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Captain Amarinder Singh: Peoples Maharaja An Authorized Biography
An authentic, definitive and no-holds-barred narrative – packed with fascinating incidents and anecdotes – that brings alive the life and times of one of the most prominent, multifaceted and striking individuals (a former royal) in the sphere of Punjab politics
Beginning with a historical background of how the Patiala kingdom came to be established, and ruled, over the centuries, the author moves on to describe the early years of Amarinder Singh (a scion of that kingdom). He then portrays the Indo‒Pak war zone of 1965 (where the protagonist earned his spurs) and finally focuses on the combative arenas of Punjab politics, where numerous electoral and other battles have been (and continue to be) fought.
This informative work unravels the subterfuges of politicians and others (including religious leaders) in trying to ensure their dominance. The pages reveal behind-the-scenes intrigues, plots and counter-plots even as Punjab was in the vice-like grip of terrorism in the late twentieth century. Operation Bluestar (June 1984) and its consequences have been objectively recorded.
Besides tracing the career graph of Amarinder Singh, who reached his pinnacle when he became the chief minister of Punjab in February 2002, the author provides useful insights into crucial events that have made an immense impact on that state and the neighbouring areas over the past few decades. The text also throws light on Amarinder Singh’s five-year tenure as chief minister (marked by both positive and negative aspects) and on the following period, when Parkash Singh Badal regained that post. The contents are rounded off with an update on the Punjab scenario up to February 2017, which saw Amarinder Singh come back with a thumping victory.
Here’s a saga that records history in the making in Punjab.
Beginning with a historical background of how the Patiala kingdom came to be established, and ruled, over the centuries, the author moves on to describe the early years of Amarinder Singh (a scion of that kingdom). He then portrays the Indo‒Pak war zone of 1965 (where the protagonist earned his spurs) and finally focuses on the combative arenas of Punjab politics, where numerous electoral and other battles have been (and continue to be) fought.
This informative work unravels the subterfuges of politicians and others (including religious leaders) in trying to ensure their dominance. The pages reveal behind-the-scenes intrigues, plots and counter-plots even as Punjab was in the vice-like grip of terrorism in the late twentieth century. Operation Bluestar (June 1984) and its consequences have been objectively recorded.
Besides tracing the career graph of Amarinder Singh, who reached his pinnacle when he became the chief minister of Punjab in February 2002, the author provides useful insights into crucial events that have made an immense impact on that state and the neighbouring areas over the past few decades. The text also throws light on Amarinder Singh’s five-year tenure as chief minister (marked by both positive and negative aspects) and on the following period, when Parkash Singh Badal regained that post. The contents are rounded off with an update on the Punjab scenario up to February 2017, which saw Amarinder Singh come back with a thumping victory.
Here’s a saga that records history in the making in Punjab.
372 pages, Hardcover
Published February 22, 2017
10 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Khushwant Singh
6 booksKhushwant Singh is a renowned author with master craftsmanship in writing biographies and historical fiction. Three of his books, The Turbaned Tornado biography of oldest marathon runner Fauja Singh, Maharaja in Denims and The Opium Toffee, are being adapted into cinematic experiences, making him one of the fascinating contemporary authors of India. His biography of erstwhile royal and former Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh set new standards in writing biographies of Indian political giants.
Fearless, creative and suave, Khushwant Singh has worn many hats, including a journalist, columnist, TV host, editor and farmer. He is currently the State Information Commissioner, Punjab making him a unique blend of top administrative experience and creativity.
Fearless, creative and suave, Khushwant Singh has worn many hats, including a journalist, columnist, TV host, editor and farmer. He is currently the State Information Commissioner, Punjab making him a unique blend of top administrative experience and creativity.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 2, 2017
The People's Maharaja by Khushwant Singh-From Yuvraj to a Captain to a Chief Minister is a very fascinating and very well written biography. The book is very interesting & gripping political biography that is totally unbiased .I see CM of Punjab in different light now. Man who always stood by his choices . A truly nationalist leader, with a secular mind, a futuristic developmental mindset and never dying positive attitude. The pages reveal behind the scenes intrigues, plots & counter plots.... When Punjab was in grip of territories in the late twentieth century. Operation Bluestar (June1984) & its consequences. At times I was shocked and surprised while reading the book. I liked the details provided behind the scenes, good insight to the future generations & make them aware of all what actually happened. The career graph of Captain Amarinder is very well written. I enjoyed reading this biography, and came to know how the term Patiala Peg got coined. Good read indeed.
March 10, 2017
Why should you read it?
If you have been living in Punjab from at least last thirty years, you would have seen Punjab turning from a widow to a bride, The expression for being able to embrace happiness after a decade of being denuded of it. The state that fought against the odds and emerged even more prosperous. Read this book to know if the fate of today’s political scenario would have been different if Captain Amarinder Singh would not have resigned twice from his parties? Read it to brush the memory of the forgotten contribution of the former CM to the SYL canal issue? Or just to know about the leader who was supported by the voters but not by his own party a lot of times.
