End Of India

by Khushwant Singh

I thought the nation was coming to an end;' wrote Khushwant Singh; looking back on the violence of Partition that he was witness to over half a century ago. He believed then; and for years afterwards; that he had seen the worst that India could do to herself. Over the last few years; however; he has had reason to feel that the worst; perhaps; is still to come. In this fierce; uncompromising book he shows us what few of us wish to see: why it is entirely likely that India will come undone in the foreseeable future. Analysing the communal violence in Gujarat in 2002; the anti-Sikh riots of 1984; the burning of Graham Staines and his children; the targeted killings by terrorists in Punjab and Kashmir; Khushwant Singh forces us to confront the absolute corruption of religion that has made us among the most brutal people on earth. He also points out that fundamentalism has less to do with religion than with politics. And communal politics; he reminds us; is only the most visible of the demons we have nurtured and let loose upon ourselves. Insurgencies in Kashmir and the North-East; caste wars in Bihar; scattered Naxalite movements; and the ghettoization of minorities are proof that our obsession with caste and regional and racial identity has also splintered the nation; perhaps beyond repair. A brave and passionate book; The End of India is a wake-up call for every citizen concerned about his or her own future; if not the nation's.

Genres: Nonfiction, India, Politics, History, Religion, Indian Literature

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Khushwant Singh, (Punjabi: ਖ਼ੁਸ਼ਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ, Hindi: खुशवंत सिंह) born on 2 February 1915 in Hadali, Undivided India, (now a part of Pakistan), was a prominent Indian novelist and journalist. Singh's weekly column, "With Malice towards One and All", carried by several Indian newspapers, was among the most widely-read columns in the country.

An important post-colonial novelist writing in English, Singh is best known for his trenchant secularism, his humor, and an abiding love of poetry. His comparisons of social and behavioral characteristics of Westerners and Indians are laced with acid wit.

Reviews

[Elsa Rajan Pradhananga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming from an acclaimed author who had been through the perils and savagery of the partition of India in 1947 and the ruthlessness of the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, it is interesting to note that this book was written in 2003 following the landslide victory of a religious fundamentalist party in the Gujarat assembly elections, immediately after the communal riots there. Khushwant Singh notes that if a largely literate nation like Germany could succumb to racial prejudice in the 1940s, distorting facts, injecting pride for the majority’s religion and creating contempt for that of others’ would be enough to bring a brew of hate to boil in India as seen in the riots of '69, '84, '93 and '02. Add to this the cacophony of propaganda via media, a large crowd of indoctrinated unemployed youth, schemes for garnering votes in the next elections, detention camps ready to segregate and imprison, and we have it all ready for the end of India. Written while in anguish, anger and bouts of depression, this book reads like a prophecy, gives warnings and suggests solutions for the grim times Khushwant Singh predicted, the nation would fall into.

[S.Ach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doomsayers are aplenty today. Talk 'positive' and no one cares, but say "Doom" and you will find many heads turning towards you. Every alternative Hollywood movie is on apocalyptic scenario. "World is coming to an end. Humanity won't survive." a common theme amongst them. In this book, the grand old dad of Indian literary diaspora Khushwant Singh cashes in on that sentiment.
I don't believe India is coming to an end, because of some recent incidents where some fanatic elements are finding their voices heard. The idea of India has survived thousands of years, despite facing countless invasions, umpteen internal conflicts and religious wars. Few fringe groups, in power or otherwise, can't spell doom for India.

Having said that, it would be wrong to say that everything is right in India. Of course, the rise of fundamentalism in a country founded on the sound principles of secularism, is a definite matter of concern. Religion is a private matter, and bringing it to public domain won't accelerate our path towards being a developed country. Religious fundamentalism, irrespective of whether it belongs to majority or minority community, especially thriving solely on hatred for other religions, should be dealt with iron hand, if India wants to keep its pace alongside the progressive countries.

In this book, Singh highlighted the then recent incidents in Gujarat in 2002, however, his vitriolic attack was not only against the BJP and RSS, but also towards the post Nehru Congress who had been responsible for many communal tensions in past. The need of the time, according to the author, is to adopt Nehruvian secularism - maintain a safe distance between government and religion, and shun the Gandhian one - equal respect of all religions. After all, a Muslim celebrating Diwali or a Hindu throwing an Iftaar party, is not secularism, but only a sham display.

Communal tension is nothing new in India. It has been there throughout history, even long before all the foreign invasions. I am little surprised, why Khushwant Singh, who had been the first-hand witness to the massacres during partition, and the 1984 riots, would predict the end of India in 2003. Had he been alive today, while reading the incident in Dadri, I could imagine his I-told-you-so look on the face. Probably the reason for raising his voice and prophesizing doom then was a timely concern, as he nicely argued with the help of the poem by the German pastor Martin Niemöller

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—
and there was no one left to speak for me

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Khushwant Singh looks at the looming threat of polarizing fundamentalism/nationalism (a deadly combination); he examines the communal tidal wave that sweeps over anyone who is labeled as 'other' and the destruction that is the result of the intolerant immersion of such movements. This book has many lessons - many which should be look at as we examine what is happening in America today.

[Viji (Bookish endeavors) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A revolutionary book which express the sheer rage of the author at the situation of the country in his time and in the not-so-distant past.. This book reflects the thoughts of every secular Indian,and I mean not the for-fad-secular ones.. This book is highly relevant these days when we are waiting for the uprising of the same forces, which this book so vehemently criticizes,at the Centre..
As a concerned citizen,I've often been hurt by the growing distance between religious communities in my neighborhood which used to be a secular one.. Because of the same reasons mentioned in this book, there doesn't seem to be a going-back..
Because of the inactivity of the people who had secularism at their heart,now we see ourselves on the verge of a complete downfall.. Fundamentalism seems the new trend and technological advancements like social media are used for its propagation.. The perpetrators of inhuman atrocities are shown as the new demigods of power.. The whole country is on its path to fall into the hands of these fascist demagogues..
As the author rightly says,"It is time we learnt to give avatars and prophets their proper places as important historical personalities who did good to humanity. No more than that."

[Ankur Chawla · Rating 1 out of 5]

i am totally non impressed..

1. it could very well have been an article no need to make it in a book and loot people of there money.
2. I agree to some extent that the fascism in any religion is dangerous but everybody knows it and people sect who doesn't recognize this fact will not recognize this fact by reading this book. so a total waste of money and time.
3. instead of pointing out the problem point out the solution. education/ways to control corruption/ways to stop interference of politics in administration/generating equal growth opportunities thoughout the country etc etc that will may be become an eye opened for some people.
4. not worth the money or time it is absolute shit. it seems that Mr singh has lost his temper and mind and have behaved like a truly irritated person instead of showing sensibility to portray possible solutions...please dont buy it.

[Sudeepta Pradhan (booksteaandmore) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When just the art of being kind is what the sad world needs" I truly think this last line captured the essence of what in our society is missing today. The lack of empathy with a false sense of ego about one's religion, culture, community is what has been the major plague in our world. History has taught us what the concoction of this can do but yet we fail to learn or turn a blind eye to it.

The end of India by Khushwant Singh was written in 2003 just after the Gujarat riots. Kushwant Singh visited Gujarat post the riots and what he witnessed and saw made him reminiscent of the carnage and riots that partition had brought. However what he wrote nearly 16 years ago is relevant today as well.
We live in a world today where fake news is abundant and history is getting distorted, this book can be your guide to truly understanding the foundation of independent India. How strong secular roots were a core essence to maintain India as a democracy and prevent religious fanaticism, how Nehru ensured that our fabric was based on socialism as though Marxism was popular in India just after independence it was not the right model for India.
The book further enables you to understand how Hindu nationalism came to fore. The part in the book which was most interesting was the part on communalism. Very often we think riots in religious grounds happened in India because of the divide and rule policy of British, however Khushwant Singh shows how riots were always happening in India between religions and caste groups.
He further elaborates as to how our leaders post-independence knew that religion and politics were two separate entities and they should not merge. However it was in '80s when religion and politics started to meddle since then our secular fabric has somewhat become notional with racial, linguistic and religious differences being factors on which elections are fought on and leveraged by politicians. Khushwant Singh does this brilliantly by taking us through what transpired in Punjab, the factors in work which lead to the Hindu Sikh riots.While this book educates you on many facet what it successfully does is invoking a sense of looking within oneself

[Tariq Mahmood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every organised religion harkens back to an imagined glorifies past and opposes change.
In Europe, it's secularists had to fight off Christianity to develop, a process which had not happened in Islam, resulting in backward and non democratic societies. In India, Hinduism has to be countered by secularism among its 80% Hindu population rather than any of its Muslims, Christian or Sikh minorities. Khushwant finds it incredible how the Hindu masses have been led to believe by the religious leaning Hindu leaders that they are being discriminated in their own country. Hard to believe isn't it? But unfortunately, focus on any religion will inevitably lead a more narrow minded and restricted approach.

