Sukhwinder Singh Balian

Sangrur, Punjab, India

‘Mandi Rahim Khan’ (‘Market Rahim Khan’) spans a period of sixty years from the last decade of the 19th century to the fifth decade of the 20th century. It chronicles Punjab under British colonial rule and through the upheaval of Partition in 1947. With attention to historic details, the author draws special attention to the struggle and culture of Punjabis who settled in the ‘wild and barren lands’ of the Bar region. The novel powerfully illustrates how shattered dreams, hopes, and a pervasive sense of unease continued to plague individuals and families. The effect lasted even decades after 1947, as the "same atmosphere" and "same politics" seemed to persist.

Balian’s portrayal of socio-economic and cultural aspects is tinged with remarkable realism. The enduring resilience of the characters as they grapple with displacement, loss, and the challenges of rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the 1947’s cataclysmic division makes for engaging reading. The novel stands as a comprehensive document for understanding the Punjabi way of life during that era.