Want to know the Best Punjabi books in India? Well, you have landed on the right article. Punjabi literature is one of the most vibrant and varied in India.
Punjabi books provide a wealth of knowledge and insight into the culture, history, and society of the Punjab region.
Whether you are looking for best punjabi novels about love, religious works, or something else entirely, there are plenty of Best Punjabi books to check out.
In this article, we will look at some of the famous Punjabi novels that you should read if you want to explore this wonderful tradition.
From classic novels to contemporary works written by authors in the 21st century, these books offer readers a chance to gain insight into Punjab’s culture and history.
From spiritual works to historical accounts to punjabi romantic novels –there is something for everyone in these amazing titles!
Here are some the list of Punjabi books to read:-
Best Punjabi Books in India (Updated 2023)
Table of content
1. Tufanan Da Shah Aswar Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha
- Author – Ajmer Singh
- Publisher- Singh Brothers
- Publication Date – 1 January 2017
- Print Lenght – 352 pages
Bhai Ajmer Singh, a Sikh Historian, has written a new book on Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha which illustrates the struggle of Sikhs for freedom.
Ajmer Singh Aulakh stands tall in the revolutionary’s history movement in India, remembered for his creative writing & plays.
In 2006, his work was recognized with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award, a testament to his lasting legacy.
2. Ranjit Singh – Punjab Da Maharaja
- Author – Khushwant Singh
- Publisher- Chatar singh Jiwan singh
- Publication Date – 1 January 2012
- Print Lenght – 254 pages
Khushwant Singh portrays Ranjit Singh in his true form. This text offers a unique insight into the grandeur of the Sikh reign at its peak, and an engaging view of one of India’s most vibrant personalities.
Its source is an amalgamation of Persian, Punjabi, English documents, as well as diaries and recollections by foreign visitors.
Khushwant Singh’s name will remain etched in India’s literary landscape forever. His works as a historian, novelist, political commentator and sharp observer of people & society are exemplary.
He’ll be remembered for his frank opinions and insightful views on different topics.
In 1974, India’s President honored Khushwant Singh with the Padma Bhushan award.
However, 10 years later in 1984 he gave it back in protest against the Union Government’s storming of Amritsar’s Golden Temple.
3. Maharani Jinda
- Author – Sohan Singh Seetal
- Publisher- Tarkbharti Publication
- Publication Date – 25 August 2020
- Print Lenght – 150 pages
Maharani Jinda Book by Sohan Singh Seetal is a renowned Punjabi poet, lyricist, and novelist.
He has written several books that depict the lives of people from rural Punjab in a realistic way, especially focusing on women’s issues after 1947.
His work offers an insightful and true representation of the culture.
4. PUNJABIAT
- Author – Kartar Singh Duggal
- Publisher- Shilalekh Publishers
- Publication Date – 1 January 2020
- Print Lenght – 173 pages
Kartar Singh Duggal, popularly referred to as K.S., is a Punjabi actor from Dhamyal village in Greater Punjab district (now Pakistan). He was born in Rawalpindi prior to the region’s partition.
He was a prolific writer and was known for his works in Punjabi, his native language. Noteworthy pieces of literature included short stories, novels, dramas, plays, and memoirs.
His books have been rendered to multiple Indian & global languages such as Urdu, Hindi & English.
The Government of India had honoured Mr. Duggal with the Padma Bhushan in 1988 and also conferred upon him the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, which is the highest honour from India’s National Academy of Letters.
He was the proud winner of the Sahitya Akademi award and later served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
His other works include All India Radio, National Book Trust of India and being President of Punjabi Sahit Sabha in New Delhi.
5. Lahu Mitti
- Author – Thriller Novels
- Publisher- Thriller Novels
- Publication Date – 1 January 1990
- Print Lenght – 300 pages
Lahu Mitti (Blood and Soil) by Sant Singh Sekhon,Sekhon, illustrates the plight of a Punjabi peasant amidst great change in the agricultural and economic scenarios.
Sekhon’s short story has been well-received and is considered to be his most important contribution to Punjabi fiction.
Jaswant Singh Kanwal, similar to Nanak Singh, is an industrious writer who brings deep emotion to his stories and is devoted to Marxist ideology.
6. Eho Hamara Jeevan
- Author – Dalip Kaur Tiwana
- Publisher- Unistar Books
- Publication Date – 1 January 2014
- Print Lenght – 94 pages
Dalip Kaur Tiwana’s story illustrates the struggles of an average, oppressed woman in India (Punjab). Despite being in a rural village, she lives on her own island of social isolation.
She neither has any meaningful connections nor does she have any real identity; instead, she merely “floats”.
Dalip Kaur Tiwana is a notable fiction writer who started her journey in the 1960s and has produced numerous novels since then.
Her most cherished work till date is Eh Hamara Jiwana which follows a heartrending tale of an unfortunate peasant girl whose life gets transformed due to human emotions.