Hailing from a minority religion himself, Khushwant makes some poignant points about the rising fundamentalism in India.
If Nazi fascism had succeeded in a literate Germany, won't India be much easier?
If Bhindranwale succeeded in gathering a substantial following from the pulpit of gurdwaras, imagine what damage any elected government can have in preaching the message of hate using much greater resources?
Communalism has always been and will always remain in any any culture where two or more religions share resources.
Congress was first to exploit religion for electoral gains, effectively showing BJP how to galvanise masses using the religious rhetoric.
Congress motive of maintaining Muslims and Dalits as oppressed classes is to appear as their only saviours.
Most heroes in India are non-Muslims who fought Muslims.

Khushwant also defines the Indian version of secularism which basically means the state acknowledging all religions instead of detaching itself.
Khushwant sums up the book by presenting a new religion for India with the motto, 'work is worship but worship is not work.'

[Zarish Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving this book 5 stars did not mean that i agree with what the writer had to say but rather that understood the circumstances under which writer came to believe what he believes needs to be done.
This book has 5 parts, the Introduction is the best part mainly because it was completely relateable to our own country's situation. There is word the writer quotes from another writer "fundoos"; fascist, obscurantist, terrorist, which makes up 80% of our lawmakers, bureaucrats and politicians.
I have not read many books by Indian journalists or authors but the Khushwant Singh truth telling has to be one of a kind. He has done no community much favors, because none have had the most innocent history. Minorities suffer in India for being a Muslim they suffer more.
What the writer is trying to say is that in exterior forces are needed to destroy countries in which religion, language and ideologies are enough reason to slit throats.
I am in no favor of secularism, but the writer gives concept of a new religion to safe, which being a Muslim i am morally against. But the basics of this religion are those basic acts of sanity, intelligence and kindness which are preached in Islam and practiced by the Prophet(P.B.U.H) but are ignored and suppressed by those who call themselves the patrons of Islam because it does not sells very well and if people know hey might not ever believe the message of hate they preach. It simply shows that how far all of us have come from the roots of our beliefs and how have we corrupted and vulgarized in name of religion.
This book is insightful it can be biased and secular but one of the greatest books which highlights the communal problems of today's South Asia. Pakistan might not have racism as strong in India but we are not so far from it either.

[SAAD SHAUKAT · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a stark, unapologetic critique of the gradual yet decisive shift in India’s socio-political landscape from its professed secular ideals to an openly majoritarian “Hindutva” agenda. Singh places much of the responsibility on the rise and consolidation of the radical, right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), referred to collectively as the “Sangh.”

The author begins by contrasting the India of earlier decades, where communal violence was largely confined to a few “riot-prone” areas, with the contemporary reality in which virtually every city harbors simmering communal tensions. Singh notes that these tensions are no longer isolated incidents but evolving, sustained patterns of division.

One of the book’s recurring themes is the persecution of religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, with the plight of Muslims worsening significantly under the Narendra Modi-led government. Singh does not shy away from highlighting episodes of targeted violence, including the Gujarat riots, and draws on interviews with staunch Hindu extremists and references to fundamentalist authors who have justified or endorsed such atrocities.

Interestingly, Singh’s criticism is not limited to the BJP. He takes aim at the Congress Party as well, accusing it of cynically exploiting Muslim voters, especially the less educated, for political gain, without genuinely safeguarding their rights or interests. In this way, End of India functions as a sweeping condemnation of India’s political class for failing to uphold the inclusive principles enshrined in its constitution.

In his concluding remarks, Singh adopts a somewhat idealistic tone, suggesting the creation of a new, syncretic religion combining the virtues of all faiths. He also proposes impractical measures such as deploying Hindu police officers in Muslim-majority areas and vice versa as a means of fostering trust, ideas that, while well-meaning, appear detached from political and societal realities.

At a personal level, Singh emerges in the text as a disillusioned observer, someone who, despite being a Sikh by name, displays little religious orthodoxy and instead aligns more closely with the humanistic, universalist values echoed in Allama Iqbal’s poetry. He spares no religion from criticism, yet reserves his sharpest rebukes for Hindu fundamentalists (whom he calls “fundoos”), holding them chiefly responsible for the erosion of India’s pluralistic ethos.

