Taking a Peek into the City's Past: Khushwant Singh's Account in 'The Builders' and Other Desirable Tales
Delhi Circle Visited by Narrators from Punjab
Stepping into the bustling city of Delhi from the chilled streets of Chandigarh, a young Khushwant Singh encountered a world far different and captivating in comparison. As a four-year-old in 1959, his fascination with the metropolis remained undiminished, even in his golden years.
This incredible journey from Chandigarh to Delhi still lingers vividly in his memory, reminding him of rides on horse-drawn carts, the grandeur of the Red Fort, and late-night stories told by his indulgent uncle - the manager of a renowned hotel in Old Delhi. Still, the experience was not just a pleasure trip; it was meant to ease the tension between his parents, coping with the complications of building a grand home after retirement.
Adventures in Modern Delhi
Fast forward to the present day, the city of Chandigarh now holds its unique charm and rich history. As much as Delhi's lively atmosphere left an everlasting impression on the young Singh, it still does on us. Recently, I set off on a rejuvenating exploration to attend the launch of Rakhshanda Jalil's edited collection, Basti & Durbar: Delhi-New Delhi. Published by Ravi Singh of Speaking Tiger Books, this delightful anthology is a collaborative effort, bringing together tales from writers across five languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Malyalam, and English. Delhi, a city that has refused to yield its enigma, continues to inspire writers to conjure rewarding glimpses of its soul.
Stories of Drive, Honor, and Compromise
The anthology promises North Indian readers a diverse set of tales stemming from the culture-rich Punjab province, wherein many of Lahore's literary greats found refuge in Delhi post-Partition. Yet, the city has a history much older than the Indian separatist movement, with its ancient roots reaching back to the British crushing the First War of Independence in 1857. Remarkably, Sikh entrepreneurs stepped in, rebuilding Lutyen's New Delhi after decades of neglect.
Intriguingly, Khushwant Singh shares an insider's perspective in his work The Builders. He presents his father, Sardar Sobha Singh, as a man of foresight and deal-making prowess, playing a significant role in constructing some of Delhi's iconic landmarks. From his father's adventures in the city of spirits to the stories of honest tongawalas (horse-drawn carriage drivers) upholding their integrity even amidst hardship, this anthology takes the reader on a timeless journey through the heart and soul of Delhi.
Other noteworthy stories include "Majha Nahi Moya," an emotional tale by Kartar Singh Duggal about a tongawala steadfast in his values and honor, even at the expense of his own well-being. "Gango's Son," shared by Bhisham Sahni, tells the tale of a pregnant woman toiling away on a construction site in the Capital. Finally, acclaimed poet Gulzar shares "Whose Story," a poignant account of growing up as a refugee boy in the Sabzi Mandi area, a tale translated with deftness by Gulzar himself.
Closing with a Poetic Touch
Lastly, I'd like to leave you with a parting couplet by Bashir Badr: "Old Delhi is the heart of the lover's abode, taking what it wishes from whoever passes there..."
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- Partitions of India
- Lahore Literature
- First War of Independence
- As I delve into the stories of Delhi, I cannot help but recall my childhood fascination with the city, much like Khushwant Singh.
- Today, I find myself drawn to the city of Chandigarh, a place burdened with a rich history that remains undiminished.
- Inspired by Khushwant Singh's account in 'The Builders' and Other Desirable Tales, I embarked on a journey to attend the launch of Rakhshanda Jalil's edited collection, Basti & Durbar: Delhi-New Delhi.
- This anthology, published by Ravi Singh of Speaking Tiger Books, is a treasure trove of tales from writers across multiple languages, each offering a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of Delhi.
- The anthology features stories from North India, particularly Punjab, a region with a vibrant literary culture that has found a new home in Delhi post-Partition.
- The city's history extends beyond the Indian separatist movement, dating back to the British crushing the First War of Independence in 1857.
- Remarkably, Sikh entrepreneurs played a significant role in rebuilding Lutyen's New Delhi after decades of neglect, a testament to their drive and honor.
- One such man of foresight was Sardar Sobha Singh, whose adventures in the city are chronicled in Khushwant Singh's 'The Builders'.
- In the anthology, tales of honesty and honor, such as Kartar Singh Duggal's "Majha Nahi Moya," epitomize the resilience of Delhi's people in maintaining their values.
- Meanwhile, "Gango's Son" by Bhisham Sahni paints a poignant picture of a pregnant woman's resilience in the capital city.
- Gulzar, the acclaimed poet, shares his poignant account of growing up as a refugee boy in the Sabzi Mandi area, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of Delhi's immigrants.
- The anthology culminates with a beautiful couplet by Bashir Badr: "Old Delhi is the heart of the lover's abode, taking what it wishes from whoever passes there..."
- These tales serve as a reminder of the city's enduring spirit, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the indomitable human will.
- As I close this narrative, I cannot help but marvel at the stories that unfold in the city of Delhi, from politics to pop-culture, from sports and sports-betting to crime and justice, encompassing all aspects of life, inspiring writers and readers alike in their pursuits of personal growth, education, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, entertainment, career-development, social-media, general-news, and even sports like basketball.
