Singh, Harcharan born in 1914, is an eminent Punjabi dramatist and writer. He obtained Master\’s degree in Punjabi and History and got Ph.D. degree for his thesis \’Theatre Traditions in Punjab\’. He was inspired by Norah Richard for writing dramas. Kamlakumari is the first play written by him in 1937. He worked as a Lecturer in the Khalsa College for Women, Lahore. After Independence he settled in New Delhi and worked as a Lecturer in Camp College.He worked as a Reader in Delhi University; then joined Punjabi University, Patiala as a Professor and worked in this capacity till retirement.
During the years 1973-74, he was honoured by the Sahitya Akademi, Delhi with its annual award for his book of drama namely Kal, aj te bhalak (1973) and also by the Punjab Government. His plays are Raja Poras (1938), Dur durade shehron (1939), An/or (1941), Khe dande din char (1943), Dosh (1948), Tera ghar so mera ghar (1953), Punian da chan (1954), Ratta salu (1957), Shobha shakti (1962), Chamkour dt garhi (1969), Mitti dhund jag chanan hoa (1970), Kal aj te bhalak (1972) and Itihas jawab mangda hai. One-act Plays: Jivanlila (1940), Sapatrishi (1942), Panj gitra (1944), Mere chonve ekangi (1957), Harcharan Singh de chonve ekangi (1959) and Murke di Khushbu. Short Stories: Sipian (1942) and Navin saver (1952). Criticism: Punjabi sahit da sanklop itihas (1953).
References :
1. Amarjit Singh, Punjabi sahit da itihas ”Qissa kal, Amritsar, 1981.
2. Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature, 6 Vols., Delhi 1995.
3. Sekhon, S.S. and K.S. Duggal, A History of Punjabi Literature, Delhi, 1992.
4. Singh, N.K., Encyclopaedia of Indian Biography, Delhi, 2000.
Harcharan Singh: Iconic Punjabi Dramatist and Writer
Harcharan Singh (1914–2006) stands tall as one of the monumental figures in Punjabi theater, dedicating nearly 70 years of his life to enriching and expanding the reach of Punjabi dramatic literature. Born at Chak #576 near Nankana Sahib, he pursued his education from Khalsa School in Jalandhar, continuing on to earn his B.A., Master’s, and ultimately a Ph.D.—his doctoral thesis, Theatre Traditions in Punjab, cementing his scholarly foundation in the dramatic arts .
A prolific writer, Singh authored some 51 books—ranging from 26 full-length plays and several collections of one-act plays to short stories and critical essays. His groundbreaking work in historical drama, with titles such as Chamkaur Di Garhi, Punian Da Chan, and Miti Dhundh Jag Chanan Hoa, reimagined Sikh history with a dramatic flair that resonated with audiences both in India and abroad. He made early contributions with his debut play Kamla Kumari in 1937, and soon afterwards revolutionized Punjabi theater by establishing the Punjab Art Theatre in Lahore. His trailblazing spirit extended beyond writing as he helped introduce women to the stage—his wife, Dharam Kaur, notably acted in his play Anjorh, paving the way for future generations of female artists .
Beyond his literary and theatrical innovations, Harcharan Singh played a pivotal role in nurturing the institutional framework of Punjabi arts. He served as the Head of the Punjabi Department at Punjabi University, Patiala, and later chaired significant bodies such as the Punjab Sangeet Natak Academy and the Punjab Arts Council, influencing policy and ensuring the continued development of Punjabi cultural expression. His contributions garnered him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Sahitya Academy Award in 1973 for his play Kal Ajj Te Bhalak, attesting to his lasting legacy in the domain of South Asian theater and literature .