Ultimately, End of India reads as both a lament and a warning, a compact yet emotionally charged work fueled by frustration, moral outrage, and a clear-eyed recognition of the dangers posed by sectarian nationalism. While it may not offer fully workable solutions, it succeeds in provoking reflection and debate. This makes it a worthwhile, if not essential, one-time read for those seeking to understand the ideological and communal fault lines shaping modern India.

[Parambir Sumal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book strikes the right cords.

[Ali Hassan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The End of India" by Khushwant Singh shows the anger of Mr. Singh over the carnage in Gujrat, India. He traces the history of communalism, fundamentalism, riots and killing in the name of religion, and above all, he unveils the history of some militant groups pregnant with hate against non-Hindus in India. He also looks back to the history of the two-nation theory and how it managed to demolish the dream of a united India. Now since India has become an independent country and is home to millions of people who don't share one religion, Mr. Singh believes, the sole threat to her existence is religious intolerance by the majority, and not a foreign country or power.

[Vishwas PAtil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended in the current political climate. Nothing good had ever come from dividing people, nothing ever will. Learning to live with each other, understanding cultures, way of life and being accepting is the only way forward.

[Ayushi · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know what they say about great things?
They come in small packets!
This book is nothing special or out of the ordinary & is actually written out of the author's anguish, which can be felt through the course of the book.
This being the first book I read after his death, ought to been an emotional read! Did actually a few tears sprout too? It did! Not for his death though, but for the naivete of people, of those who say represent the country. This book unveils a lot of aspects of 'Modern India' through his point of view, while he manages to keep his humor intact.

Will I recommend it? Actually no! Because if you have followed history carefully, you will be aware of all the fact he has put together in the book. Because, I never cared about history, I really enjoyed reading it, (& also for the fact that I had a boring exam)

I guess this is enough of a review for such a small book!
Adigos!

[Gokul Menon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe that the essence of every person’s religion should be the endeavor not to hurt another person or living thing and to preserve his environment. The government should, as a matter of policy, forbid the building of any more places of worship. We have more than enough of them. The government should never permit the use of public parks or open spaces for religious gathering, and if a place of worship becomes a bone of contention or happens to be misused by undesirable elements, it should simply take it over.

[Harmeet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book is about the erosion of secularism in india as religious intolerance increases. Anguishing for some, ignored by most, exploited by few to the damage of many. Kushwant Singh, the grand old man Indian writing feels this will and has eroded India. He has good and wise suggestions though no new ones, still he is trying. Very short book, an easy read, insightful.

[Hasanat Kazmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best part is you can end this book in one go :)

Such a material and tone by someone who has been important part of Indian government is alarming and eye opening for world. Only if world want to open eyes.

Read it if you want to now how Hindu nationalism is slowly increasing and has no organized force to stop it.

[Kuldip S Attalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brave and passionate Patriotic Book.

Dhoondta Phirta Hoon Mein, Ai Iqbal, Apney Aap Ko.
Aap Hee Goya musafir, Aap Hee Manzil Hoo Mein.

Thought Provoking.....

[Xylosx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although he hasnt spared the BJP, RSS, etc. Strange he hasn't talked about the 1984 Sikh pogrom a lot in this book....

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explains in simple language the effect of right wing forces on the idea of India. Must read for those who are disturbed by the current realities in India.

[Somit · Rating 3 out of 5]

As my fellow readers have mentioned, the book does strike the right cord. But, the book is very repetitive. Rest, it's informative, intriguing and leaves you with a thought of a new religion.

[Mustafaen Kamal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great long article, with almost eerily accurate predictions for the state of contemporary India. I think a modern reader may fail to realise how visionary it was for Khushwant Singh to have been saying all the correct things before Modi came to power c. 11 years later.

However, I do not think this is a book. In fact, it could easily be described as an extended political pamphlet. Double spaced, narrow margins and large font sizes do little to prop up the eloquent, but not outstanding, prose that Khushwant Singh has propagated in much of his other writing. However, although he is an acclaimed journalist, I believe his novels (e.g. Train to Pakistan) have done far more to further his viewpoint than this work.

However, if anyone's looking for a quick, day-long insight into one of India's most provocative minds - this might be the ticket.

[Vaj Vijaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review

Book - " The End of India "

Author - " Khushwant Singh "

Genre - " Non- Fiction, Social and political commentary "

This is my second book by the author. The first being the train to Pakistan. Though it was a good read, it didn't resonate with me as much as this one.

The author delves deep into the root cause of communalism in India. He gives insights about how deep the tentacles of religiousity have dug into invisible skin of hypocrisy we adorn over the cloak of securalism.

