actress Amrita Singh is his niece (daughter of his brother Daljit Singh). Education

He was educated at Government College of Lahore & at King's College in Cambridge University and at the Inner Temple based in London.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: History, Contributions and Achievements

Professional Career

1939-47: He was a practicing lawyer in High Court, Lahore.

1947: He served as a diplomat for newly independent India.

1951: He began an eminent career as journalist with All India Radio.

1951-1953: He was also the founder and editor of Yojana.

1969-1978: Editor of the Illustrated weekly of India, Bombay.

1978-1979: Editor-in-Chief of National Herald, New Delhi.

1980-1983: He was the Editor of the Hindustan Times.

His Saturday column "With Malice towards One & All" in the Hindustan times is by far one of the most well-liked columns of the day. Honours and Awards

1. In 1974 he was honoured the Padma Bhushan by India’s President . However in 1984, he returned the honour as protest to Indian government against the storming of Golden Temple by the Indian Army.

2. In the year 2007, Khushwant Singh was awarded with the Padma Vibhushan.

3. In the year 2006, he was awarded Punjab Rattan Award by The Government of Punjab.

4. In July 2000, he was bestowed the "Honest Man of the Year Award" by Sulabh International Social Service Organization for his bravery and

sincerity in his "brilliant incisive writing." At the honour event, Andhra Pradesh’s chief minister described him as "humorous writer & inveterate believer in human goodness with a devil – may - care stance and a gutsy mind."

5. In 2010, he was given Sahitya academy fellowship award by Sahitya academy of India.

6. In 2012, he was given All-India Minorities Forum Annual Fellowship Award by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav .

7. He was also honoured with Order of Khalsa (Nishaan-e-Khalsa).

25 unknown facts about Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Achievements

Khushwant Singh was a member of the Rajya Sabha from the year 1980 to the year 1986. The Library of Congress has 99 works on & by Khushwant Singh. Books and Documentaries

Khushwant Singh’s work included both fiction and nonfiction. He mainly wrote in English language. Among his major books included Train To Pakistan ( first Published in 1956) which won him international acclaim and Groove Press Award in 1954. The book depicts the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. His second major work included Essays on India's Emergency by the name Why I Supported the Emergency (Published in 2004) . His third major work was Delhi: A Novel. He also wrote I shall Not Hear the Nightingale (Published in 1959) . The Portrait of a Lady: Collected Stories was in the form of short story collection.

He also authored other books such as Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Fall of Sikh Kingdom .

Apart from these, he wrote and published a classic two-volume book on Sikh History by the name A history of Sikhs (Published in 1963). His other famous works included Truth, Love and a little Malice in the form of an autobiography and published in 2002, Sex, Scotch and Scholarship and In the Company of Women (Published in 1999) .

Significantly, he wrote his last book at the age of 98 titled The Good, The Bad and the Ridiculous. Actually, he co-wrote the book with Humra Qureshi. Contribution His literary contribution to the literature was immense. He entertained his readers with his satirical mode of writing. Current news

Khuswant Singh died aged 99 on 20 March 2014 because of cardiac arrest.

Source: www.sikh-history.com, India Today.in Education

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Khushwant Singh

Khushwant Singh is one of India’s most iconic writers and journalists, known for his sharp wit, political commentary, and literary contributions. Born in Hadali, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan) on February 2, 1915, Singh led a remarkable life, marked by his literary achievements, political commentary, and public service.

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Khushwant Singh, originally christened Khushal Singh by his grandmother, was born on February 2, 1915, in Hadali, Khushab District, Punjab. Today, this region is part of Pakistan. He belonged to a Sikh family, with his father, Sir Sobha Singh, being a notable builder in Lutyens’ Delhi, and his uncle, Sardar Ujjal Singh, serving as the Governor of Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

Despite the lack of official birth records, Singh’s father selected his birth date for school registration purposes. However, Singh’s grandmother insisted that he was born in August, leading him to later choose August 15 as his birthday. The name Khushwant, meaning “Prosperous Lion,” was his own choice, intended to rhyme with his elder brother Bhagwant’s name.

