• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • English
  • Gurmukhi
  • Shahmukhi

The Dhahan Prize For Punjabi Literature

To inspire the creation of Punjabi literature across borders, bridging Punjabi communities around the world and promoting Punjabi literature on a global scale.

  • Home
  • About us
    • Founding Organizations
    • Founder’s Circle
    • Advisory Committee
    • Keynote Speakers
  • Winners
    • 2024 Winners
    • 2023 Winners
    • 2022 Winners
    • 2021 Winners
    • 2020 Winners
    • 2019 Winners
    • 2018 Winners
    • 2017 Winners
    • 2016 Winners
    • 2015 Winners
    • 2014 Winners
  • Youth Award
  • Luminaries
  • News
  • Sponsors
  • Events
  • Submissions
You are here: Home / Authors / Sukhwinder Singh Balian

Sukhwinder Singh Balian

Sangrur, Punjab, India

Sukhwinder Singh Balian portrait - Mandi Rahim Khan

Mandi Rahim Khan cover - front only - Sukhwinder Sing Balian

‘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.

Footer

dhahan punjabi literature prize logo

Looking for something?

  • Home
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • Submissions
  • Dhahan Youth Award

Follow us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2025 · Canada India Education Society

© 2025 Canada India Education Society

  • English
  • Gurmukhi
  • Shahmukhi