How does Khushwant Singh's selection in 'Khushwant Singh selects best Indian short stories' reflect Indian society?

One notable aspect could be the curation. Khushwant Singh likely has a discerning eye and has chosen stories that represent the rich tapestry of Indian culture. His selection might include stories that cover a wide range of themes from love and loss to social issues in India. Another aspect could be the exposure it gives to lesser - known Indian writers. By selecting their stories, he helps bring their work to a wider audience.

One of his best novels is 'Train to Pakistan'. It vividly portrays the partition of India in 1947, showing the chaos, violence, and human tragedies that ensued. The characters in the novel are well - drawn, and it gives a very real sense of the horror and upheaval of that time.

In 'Karma' by Khushwant Singh, the story explores themes of pride, social status, and the consequences of one's actions. The main character, Sir Mohan Lal, is a pompous man who looks down on his own people. His sense of superiority is shattered when he faces humiliation from the British soldiers. This shows how his false pride and self - centeredness lead to his downfall.

Another well - known novel by him is 'The Company of Women'. This novel explores relationships, love, and the complex nature of human emotions. It delves into the life of a man and his interactions with different women, providing insights into the human psyche.

Khushwant Singh's last novel was 'The Good, the Bad and the Ridiculous'.

One of his well - known short stories is 'Train to Pakistan'. It vividly depicts the partition of India and the chaos and human tragedies that ensued. Another great one is 'The Mark of Vishnu' which is thought - provoking and gives an insight into the cultural and superstitious beliefs in India.

The special thing about his best short stories is the cultural richness. He writes about Indian culture, traditions, and society in a way that is both educational and entertaining. His stories often explore complex relationships, be it between different generations or different social classes. In 'The Portrait of a Lady', he shows the relationship between a young person and an elderly one, and through this, we get to see the values and norms of the society. His stories are not just about telling a tale but also about painting a picture of the times and the people.

The main character in 'Karma' is Sir Mohan Lal. He is a symbol of the colonized Indian who has been so enamored with the colonizer's culture that he has lost touch with his own. The British soldiers also feature prominently as they are the agents of his humiliation and the catalysts for his realization of his own folly.

Sure. 'Train to Pakistan' is a must - read. It's set during the partition and really shows how that event tore apart lives and communities. The story is heart - wrenching and makes you understand the scale of the tragedy.

His novel 'I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale' is also well - regarded. It shows the political climate in India before independence. It has elements of family drama, political intrigue, and the struggle for freedom all combined in a very interesting narrative.