Singh’s educational journey began at Modern School, New Delhi, where he spent ten years. It was here he met his future wife, Kanwal Malik. He later studied at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and Government College, Lahore. He earned his LL.B. from the University of London after studying at King’s College London.

Personal Life

Khushwant Singh’s personal life was marked by an enduring love story with his childhood friend, Kanwal Malik. The pair reconnected during Singh’s law studies in London and were soon married in a small ceremony in Delhi. Together, they had two children, Rahul and Mala. Kanwal predeceased Singh in 2001.

In addition to his immediate family, Singh had a few notable relations, including his niece, actress Amrita Singh, and his grandniece, TV and film actress Tisca Chopra.

Professional Life

Singh’s professional career was as multifaceted as it was influential. Initially, he served as a lawyer in Lahore High Court for eight years, a tenure that brought him into contact with some of his lifelong friends and fans. Following the Independence of India in 1947, Singh joined the Indian Foreign Service, which led him to roles as a journalist for All India Radio and the Department of Mass Communications of UNESCO in Paris.

However, it was his work as an editor that truly cemented his place in India’s literary scene. He edited several literary and news magazines, including Yojana, The Illustrated Weekly of India, and The National Herald. His editorial stint at The Illustrated Weekly of India was particularly impactful, raising its circulation from 65,000 to 400,000.

From 1980 to 1986, Singh also served as a Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India.

Awards and Recognitions

Khushwant Singh’s contributions to literature and public service were recognized with several awards. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1974, but returned it a decade later in protest against Operation Blue Star. In 2007, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India. Furthermore, his name was included in the Limca Book of Records in 2016 as a tribute to his immense contribution to Indian literature and journalism.

At the time of his death on March 20, 2014, Singh was 99 years old.

Information about Khushwant Singh’s salary during his lifetime is not readily available.

Parents’ Name and Family

Khushwant Singh was born to Sir Sobha Singh and Veeran Bai. His father was a prominent builder, and his uncle, Sardar Ujjal Singh, was a former Governor of Punjab and Tamil Nadu. Singh’s brother, Daljit Singh, was a Delhi MLA.

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Khushwant singh’s perspective: unveiling the dark chapter of indira gandhi’s emergency.

Renowned author and editor Khushwant Singh, known for his book “Truth, Love, and a Little Malice,” sheds light on the imposition of Emergency in India during the Indira Gandhi era. Singh, with his close ties to the Gandhi family, provides a comprehensive account of the events leading to the declaration. He reveals that it was Siddharth Shankar Rai, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, who convinced Indira Gandhi not to resign as Prime Minister. Rai suggested that an internal emergency was the only solution, leading to late-night approval from President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. The clandestine nature of the plan even necessitated backdated signatures from the cabinet ministers the next day.

Singh highlights the subsequent actions taken by Indira Gandhi, such as imprisoning opposition leaders, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani, and banning the RSS due to its perceived allegiance with the opposition. Media censorship was enforced, with only Ramnath Goenka’s Indian Express demonstrating defiance. Singh commends the newspaper for fearlessly challenging the government’s control, resulting in retaliatory measures such as power cuts and reduced newsprint quotas.

Singh also discusses the controversial forced sterilization campaign led by Indira’s son, Sanjay Gandhi, during the Emergency. This period of 21 months witnessed a suspension of elections, curtailment of civil liberties, and an atmosphere of oppression that evoked public outcry. Recognizing the growing dissent, Indira Gandhi recommended dissolving the Lok Sabha and holding fresh elections in 1977. The public seized this opportunity to exact their revenge, as Gandhi herself lost the election in Rae Bareilly, the Gandhi family stronghold, leading to the ascension of the Janata Party and Morarji Desai as the Prime Minister.