He rightly bashes both the right, left and the centre. This unbiased and uncaramelised view is like a breath of fresh air in today's highly polarised news rooms where alliegance has taken over honest journalism.

The author also gets candid as he discusses his own views on religion and gives suggestions to exorcise the religious demon which has engulfed the nation and clouded our rational judgement.

Do read this book with an open mind as we all want a country filled with happiness and progress and not one which is bloodied with fights.

[Vivek Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Singh was an establishment (read congressi) liberal and a virulent anti marxist. He uses his petty bourgeois philosophy to navigate when it comes to modern history. Although his analysis of medieval and ancient history is very much materialistic, which prompts me to read his works on Sikh history. His capitulation to utterly discredit Malthusianism in order to explain the rise of fascism in India is as pathetic as it is funny.

However, despite all its deficiencies, it is indeed a great book to get facts on Indian communalism (now almost proto-fascism), specially if you know next to nothing.

[Ramanpreet Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been a big fan of Khushwant Singh. In this book, I liked the way in which he explains his readers that politics and religion can never go hand in hand.

Singh has very bluntly named the politicians who are busy creating chaos in the name of religion.Moreover, it's humanity that has to be respected by everyone because no religion can ever teach to harm other human beings.
A thought-provoking book.

[Tushar Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! The title can sound rude but the book isn’t, I would say that it can also be titled “The Reality of India”. The author has fearlessly written this book and it makes you think!!! 100% recommend

[Harman Singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Khushwant Singh's editors keep repackaging his essays into new collections so they can be sold again under provocative titles.

There isn't much here that's new. I enjoyed his "my personal religion" manifesto at the end, even though I've probably read it before.

[Aastha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Indian needs to read in today's chaos

[Nitish Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small and to the point book! It seemed to me like the author has written this book in response to some frustration. The language is simple, as we find in all the writings of Khushwant Ji. However, he has determinedly attacked the right-wing politics and politicians predominantly in this particular book. Narration is persuasive but a little captivating. It seems that the author is imposing his opinion on the reader—a little bit communist agenda-driven book; otherwise a good contemporary read.
One can give it a try!

[Shiju · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a voice of a seeker, a true lover of India. While the larger observations of the author aren't anything out of the world, he brings strength to them with clear names, faces and incidents. Such is the value of having been on the ground as a witness. In such simple words and examples, he drives home his views.

[Shiva Shetty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I decided to buy and read this book after I finished KS’ magnum opus that is ‘Train to Pakistan’. THAT book I thoroughly ‘enjoyed’, if that crass adjective can ever be used to describe a sobering book like TTPakistan. In TTP Singh makes a poignant point about how religion poisons everything but obliquely.

In this book, which I posit should have been an longform newspaper column, ruthlessly edited, TEOI brings those points to the front without any ‘cover story’ and truth to be told it is rather blunt and ham handed. Don’t get me wrong. His underlying belief about how fundamentalism is the bane of India is spot on. But here it is very in the nose and the prose is not something that could be described as riveting or enjoyable. It feels dry and insipid. Like reading an essay written by a mildly talented 22 year old blogger in a fit of rage.

Still what made this an interesting experience for me is that I am parallelly reading another anti religious screed, ‘God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything’ by Christopher Hitchens. And I am getting a rather eye opening class in the difference in how good solid cogent arguments are made by the uber talented oxbridge elite and a mediocre newspaper columnist. The level of prose and lucid arguments are silky buttery chalk vs spoilt cheese.

Now you may immediately infer here that I am not a KS fan. which is not at all the case. TTP was a novel I enjoyed reading, in parts. but here the book is a collection of rants that makes the same underlying case in a manner reminiscent of driving around a cul de sac 76 times in a row, all night, in an angry manner. You can feel KS’ rightful despair as he saw the ‘fandoos’ wreck mayhem in his country and face no real consequences. And if only he knew how history would turn out for some of the actors involved, his despair would have been taken to another higher pitch. Imagine a German columnist writing a rant against fascism and anti-Semitism and in 1928. Considering what happened to India AFTER the events described here, KS is that German.

KS invokes history at multiple points in the book and he has, cynical as I suspect he is, forgotten that old Hegel gem “The only thing that we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history.”

This is not a book I recommend you buy barring ONE tiny exception. As a study in contrast between mediocre prose and great prose and arguments. So buy this and read it before you read the real deal (‘God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything’ by Christopher Hitchens)