In this tale, she linguistically expressed heartfelt emotions and deep thoughts using the native Malwa dialect with just a few words.
7. Sundri
- Author – Bhai Vir Singh Ji
- Publisher- Bhai Vir Singh Ji
- Publication Date – 1 January 2013
- Print Lenght – 112 pages
Bhai Vir Singh penned the classic, Sundri. This book embodies the atmosphere of Mir Manu’s notorious Sikh genocide through its lyrics that were adapted from a popular folk song.
The rulers of the Nawab’s court were determined to eliminate the Sikhs. They were tyrannical and driven by their own desires. Vir Singh was a renowned Sikh revivalist, poet, scholar & theologian.
He played an integral role in reviving Punjabi literature and his achievements earned him the prestigious title of ‘Bhai’, a mark of respect typically given to those considered saints in Sikhism.
8. PALI (NOVEL)
- Author – JASWANT SINGH KANWAL
- Publisher- ARSEE PUBLISHERS
- Publication Date – 1 January 2020
- Print Lenght – 159 pages
Jaswant Singh Kanwal is a renowned Punjabi author, known for his novels, short stories & essays.
His roots can be traced back to the village of Dhudike in Moga District. At an early age, he dropped out of school and shifted to Malaya.
At that point, literature piqued his curiosity for the first time. A decade later, in 2007, he was bestowed with the Punjabi Sahit Shiromani Award as an honour.
His literary works are reflective of the rural aspect of Punjabi life and culture. They often present an alternate view on traditional customs and values.
He has written numerous books that have been well-received by readers for their eloquence and rustic charm.
Numerous of his most famous books support the cause for social issues such as equality, regardless of gender and race. Furthermore, he is considered to have strong left-wing beliefs.
9. Main Te Main
- Author – Shiv Kumar Batalvi
- Publisher- Lok Sahitya Prakashan
- Publication Date – 1 January 2016
- Print Lenght – 76 pages
On the 23rd of July in 1936, Shiv Kumar Batalvi was born in Bara Pind Lohtian, Pakistan.
He was raised in the rural and bewitching environment of Punjab – a place renowned for its rivers and enchanting music & melodies.
Shiv’s poetry was an exquisite blend of the region’s culture, folklore and the spirit of its inhabitants. It was a true representation of what it meant to be part of that particular area.
Shiv was deeply interested in Indian mythology and Punjabi literature. He respected the wise gurus immensely and his renditions of their shabads were widely praised.
He often listened to stories from holy persons, hermits, and traditional folk songs that were common to Punjabi culture in those days.
His romantic poetry has earned him a lot of fame and admiration. His public recitations of the same and singing his own verses made him one of the most popular figures nationally.
His recognition reached its pinnacle in 1967 when he received the Sahitya Akademi award for his epic verse drama Loona, becoming the youngest recipient of this honour.
10. Chitta Lahu
- Author – Nanak Singh
- Publisher- Lok Sahit Prakashan
- Publication Date – 1 January 2012
- Print Lenght – 300 pages
Nanak Singh’s novel masterfully portrays the true social dilemmas that have been overlooked for long time, conveying each character with great accuracy.
Start with Nanak Singh’s writings if you’re looking for a classic Punjabi novel.
This book tells the story of Sundri, a young girl who faces various obstacles in her life as a result of oppressive social regulations.
The author brings Sundri to life by showcasing her struggles and her journey to overcome them.
Nanak Singh is a renowned Punjabi novelist, residing in the Pakistani village of Chak Hameed, Jehlum district.
After getting involved in Gurdwara Reform Movement, he changed his name to Nanak Singh and was subsequently incarcerated.
During his time in prison, he found greater understanding of life by reading Munshi Prem Chand’s stories.
This inspired him to write novels to bring awareness to the various issues that trouble our society.
He was creating characters with the sole purpose of inspiring people to strive for moral excellence and bring about positive change in society.
His writing style was impacting readers on a deep level, leaving a lasting impression.
For four decades, he oozed excellence in his work- captivating readers with his powerful story-telling and vivid narration which was enriched with Punjabi idioms.
He is the recipient of the Sahit Akademi Award and continues to be a reader favorite.
11. Pinjar
- Author – Amrita Pritam
- Publisher- SHILALEKH
- Publication Date – 1 January 2014
- Print Lenght – 112 pages
No one can forget the heartbreaking story of a young girl who was kidnapped, but refused to be accepted by her father.
She eventually succeeds in returning to another girl. Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi of the hit television series Chanakya fame made a movie adaptation of this novel with the same name.
On 31 August 1919, Amrita Pritam was born in Gujranwala district of Punjab (presently Pakistan). A renowned Punjabi & Hindi writer,
she was the first poet to write in the Punjabi language. Sadly, this iconic figure passed away on 31 October 2005.