From Singh’s perspective, the imposition of the Emergency remains a dark chapter in Indian history, characterized by authoritarianism, curtailed freedoms, and widespread public suffering. His insights offer valuable perspectives on this period, revealing the consequences of unchecked power and the subsequent triumph of democracy.

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Khushwant Singh obituary

The author and journalist Khushwant Singh, who has died aged 99, held a particular place in Indian life as a critic of the establishment and a challenger of hypocrisy. His ability to view matters from an outsider's perspective came out of the partition of the subcontinent in 1947: he belonged to a Sikh family, with roots in what became Pakistan , and the division into two countries led to his abandoning law and diplomacy for writing, as well as providing the subject-matter of his best-known novel, Train to Pakistan (1956).

Though his mother tongue was Punjabi and his cultural language was Urdu – he loved the Urdu poets and knew the Persian script – he chose to write in English, and soaked himself in Punjabi, Urdu and English and other European literature. Intellectually independent, he never took himself too seriously, and despite his Sikh background was an unrepentant agnostic. He made quite a success out of poking fun at pomposity, self‑righteousness, religiosity and his country's myriad gods.

His newspaper column With Malice Towards One and All was syndicated all over India, and his benign attitude towards Pakistan and Muslims in general infuriated many of India's nationalists, notably the rightwing Hindus who dubbed him "the last Pakistani living on Indian soil". His critics – and they were many – accused him of having been born with a whole set of silver cutlery in his mouth and so able to publish just what he liked in his countless columns and more than 100 novels and short-story collections, a freedom not so readily available to others. He also liked to cultivate a rakish reputation, and the sexual daring of some of his earlier work was regarded by some as scandalous.

For a time he was close to Indira Gandhi , prime minister in the 1960s and 70s, and again from 1980. Those who detested him as a member of her kitchen cabinet called him Khushamadi – "toady" – Singh. However, when Gandhi ordered the storming of the Golden Temple at Amritsar in 1984, he bade her farewell and returned the state honour she had bestowed upon him. Many years later, Gandhi's daughter-in-law Sonia gave him a higher honour.

More than 450 Sikhs were killed at Amritsar, and five months later Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh guards. The Sikhs of Delhi were set upon by furious Hindus, and Singh sought refuge in the Swedish embassy, noting: "I felt a refugee in my own country." However, he strongly opposed the notion of Khalistan, a separate homeland for Sikhs, and when he returned to his flat it was guarded by armed policemen. From 1980 to 1986 he was a member of the upper house of the Indian parliament.

Singh was born in the Muslim-majority village of Hadali in what is now the Punjab province of Pakistan. His family was involved in trade and large construction contracts for the New Delhi designed by Sir Edward Lutyens in the 1920s and 30s.

He was never a bookish boy and managed to scrape by with the minimum of work. After St Stephen's college, Delhi, he went to Government College, Lahore, where he gained a third-class degree. Singh then tried for a place at King's College London, since it sounded grander than University College or the London School of Economics, and in 1934 embarked on the sea journey to take it up. He also enrolled at the Inner Temple and was called to the bar. A move to enter the Indian civil service proved unsuccessful, and so he went back to Lahore, where he pursued a less than brilliant legal career at the high court.

In 1947 he joined India's ministry of external affairs and served as press officer in Ottawa and London. However, his relationship with politicians and bureaucrats was always an uneasy one. At the same time he was researching and writing on Sikh history, art and religion, and his two-volume History of the Sikhs, published in the early 1960s, became a standard work. He also wrote passionately about the environment and lovingly about flowers and birds: a cat-lover and rambler, he was also a dedicated birdwatcher, and a friend of the naturalist and conservationist Peter Scott .

