The Portrait of a Lady

By Khushwant Singh

Khushwant Singh (1915-2014) was a renowned Indian author, journalist, and historian, known for his sharp wit, keen observations on Indian society, and prolific body of work. He wrote extensively on themes of Partition, Sikh identity, and contemporary Indian life. Singh was also a celebrated columnist, and his writing was often marked by humor, irreverence, and a candid portrayal of human nature. “The Portrait of a Lady” is one of Khushwant Singh’s most famous short stories, and it offers a touching and nostalgic portrayal of his grandmother, who played a significant role in his early life.

Q: What were the three phases of the author’s relationship with his grandmother before he left the country to study abroad?

Ans. The three phases of the author’s relationship with his grandmother are;

First phase: Village life

The author lived with his grandmother in the village during his early childhood. They shared a close bond, spending most of their time together. She would wake him up, get him ready, and accompany him to school. The school was attached to a temple where she would sit and read scriptures while he attended classes.

Second Phase: Moving to the City

When they moved to the city, the author started attending an English medium school, and their daily interaction was reduced. The grandmother no longer accompanied him to school, and they spent less time together. She did not approve of the subjects he was studying, like science and English, as they did not align with her traditional beliefs.

Third Phase: Preparing to leave for Abroad

The author decided to go abroad for higher studies. By this time, the relationship had become even more distant. Despite the reduced interaction, the emotional bond remained strong. His departure marked the final phase of their relationship, where the physical distance would further separate them.

Q: Give three reasons why the author’s grandmother was disturbed when he started going to the city school.

Ans. Introduction of English and Science: The grandmother was disturbed because the author was being taught subjects like English, science, and mathematics. She felt that these subjects were not spiritually enriching.

No Teaching of Scriptures: The grandmother was upset that the author’s new school did not teach the scriptures or religious studies, which she considered essential for his education.

Music Lessons: The introduction of music lessons was particularly disturbing to her because she associated music with harlots and beggars, and she believed it had no place in respectable families.

Q: What were three ways in which the author’s grandmother spent her days after he grew up?

Ans. The three ways in which the author’s grandmother spent her days after he grew up:

Spinning the Wheel: The grandmother would spend her days spinning the “Charkha” (spinning wheel), which was a symbol of her simple and disciplined life.

Feeding the Sparrows: She found solace in feeding the sparrows daily. The birds became her companions, and she enjoyed their presence.

Praying: The grandmother spent a significant amount of time in prayer, chanting, and reading scriptures, maintaining her religious devotion.

Q: Describe the odd way in which the author’s grandmother behaved just before she died.

Ans. Before her death, the grandmother behaved in an unusual manner. She refused to talk to anyone and stopped praying with her usual intensity, which was very unlike her. Instead, gathered the family and announced that her end was near. She spent her last moments singing the prayers and telling the beads of her rosary. She seemed to have a premonition of her death and was preparing herself spiritually for the end

Q: How did the sparrows express their sorrow when the author’s grandmother died?

Ans. The sparrows, who were usually very lively, expressed their sorrow in a touching manner. They gathered around her body in silence, not chirping or touching the food that was offered to them. The next morning, they quietly flew away, leaving the food untouched, as if in mourning for their lost companion.

Q: The author’s grandmother was a religious person. What are the different ways in which we come to know this?

Ans. Daily prayers: The grandmother was deeply religious and spent a large portion of her day in prayer. She recited prayers while getting the author ready for school, and she prayed even more as she grew older.

Teaching Scriptures: In the village, she taught the author religious texts and scriptures, considering them an integral part of his education.

Devotion in her Final Moments: Even on her deathbed, she focused on her prayers, showing her unwavering faith and devotion.

Q: Describe the changing relationship between the author and his grandmother. Did their feelings for each other change?

Ans. The relationship between the author and his grandmother changed over time due to external circumstances like moving to the city and the author’s growing independence. However, their deep affection and respect for each other never wavered. While they spent less time together, the emotional bond remained intact, highlighting that their feelings did not change even though their interaction did.

Q: Would you agree that the author’s grandmother was a person strong in character? If yes, give instances that show this.

Ans. Yes, the author’s grandmother was indeed strong in character. She exhibited resilience, discipline, and steadfastness in her beliefs:

Adaptability: She adapted to the changes in her life, such as moving to the city, with dignity, even though it meant a change in her daily routine.

Devotion: Her unwavering faith and dedication to her religious practices, even when her beliefs were not shared by others, showed her inner strength.

Acceptance: She accepted the author’s departure to study abroad without protest, showing her strength in dealing with emotional pain.

Q: Have you known someone like the author’s grandmother? Do you feel the same sense of loss with regard to someone whom you have loved and lost?

Ans. My own grandmother was pretty much similar to the author’s grandmother. Just like the author, I spent my childhood with my grandparents. She was like a second mother to me. When she passed away, I felt a profound sense of loss just like the author felt for his grandmother. The memories, values, love, and lessons imparted by her have left a lasting impression on my mind.