Amrita Pritam left an unforgettable mark in the literary world. Her works of poetry have been translated and appreciated by readers from all over the world.
She was honoured with Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest accolade, in her last year of life.
Apart from numerous awards, she was also conferred the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award and Jnanpith Award – India’s highest accolade for literary excellence.
12. Kothe Kharak Singh
- Author – RAMSARUP ANAKHI
- Publisher- B.M PUBLICATION
- Publication Date – 1 January 1999
- Print Lenght – 312 pages
Kothe Kharak Singh,Singh, written by Dr Jagtar Singh is one of the best Punjabi books ever written. It is a historical novel, based on the life of the legendary freedom fighter Kothe Kharak Singh and his role in India’s freedom struggle.
The story takes us through his struggles and sacrifices to fight against the British rule in India.
Kothe Kharak Singh has been widely appreciated for its authentic portrayal of India’s history, its gripping narrative style, and its vivid description of characters and their emotions.
It is not only a great read but also an important resource for anyone interested in understanding the Indian freedom movement.
13. The Adi Granth: Or The Holy Scriptures Of The Sikhs
- Author – Ernest Trumpp
- Publisher- Alpha Edition
- Publication Date – 1 November 2019
- Print Lenght – 868 pages
The Adi Granth, also known as the ‘Guru Granth Sahib’, is the most significant and holy book of the Sikhs.
It was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth guru of Sikhism, in 1604. This collection of hymns and writings offers spiritual guidance to both Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike.
The Adi Granth is written in Gurmukhi script, a dialect native to Punjab, India. It is considered to be one of the best Punjabi books ever written and it continues to be revered as a sacred text among Sikhs around the world.
14. Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows
- Author – Balli Kaur Jaswal
- Publisher- William Morrow Paperbacks
- Publication Date – 1 March 2018
- Print Lenght – 320 pages
Punjabi Widows have always been among the most isolated and neglected members of the Punjabi community, but the publication of Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows has changed that in a very visible way.
Told through a narrative of multicultural romance, this book gives readers an insight into the lives and loves of these women.
It is, without a doubt, one of the best Punjabi books ever written and is sure to be cherished by many readers for years to come.
15. Giani Gurdit Singh
- Author – Roopinder Singh
- Publication Date – 1 September 2015
- Print Lenght – 110 pages
Giani Gurdit Singh is a legendary figure in the Punjabi literary world. He is best known for his classic work, the ‘Guru Granth Sahib’, which he wrote in 1706 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh’s passing.
His work has been praised for its depth and beauty and has been described as one of the best books written in Punjabi. Giani Gurdit Singh’s poetic works are especially popular among readers and continue to be widely read today.
Furthermore, his writings have also inspired many writers and poets in India, making him an integral part of Punjabi literature.
A Historical Look at Punjabi Literature and Its Impact on Society
In this article, we will look at the historical development of Punjabi literature and its impact on society.
We will explore how it has changed over time and how it remains relevant today. We will also discuss the significance of Punjabi literature in terms of its influence on culture, education, politics, and more.
Punjabi literature has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century, when it was first developed. It is not only the language of Punjab but also an important part of its cultural legacy.
Over time, Punjabi literature has evolved and adapted to the changing times and has become a powerful medium for expressing ideas, beliefs, and emotions engagedly.
Conclusion
Punjabi literature has been around for centuries and has produced some of the best books in Indian literature.
The best Punjabi book is a difficult decision to make, as there are so many great works to choose from.
However, one of the most popular and beloved books is ‘Guru Granth Sahib’, which is a compilation of the teachings and philosophy of Sikhism.
It is considered a sacred text by Sikh people all over the world, and it contains timeless wisdom that can still be applied to modern life today.
The Sikh faith is over 500 years old, but it’s roots can be traced back to the time of the Mughal Dynasty. Guru Nanak was born in 1469 and he was also known as an avid poet, musician and social reformer.
The text written by him, named Japji Sahib, is a prayer that every Sikh recites daily in order to praise God.
I am but a drop of water on the ocean-water so minuscule you may miss it if you walk by quickly; yet still I am pure and holy before God.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is the famous Punjabi novels?
Har Gobind Khorana, first Punjabi Nobel prize winner.
Q2. Which is the first novel of Punjabi language?
The real history of Punjabi novel begins with the publication of Nanak Singh’s Chitta Lahu (White Blood) in 1932.
Following dominant literary traditions established by Bhai Vir Singh and Singh Sabha Movement, Nanak Singh wrote religious poetry in praise of the Sikh Gurus and preaching Sikh way of life.
Q3. Who was the founder of Punjabi literature?
Punjabi culture made great strides during the medieval ages. Baba Farid Shankarganj was a sufi saint. He was known as the founder of Punjabi literature.
Here are the list of Best Punjabi Books to read:-