When partition came, Singh was a witness to people being killed on both sides of the India-Pakistan border. Train to Pakistan reflects his accuracy and honesty, and was made into a 1998 Hindi film directed by Pamela Rooks. I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale (1959), Delhi: A Novel (1990) and The Company of Women (1999) remain landmarks in Indo-English fiction, while the title of his autobiography, Truth, Love and a Little Malice (2002), is exactly to the point. With Humra Quraishi he produced Absolute Khushwant: The Low-down on Life, Death and Most Things In-between (2010) and a book of biographical profiles, The Good, the Bad and the Ridiculous (2013). In his final novel, The Sunset Club (2010), a group of octogenarians discourse on politics, philosophy and the pleasures of the flesh.

Singh's love of Urdu poetry prompted him to translate a lot of it into English. At a literary festival held in Kasauli, in the Himalayan foothills, in 2012, Salima Hashmi, the daughter of his friend Faiz Ahmed Faiz, the great Urdu poet, travelled from Pakistan to acknowledge his work in this field.

As an editor of leading Indian publications, Singh encouraged many younger writers, including me. Professionally, he was always generous, open to ideas and innovations and, above all, big-hearted. Every evening from seven onwards his numerous friends, Indians and foreigners, would visit him. This was Johnnie Walker and talk time, presided over by a host who was endlessly interesting and witty.

His wife Kaval (nee Malik) predeceased him. He is survived by a son, Rahul, and a daughter, Mala.

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The Legacy Of Khushwant Singh: A Literary Maverick

Step into the world of Indian literature and uncover the remarkable legacy of Khushwant Singh, a true literary maverick. Explore the vibrant linguistic and literary treasures of India and delve into the influence of Sanskrit, classical epics, and contemporary authors that define its rich literary heritage. From his thought-provoking writings to his fearless journalistic voice, Khushwant Singh left an indelible mark on Indian literature. Join us as we celebrate his life and works, and discover the enduring impact of this literary luminary.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Education

Early childhood.

Khushwant Singh, the renowned Indian author and journalist, was born on February 2, 1915, in Hadali, now in Pakistan. In his early years, he experienced the turbulent times of British colonial rule in India. Despite the political upheaval, his childhood was marked by love, care, and a strong sense of community. Growing up in a close-knit Sikh family, he imbibed the values of honesty, compassion, and tolerance that would shape his worldview and literary works.

Education and Academic Achievements

Singh’s academic journey began in Delhi, where he pursued his education at Modern School and then Government College. He further honed his intellect and critical thinking skills at St. Stephen’s College, where he studied law. However, it was during this time that his interest in writing and journalism began to blossom. Singh’s innate curiosity and passion for knowledge led him to explore various topics, ranging from literature to politics. This thirst for learning and his academic dedication earned him accolades and recognition for his outstanding academic achievements.

Career as a Journalist

Journalism beginnings.

Khushwant Singh’s foray into journalism began in 1939, when he landed his first job as a lecturer in the department of the newly established Jamia Millia Islamia University. However, it was his stint as an editor that would propel him into the spotlight. In 1942, Singh joined the All India Radio and began working as a journalist. His incisive reporting and ability to capture the pulse of the nation quickly gained him recognition as a promising young talent in the field of journalism.

Contributions to The Illustrated Weekly of India

One of Singh’s major breakthroughs came when he joined The Illustrated Weekly of India in 1947. As their editor, he revolutionized the publication, transforming it into a platform that showcased diverse perspectives on social and political issues. Singh fearlessly tackled controversial topics and invited intellectuals from various domains to contribute their insights. Under his editorial leadership, The Illustrated Weekly of India became a must-read for those seeking thought-provoking content, balancing high literary standards with accessible language.

Editor of The Hindustan Times

In 1978, Khushwant Singh took on the responsibility of being the editor-in-chief of The Hindustan Times, one of India’s leading English newspapers. His tenure at the publication was marked by his unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and his insistence on publishing stories that questioned the prevailing societal norms. Singh’s bold editorials and no-holds-barred approach to reporting won him both admirers and critics, solidifying his reputation as a fearless journalist.

Literary Works

Novels and short stories.