What to expect-
Expect to work your brain cells because there would be too many historic instances, political names to remember to keep you absorbed in the book until the end. If you are reading the book to look for the obvious controversies associated with the protagonist, you may find a few things on the loose ends because unspoken is better understood than spoken and misunderstood. Readers may find themselves being shocked and surprised many times in the book. A few chapters in the narrative cover the “secret talks” between the protagonist and Bhindranwale in the mid-80s. Never before I have read someone in the political battlefield being so inviting to something so scandalous, only a combination of a royal and an army man could do that.
Recommended this to all my friends who enjoy a well written book.
If you have been living in Punjab from at least last thirty years, you would have seen Punjab turning from a widow to a bride, The expression for being able to embrace happiness after a decade of being denuded of it. The state that fought against the odds and emerged even more prosperous. Read this book to know if the fate of today’s political scenario would have been different if Captain Amarinder Singh would not have resigned twice from his parties? Read it to brush the memory of the forgotten contribution of the former CM to the SYL canal issue? Or just to know about the leader who was supported by the voters but not by his own party a lot of times.
What to expect-
Expect to work your brain cells because there would be too many historic instances, political names to remember to keep you absorbed in the book until the end. If you are reading the book to look for the obvious controversies associated with the protagonist, you may find a few things on the loose ends because unspoken is better understood than spoken and misunderstood. Readers may find themselves being shocked and surprised many times in the book. A few chapters in the narrative cover the “secret talks” between the protagonist and Bhindranwale in the mid-80s. Never before I have read someone in the political battlefield being so inviting to something so scandalous, only a combination of a royal and an army man could do that.
Recommended this to all my friends who enjoy a well written book.
April 26, 2017
excellent work
March 14, 2017
A very well written biography, there are hardly any meaningful biographies of politicians but this one is an exception. In addition, the book clearly portrays the so called dark phase of militancy and very succinctly brings out how militancy found foot in Punjab.
The protagonist-Amarinder Singh, a truly nationalist leader with clear secular mind, a futuristic developmental mindset and never dying positive attitude.
The Author, Khuswant Singh has planned the book very meticulously and appropriately divided the book into different chapters, in Punjab hardly any leader comes out clearly and truthfully about the various issues and incidents which has effected the state, but in this book behind the scenes details are provided which provide a good insight to the future generation and make them aware what all and actually happened. Not only politics but the protagonist is covered in totality about all the aspect of his life right from birth till the time the book is published and in contemporary time too he proved his mantle once again by winning another election battle.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this biography, a very good read, indeed.
The protagonist-Amarinder Singh, a truly nationalist leader with clear secular mind, a futuristic developmental mindset and never dying positive attitude.
The Author, Khuswant Singh has planned the book very meticulously and appropriately divided the book into different chapters, in Punjab hardly any leader comes out clearly and truthfully about the various issues and incidents which has effected the state, but in this book behind the scenes details are provided which provide a good insight to the future generation and make them aware what all and actually happened. Not only politics but the protagonist is covered in totality about all the aspect of his life right from birth till the time the book is published and in contemporary time too he proved his mantle once again by winning another election battle.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this biography, a very good read, indeed.
September 21, 2018
I picked the book because of the author whose name is well known and admired. The hopes shattered when I saw the picture of this moonshiner at the back cover. Anyhow I continued and what excited me was when he declared in the introduction chapter about keeping away from making the book a hagiography.
The story starts with history of Patiala royal family and not a single effort is spared to make it a hagiography. All the deeds be it right or wrong are embellished in favour of the royal scion.
Nevertheless, the book throws light on various eras of Punjab in general and its politics in particular. Amarinder's life smells of political opportunism in which he is no different than any other politician. However he has been a key player in the state politics and has been vocal about various burning issues.
The book has various typos and is largely skimmable for someone who is already averse with recent history of Punjab.
The story starts with history of Patiala royal family and not a single effort is spared to make it a hagiography. All the deeds be it right or wrong are embellished in favour of the royal scion.
Nevertheless, the book throws light on various eras of Punjab in general and its politics in particular. Amarinder's life smells of political opportunism in which he is no different than any other politician. However he has been a key player in the state politics and has been vocal about various burning issues.
The book has various typos and is largely skimmable for someone who is already averse with recent history of Punjab.
December 15, 2017
Very good insights into who is Captain Amarinder Singh and what is his stance on Punjab.
May 28, 2024
does it count towards my reading goal if i read (sections, chapters) for a passion academic/research project? yes.
don't bother, if you really want to read up on Amarinder Singh, he has a LOT of primary material available in the public domain as well as print. He's also one of India's finest military historians from what I've heard about him. This book is mid, at best, just read because of a research project I am working on.
Also this isn't the "real" Khushwant Singh, this is walmart Khushwant Singh, so don't bother because of that either.
don't bother, if you really want to read up on Amarinder Singh, he has a LOT of primary material available in the public domain as well as print. He's also one of India's finest military historians from what I've heard about him. This book is mid, at best, just read because of a research project I am working on.
Also this isn't the "real" Khushwant Singh, this is walmart Khushwant Singh, so don't bother because of that either.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews