Updated on February 1, 2026
Khushwant Singh remains one of India’s most candid, witty, and influential writers even years after his passing. Known for his sharp tongue, secular outlook, and unflinching take on society, politics, and human nature, he captured the chaos and beauty of 20th-century India like few others could. From Partition horrors to everyday Delhi life, his pen never shied away from truth — often delivered with a dash of humor and irreverence.
If you’re searching for a writer who blended history, fiction, journalism, and bold opinions into a lifetime of work, Khushwant Singh is that name. Let’s dive into the life of this literary giant.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Born Khushal Singh on February 2, 1915, in the village of Hadali (now in Pakistan’s Punjab province), he grew up in a prosperous Sikh family. His father, Sir Sobha Singh, was a renowned builder who helped shape much of modern Delhi. His mother was Veeran Bai (also known as Varyam Kaur).
Back then, exact birth dates weren’t always recorded, so his father picked February 2 for school enrollment — a date Khushwant later celebrated alongside India’s Independence Day on August 15.
He studied at Modern School in Delhi, then attended Government College in Lahore and King’s College London, where he earned a law degree. He was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple. Interestingly, he changed his name to Khushwant in school to avoid teasing — a small but telling sign of his practical, no-nonsense approach to life.
- Born: February 2, 1915, Hadali, Punjab (now Pakistan)
- Family: Son of Sir Sobha Singh (builder) and Veeran Bai
- Education: Modern School Delhi, Government College Lahore, King’s College London
- Early Profession: Lawyer at Lahore High Court
Career Highlights: From Law to Letters
Khushwant Singh wore many hats — lawyer, diplomat, editor, parliamentarian, and above all, writer.
He practiced law in Lahore before Partition changed everything. In 1947, he joined India’s Ministry of External Affairs. But journalism soon pulled him in. He worked with All India Radio, founded and edited Yojana, and later helmed major publications like The Illustrated Weekly of India, National Herald, and Hindustan Times.
His famous column “With Malice Towards One and All” became must-read weekend material — full of gossip, sharp observations, and fearless commentary.
He also served in the Rajya Sabha (1980–1986) and never hesitated to criticize power, even returning his Padma Bhushan in 1984 to protest Operation Blue Star.
Major Works and Literary Legacy
Khushwant Singh’s writing ranged from powerful historical fiction to humorous essays, nature writing, and definitive histories.
His most famous novel, Train to Pakistan (1956), is a raw, gripping account of Partition violence in a small village — often called one of the finest portrayals of that tragedy.
Other notable books include:
- I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale (1959)
- Delhi: A Novel (1990)
- The Company of Women (1999)
- A History of the Sikhs (two volumes — still a standard reference)
He also wrote joke books, translations, short stories, and columns that mixed wit with wisdom.
Here’s a quick overview of his life and achievements:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Khushwant Singh (born Khushal Singh) |
| Birth | February 2, 1915, Hadali, Punjab |
| Death | March 20, 2014, New Delhi (aged 99) |
| Spouse | Kanwal Malik (married in Delhi) |
| Children | Son: Rahul Singh; Daughter: Mala |
| Famous Novel | Train to Pakistan (1956) |
| Key Non-Fiction | A History of the Sikhs (1963–1966) |
| Major Awards | Padma Bhushan (1974, returned 1984), Padma Vibhushan (2007), Punjab Rattan (2006), Sahitya Akademi Fellowship (2010) |
| Notable Protest | Returned Padma Bhushan after Operation Blue Star |
| Popular Column | With Malice Towards One and All |
Awards, Controversies, and Recognition
Khushwant Singh received high honors like the Padma Vibhushan (2007), India’s second-highest civilian award, plus the Punjab Rattan and Sahitya Akademi Fellowship.
But he was never afraid of controversy. Returning the Padma Bhushan showed his principles — he valued conscience over awards.
His blunt style, love of whiskey, and open talk about sex and society made him both loved and debated. Yet his honesty won respect across generations.
Conclusion
Khushwant Singh passed away on March 20, 2014, at 99, leaving behind a legacy of fearless writing and clear-eyed observation.
He chronicled India’s pain (Partition), its vibrancy (Delhi), and its contradictions without sugarcoating. In an age of filtered opinions, his voice — witty, secular, and brutally honest — still feels fresh and necessary.
Whether you’re discovering Train to Pakistan for the first time or revisiting his columns, Khushwant Singh reminds us that good writing doesn’t just tell stories — it challenges us to think, laugh, and confront reality head-on.
His words continue to echo: irreverent, insightful, and unmistakably Indian.