Khushwant Singh’s literary oeuvre encompasses a wide range of genres, including novels and short stories. His debut novel, “Train to Pakistan,” published in 1956, is a poignant exploration of the Partition of India and its aftermath. Through vivid characters and evocative storytelling, Singh captured the human tragedy and communal tensions that accompanied this tumultuous period in Indian history. His collection of short stories, “The Voice of God and Other Stories,” further displayed his mastery in creating memorable narratives that explore the complexities of human relationships.

Historical Fiction

Singh’s prowess in historical fiction is evident in his works such as “Delhi: A Novel” and “The Company of Women.” Drawing heavily from his own experiences and extensive research, Singh seamlessly weaves historical events into compelling narratives, transporting readers to different eras and allowing them to witness the grand tapestry of India’s history. His ability to bring characters from the past to life, infusing them with relatable emotions and motivations, is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.

Non-Fiction and Essays

In addition to his fiction works, Khushwant Singh made significant contributions to non-fiction writing and essays. He delved into various topics, ranging from religion and politics to philosophy and culture. Singh’s inquisitive nature and his desire to understand the complexities of the world around him are evident in his writings. His non-fiction works, such as “The History of Sikhs” and “Ranjit Singh: Maharaja of the Punjab,” shed light on the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of the Sikh community in India.

Autobiography

As a writer who believed in unfiltered expression, Singh chose to share his own life experiences in his autobiography, “Truth, Love and a Little Malice.” Through this candid memoir, he bared his soul, offering readers an intimate glimpse into his personal triumphs, failures, and the moments that shaped him as a writer and as an individual. Singh’s autobiography not only served as a testament to his honesty but also inspired countless readers to embrace their own vulnerabilities and personal narratives.

Controversial and Provocative Style

Blunt statements.

Khushwant Singh was known for his straightforward and often controversial style of writing. He never shied away from expressing his opinions, even if they went against the prevailing social or political norms. Singh’s blunt statements on various topics, including religion, politics, and sexuality, often sparked heated debates and polarized opinions. His commitment to truth and his refusal to be bound by societal expectations earned him both admiration and notoriety.

Tackling Taboo Subjects

Singh was unafraid to tackle taboo subjects that others deemed too sensitive or contentious. He believed that literature should not shy away from addressing uncomfortable truths and challenging established beliefs. Through his works, he explored themes such as sexuality, gender, and religious dogmas, bringing them to the forefront and encouraging readers to confront these issues head-on. Singh’s willingness to engage with these subjects paved the way for more open conversations within Indian society.

Satire and Humor

An integral part of Khushwant Singh’s literary style was his use of satire and humor to convey his messages. His witty and often irreverent writing style allowed him to tackle serious topics in a manner that was both engaging and thought-provoking. Singh’s sharp wit and keen observation skills provided readers with a fresh perspective on societal issues, making his works not only intellectually stimulating but also thoroughly entertaining. His ability to seamlessly blend satire and humor ensured his writings remained accessible to a wide range of readers.

Social and Political Activism

Advocating for freedom of speech and expression.

Throughout his career, Khushwant Singh advocated tirelessly for freedom of speech and expression. He believed that these fundamental rights formed the bedrock of a democratic society and were essential for nurturing a culture of open dialogue and intellectual growth. Singh’s insistence on pushing boundaries and challenging established norms was rooted in his unwavering commitment to the principles of free speech. His brave stance against censorship and his staunch defense of individual liberties continue to be a source of inspiration for writers and activists worldwide.

Championing Secularism and Minority Rights

Another cause close to Khushwant Singh’s heart was secularism and the rights of religious and ethnic minorities. In a country as diverse as India, Singh understood the importance of promoting religious tolerance, coexistence, and inclusivity. He consistently used his platform as a writer and journalist to speak out against communalism and to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities. Singh’s efforts to foster a more inclusive society helped create awareness and dialogue around these sensitive issues, bringing about a greater understanding and acceptance among people of different faiths.

Recognition and Awards

Padma bhushan.

