‘Train to Pakistan’ was written by ________, who also served as a member of Rajya Sabha.
Khushwant Singh
Understanding the Question: Author of Train to Pakistan
The question asks us to identify the author of the renowned novel ‘Train to Pakistan’ and also provides a clue that the author served as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
‘Train to Pakistan’ is a historical novel by Indian writer Khushwant Singh, published in 1956. It is a tragic story set during the partition of India in 1947.
Identifying the Author
Let's examine the options provided:
| Option | Author | Known Works | Rajya Sabha Membership |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mulk Raj Anand | Coolie, Untouchable, The Private Life of an Indian Prince | No |
| 2 | Anita Desai | Fire on the Mountain, Clear Light of Day | No |
| 3 | Khushwant Singh | Train to Pakistan, Delhi: A Novel, The End of India | Yes (1980-1986) |
| 4 | Vikram Seth | A Suitable Boy, The Golden Gate | No |
Based on literary history, Khushwant Singh is widely known as the author of ‘Train to Pakistan’. Furthermore, biographical information confirms that Khushwant Singh served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1986. This aligns perfectly with the additional information given in the question.
Eliminating Other Options
Let's briefly consider why the other options are incorrect:
- Mulk Raj Anand was a contemporary of Khushwant Singh and also a prominent Indian writer in English, but ‘Train to Pakistan’ is not one of his works. He was known for depicting the lives of the poor and oppressed.
- Anita Desai is a celebrated Indian novelist known for her sensitive portrayals of characters' inner lives, but ‘Train to Pakistan’ is not her book.
- Vikram Seth is a renowned Indian author, known for works like ‘A Suitable Boy’, which is significantly different in style and subject matter from ‘Train to Pakistan’.
Therefore, considering both the authorship of ‘Train to Pakistan’ and the Rajya Sabha membership, Khushwant Singh is the correct answer.
Conclusion
The novel ‘Train to Pakistan’ was written by Khushwant Singh, who also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Revision Table: Train to Pakistan Author
| Book Title | Author | Key Association |
|---|---|---|
| Train to Pakistan | Khushwant Singh | Rajya Sabha Member (1980-1986) |
Additional Information on Khushwant Singh
Khushwant Singh (1915-2014) was a prolific Indian author, journalist, lawyer, and politician. Besides ‘Train to Pakistan’, he wrote numerous novels, short stories, essays, and historical accounts. He was also the editor of several prominent magazines and newspapers, including The Illustrated Weekly of India and Hindustan Times. His writing was often marked by wit, secularism, and a critical perspective on Indian society and politics. His term in the Rajya Sabha was a recognition of his contributions to literature and public life.
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