"The People's Maharaja" is the newly released and the authorised biography of Capt Amarinder Singh. SBS Punjabi spoke to the author, Khushwant Singh who shared the light and shade of Captain's life in this interview.
Khushwant told SBS Punjabi that the book traces Captain Amarinder's family history back to many generations, well before the family embraced Sikhism. It begins with the ancestry of Amarinder, whose birth into Patiala's royal family was welcomed with tradition, pomp and grandeur. The book goes on to document the notes of the Amarinder's German governess, as well as school teachers, who all concurred that he was a dull student, disinterested in studies (especially Maths) and was easily distracted. The principal of Doon school, however, mentioned that he was "pleasant and showed leadership qualities."
The author then traces Amarinder's stint in the Indian army in the early 1960s, quotes his "deep sense of patriotism" as documented by Gen Harbakhsh Singh in his own biography, his failed efforts as an entrepreneur and finally his foray into politics.
Capt Amarinder (right) and author Khushwant Singh at book launch Source: Supplied
According to Khushwant," Amarinder found it very difficult to adjust to politics because when in the army, he was taught to trust everyone, whereas in politics, it was the complete opposite".
"Captain Amarinder Singh lost the first two elections he contested, winning for the first time in 1980, on a Congress ticket," says Khushwant. "He was asked by Indira Gandhi to mediate with Punjab leaders like Sant Longowal and Sant Bhindranwale in the early 1980s. Amrinder even set up two meetings between Rajiv Gandhi and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, but neither of them eventuated."
In 1984, when Operation Blue Star seemed imminent, Capt Amarinder says he warned the-then PM Indira Gandhi of the consequences and told Rajiv Gandhi that he would be "torn between his friendship and his heritage" if the army action took place. When the Indian army tanks rolled into the Golden temple in June 1984, Capt Amarinder Singh resigned from the Congress party in protest, saying "he had no choice but to resign".
He then joined the Akali Dal and in 1986, resigned from the party, to protest against Operation Black Thunder. He floated his own party thereafter, which was quite unsuccessful.
But why did he join the Congress party again in 1998 - the very party he took an ideological decision to leave in 1984?
To hear the answer to this question, and more, listen to this interview with Khushwant Singh, the author of Captain's authorised biography, "The People's Maharaja".
The book cover Source: Supplied
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