Khushwant Singh’s contributions to literature and journalism were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1974, he was conferred the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, for his exceptional service to the nation. This prestigious accolade was a testament to Singh’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his commitment to bringing about positive change through his writings.

Other National and International Awards

In addition to the Padma Bhushan, Khushwant Singh received several other national and international awards throughout his illustrious career. His works were widely celebrated and honored, including the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, which is bestowed upon outstanding literary figures in India. Singh’s contributions to the literary world were also recognized beyond the borders of India, with awards such as the Order of the Khalsa from the Sikh community.

Influence and Impact

Inspiring a generation of writers.

Khushwant Singh’s literary legacy extends far beyond his own works. His bold and unconventional approach to storytelling inspired a generation of young writers to embrace their own unique voices and narratives. Singh’s fearlessness in tackling controversial subjects and pushing boundaries influenced aspiring writers to explore uncharted territories, both thematically and stylistically. His impact on Indian literature cannot be overstated, as he paved the way for a new generation of authors who dared to challenge conventions and change the literary landscape.

Changing the Indian Literary Landscape

Khushwant Singh’s contribution to the Indian literary landscape is immeasurable. His writings brought about a seismic shift in the way Indian literature was viewed and appreciated. Singh’s unflinching portrayal of reality, his exploration of previously untapped subjects, and his candid discussions about social and political issues gave Indian literature a new direction. Through his works, Singh challenged the status quo, encouraging writers to embrace diverse narratives and to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful and transformative way.

Personal Life

Marriages and family.

Khushwant Singh’s personal life was as vibrant and colorful as his literary career. He married Kawal Malik in 1939, and together they had a son named Rahul Singh. However, their marriage did not withstand the pressures of a challenging profession and the tumultuous times they lived in. Singh later married Kaval Malik’s younger sister, Sharda, with whom he shared a deep companionship and understanding. Their relationship was a source of stability and support throughout his life.

Love for Nature and Travel

Aside from his literary pursuits, Singh had a deep and abiding love for nature and travel. He found solace in the serene beauty of the Himalayas, often retreating to the mountains to seek inspiration and rejuvenation. Singh’s passion for travel took him to various corners of the world, allowing him to experience different cultures and gain a broader perspective on life. His encounters with nature and his explorations of new environments undoubtedly contributed to the richness and diversity of his writings.

Legacy and Continuing Relevance

Influence on contemporary indian literature.

Khushwant Singh’s influence on contemporary Indian literature is undeniable. His candid and provocative style set a new standard for narrative storytelling, inspiring a new generation of Indian authors to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. Singh’s courage to tackle sensitive subjects and his commitment to conveying the truth left an indelible mark on Indian literature. His legacy lives on in the works of writers who continue to draw inspiration from his literary maverick spirit.

Literary Criticism and Scholarship

The impact of Khushwant Singh’s works has not been confined to the realm of literature alone. Literary critics and scholars have extensively analyzed and dissected his writings, examining the social and political nuances embedded within his narratives. His works have become subjects of study in universities and literary circles, inviting critical analysis and interpretation. Singh’s writings have spurred a vast body of literary criticism that seeks to unravel the layers of his prose, further solidifying his position as a literary icon in India and beyond.

Remembering Khushwant Singh’s Literary Maverick Legacy

Khushwant Singh’s multifaceted career as a journalist, author, and social activist left an indelible mark on Indian literature and society as a whole. His fearlessness in tackling controversial subjects, his commitment to truth-telling, and his unwavering defense of individual freedoms made him a literary maverick. Singh’s contributions to journalism and literature continue to inspire new generations of writers to challenge norms, engage in open dialogue, and redefine the boundaries of storytelling. As we remember Khushwant Singh’s legacy, we embrace his spirit of boldness and curiosity, perpetuating his literary maverick ethos for years to come.

