June 4, 1956
Letter 1
The writer is updating a relative or friend about an illness that affected both them and someone named Surinder, reassuring the recipient not to worry. Translated by Satwat Hassan Bhatt
March 8, 1949
Letter 2
This is a personal letter in Urdu from the same writer ("Kahli") to Pyara Singla. The writer recounts a frustrating experience of having luggage stolen during a journey through Delhi, mentions a burglary at home as well, and gently chides Pyara Singla for repeatedly promising to visit Agra without following through.
March 2, 1949
Letter 3
This letter details the logistics of a journey from Hoshiarpur to Jalandhar and revolves around a minor but relatable matter — a borrowed fountain pen that was accidentally kept. The writer is acting as an intermediary, trying to arrange for the pen's return through a chain of people across different villages. It gives a nice glimpse into everyday communication and social networks in rural Punjab before easy phone access.
February 28, 1949
Letter 4
A younger relative writes with concern after learning through the maternal uncle that the aunt's health is deteriorating. The tone is worried and urgent, requesting an immediate reply.
February 26, 1949
Letter 5
This is a brief and formal wedding invitation letter, likely sent to Pyara Singla ji, informing him that the marriage of a girl named Phool Kaur has been set for 13th March 1949 in Jalandhar. The recipient is asked to arrive a day earlier, on 12th March, presumably for the pre-wedding preparations and rituals.
February 19, 1949
Letter 6
The writer has successfully recruited a strong sports club (likely kabaddi or volleyball, common in rural Punjab) led by Mr. Babudhar, who has never played in a village tournament before but has agreed as a personal favor. The writer lays out detailed logistics: arrival on 26th February by the morning train, a team of seven players, and a firm departure requirement by the evening of 27th February. He firmly instructs Pyara Singla to arrange transport, tickets, and hospitality, warning him not to let the guests face any trouble. The letter ends with a confident challenge to the opposing team led by Sardar Saron Singh — the writer is clearly proud of the team he's assembled and eager for the competition.
February 22, 1949
Letter 7
It reveals some behind-the-scenes friction. It seems Pyara Singla raised concerns (possibly about costs, logistics, or the return travel guarantee), and the writer is responding with a mix of patience and mild frustration. He explains that he followed Makhan Singh's instructions exactly, that the players have strict conditions (especially about being delivered to the evening train), and that there's a shortage of good bowlers in Jalandhar — only defenders are available. He repeatedly emphasizes that these matters would have been better resolved in person rather than through letters and notes. The practical detail about keeping three or four bicycles ready as backup transport is a charming touch, showing the resourcefulness required to organize a village sports tournament in that era.
Date unknown
Letter 8
This is a short but emotionally significant letter dealing with a financial matter between relatives. The writer is responding to what appears to be a reminder or complaint from Pyara Singla about an unsettled account. The writer reassures him earnestly — promising to take leave from work, visit in person, and clear the dues completely. He gently points out that during his last visit, Pyara himself had declined to settle the matter, saying he'd handle it on his own. The repeated emphasis on "I am your own, not a stranger" reveals a slight hurt — the writer feels that being pressed for money implies a lack of trust, and he wants to remind Pyara that family bonds should carry more faith than that.
February 23, 1949
Letter 9
This letter is addressed to a "Chaudhary Sahib" — likely a respected elder or community figure — and is written by someone recovering from a serious illness. The writer describes going on his first work tour after the illness but struggling with severe weakness and deteriorating eyesight. Despite this, he reassures the recipient that he is improving. He sends greetings to Shanti Devi and Surjit Kaur (a mix of Hindu and Sikh names, again reflecting the blended Punjabi community), love to the children, and a message for Sant Baid Singh that a trusted item left in his care will be sent soon.
August 9, 1948
Letter 10
Written by Hari Chand, it responds to an inquiry relayed through Surinder Singh about Pyar Singh's desire to start an export-import business, specifically sending goods to Pakistan. Hari Chand provides practical advice — apply to the Export Rate Controller at Bhandari House for a permit, ensure you have a confirmed order from Pakistan in English, and consider partnering with someone experienced if you lack trade experience yourself. He also casually asks whether Pyar Singh still runs his cloth shop. This letter is historically fascinating as it reflects the early post-Partition trade dynamics between India and Pakistan. Despite the traumatic division of Punjab in 1947, commercial links across the new border were clearly being explored by enterprising Punjabis within just a couple of years. The mention of formal export permits, controllers, and English-language documentation shows the new bureaucratic realities that Partition created for cross-border trade that had previously been seamless within undivided Punjab.
August 17, 1948
Letter 11
August 12, 1948
Letter 12
August 6, 1948
Letter 13
July 3, 1948
Letter 14
August 9, 1948
Letter 15
May 4, 1948
Letter 16
June 23, 1954
Letter 17
Date unknown
Letter 18
June 25, 1954
Letter 19
July 5, 1954