Indian Culture Team

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Indian writer, editor Khushwant Singh dies at 99

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NEW DELHI (AP) — Khushwant Singh, a journalist, editor and prolific writer whose work ranged from serious histories to joke collections to one of post-Independence India’s great novels, died Thursday at his New Delhi apartment, his daughter said. He was 99.

Singh, who continued writing until shortly before his death, “passed away peacefully at home,” said his daughter Mala Singh.

A gleeful provocateur whose love of the limelight competed constantly with his disdain for fame, Singh was a self-proclaimed failure in law and diplomacy who turned to writing in the 1950s, soon after India’s 1947 independence, and quickly became a force in Indian journalism and literary circles. He remained one of the country’s best-known writers for more than six decades.

The son of a wealthy builder, Singh had a famously patient wife, a newspaper column that skewered everything from corrupt politicians to desk calendars, and a sign outside his apartment door that warned: “Please do not ring the bell unless you are expected.”

“He lived a truly creative life,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tweeted after the death was announced.

Singh, who often said he regretted not having sex with enough women, was one of the first modern Indian novelists to openly discuss sexuality, using often-graphic descriptions that made generations of readers blush.

“I’ve been called a dirty old man and it doesn’t bother me one bit,” he said in a 2010 interview with The Associated Press, when age and illness had begun to slow him, and a new generation of writers often regarded him as a literary relic.

Not that he cared much. Bad reviews were little more than flies to be swatted away.

“I couldn’t give a damn, he said of an extremely critical review of his 2010 novel, “The Sunset Club.” Writing, he said, “is where I succeeded. I was a flop in everything else.”

At the height of his powers, Singh was a writer of almost unlimited energy.

He rose to fame in 1956, with a short novel about the horrors of 1947’s partition, when British colonial India was carved into largely Hindu India and overwhelmingly Muslim Pakistan. Sectarian violence swept the new nations, as millions of people sought shelter across the newly created borders. Over 1 million people died.

“Train to Pakistan,” with its quiet prose and powerful imagery, remains a classic of modern Indian literature.

While born a Sikh, Singh was an avowed agnostic and staunch secularist whose books on the history of the Sikh people and religion were widely praised.

Singh, who never stopped writing, also had lengthy careers as an editor, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. He turned a minor magazine, the Illustrated Weekly of India, into a journalistic power and also ran two newspapers, the Hindustan Times and the National Herald.

He received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.

His wife died in 2002. He is survived by his daughter and a son.

AP writer Ashok Sharma contributed to this report.

Follow Tim Sullivan on Twitter at http://www.twiter.com/SullivanTimAP .

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Khushwant Singh, Provocative Indian Journalist, Dies at 99

By Somini Sengupta

• March 20, 2014

Khushwant Singh, an Indian diplomat, author and journalist who was one of his country’s best-known chroniclers of strife and slaughter, died on Thursday at his home in New Delhi.

He was 99, according to most reports, although by his own account he may have been several months shy of that age.

Manmohan Singh, the prime minister of India, confirmed the death on a government website, saying, “His writings, whether as a journalist, editor, historian, author or provocative raconteur, never failed to shed light on the human condition.” He added, “There was hardly an aspect of public life that escaped his attention and none that was not the better for it.”

Khushwant Singh’s most widely read work was “Train to Pakistan,” a slim, chilling novel about the 1947 partition of British-ruled India, in which sectarian strife claimed an estimated one million lives as the twin republics of India and Pakistan were born.

He lived long enough to write about the many bouts of violent intolerance that followed: the pogrom against minority Sikhs like him in 1984, the razing of a mosque in 1992 by a resurgent Hindu right, and the attacks on the Muslim minority in the western state of Gujarat in 2002.

“You kill my dog, I kill your cat” is how he described India’s history of retaliatory violence. “It’s a childish and bloody game, and it can’t go on.”

Mr. Singh was born in 1915 to a prosperous business family in Hadali, a village in the Thal Desert of what is now Punjab Province in Pakistan. His date of birth was not recorded, but according to his autobiography, “Truth, Love & a Little Malice” (2002), his father, Sobha Singh, invented the date Feb. 2 when he enrolled him in school. Mr. Singh later changed it to Aug. 15, based on his grandmother’s recollection. And many years after that, Aug. 15 turned out to be India’s birthday, too — the day it officially became independent from British rule.

Educated in Delhi, Lahore and London, Mr. Singh was a practicing lawyer in Lahore when religious violence broke out in the days and weeks leading up to independence in August 1947. Like millions of other Sikhs, he crossed over to what would become Hindu-majority India.

He drove alone and heard disturbing tales. On one side, Muslims boasted of killing Hindus and Sikhs. On the other side, Hindus and Sikhs boasted of slaughtering Muslims. Like millions of partition-era refugees, he settled in Delhi. The journey inspired “Train to Pakistan,” first published in 1956 and reissued in 2006 with a series of unflinching pictures, some never before published, by the American photographer Margaret Bourke-White.

Mr. Singh used the occasion to goad Indians into staring at the horror of their past. He described the partition as a “poison” injected into the Indian soul.

“People should know this thing happened,” he said in an interview after the reissue of the novel . “It did happen. It can happen again.”

Mr. Singh joined the Indian Foreign Service, served in Ottawa, London and Paris, and returned to Delhi to devote himself to writing. He was prolific.

He edited an influential magazine, The Illustrated Weekly of India, and then The Hindustan Times, an English-language daily newspaper. He wrote novels, history, translations of poetry, collections of jokes and newspaper columns about everything from politics to faith to sex. He repeatedly accused his fellow Indians of being sexually repressed.

Mr. Singh was known for his irreverence, but he acquiesced when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared emergency rule in 1975, suspending the Constitution, jailing political dissidents and muzzling the press.

In a tract called “ Why I Supported the Emergency ,” Mr. Singh said he had thought that the emergency decree would provide a brief respite from the political turmoil of the time. Emergency rule lasted nearly two years, filling jails with political dissidents and several of Mr. Singh’s fellow journalists. He later acknowledged that he had been spared from the worst excesses of the emergency because he was perceived to be a friend of the prime minister and her family.

By the time Mrs. Gandhi ordered troops to storm the Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine, in an attempt to arrest leaders of a Sikh separatist rebellion, Mr. Singh was no longer a supporter. Sikhs say thousands were killed in the 1984 raid, though the official toll is 575. The temple, in the Punjab city of Amritsar, near the Pakistani border, was heavily damaged. In protest, Mr. Singh returned a high government award, the Padma Bhushan,

Mr. Singh, who described himself as an agnostic, also wrote a seminal book, “A History of the Sikhs.”

Survivors include a son, Rahul, and a daughter, Mala.

Mr. Singh was known as a raconteur with a bawdy wit , but he lived a disciplined, habitual life. In recent years he rose at 4 a.m., wrote in the mornings, rested in the afternoons and received visitors at 7 every evening, usually drinking two shots of whiskey.

He lived in an apartment that his father, a builder whose constructions dot colonial-era New Delhi, had built for British soldiers. For over a decade, Mr. Singh’s home was guarded by Indian troops, including one just outside his door — a precautionary measure against militant Sikhs who had threatened to kill him for opposing their bid for independence.

In that sense, he was a nationalist. But he was also one of his country’s most dogged critics.

“Why am I an Indian?” he asked in an essay . “I did not have any choice: I was born one. If the good Lord had consulted me on the subject I might have chosen a country more affluent, less crowded, less censorious in matters of food and drink, unconcerned with personal equations and free of religious bigotry.”

An obituary on Friday about the Indian diplomat, author and journalist Khushwant Singh referred incorrectly to his birthplace, Hadali. It is a village in the Thal Desert, not the Thar Desert, although Mr. Singh himself identified it as the Thar Desert in his autobiography, “Truth, Love & a Little Malice,” and it is in what is now Punjab Province in Pakistan, not Baluchistan Province.

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