📚 The Exile – Novel Based on the Life of Maharaja Duleep Singh
📖 Product Description
The Exile by Navtej Sarna is a historical novel based on the life of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the youngest son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the last Maharaja of the Sikh Empire.
The novel explores Duleep Singh's extraordinary life, his displacement from Punjab, his relationship with England and the British Empire, and his continuing connection with the Punjab from which he had been separated.
Described by the publisher as a novel based on the life of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the book combines historical material with fictional narrative. The author's note explains that the novel draws on documents, letters, memoranda, recollections and known events, using fiction to develop the gaps left by the historical record.
The story moves between Punjab, England, India and Europe, exploring themes of identity, exile, power, family, loyalty, religion, politics and the loss of a kingdom.
👑 Maharaja Duleep Singh
Duleep Singh became Maharaja of Punjab as a child following the death of Maharaja Sher Singh and the political turmoil surrounding the Sikh Empire.
The book follows important stages of his life, including:
- His childhood in Punjab
- The rise and fall of the Sikh Empire
- The annexation of Punjab
- His removal to Britain
- His changing relationship with Christianity and Sikhism
- His attempts to reconnect with India and Punjab
- His relationships and family life
- His later years in Europe
- His death in Paris in 1893
The book also includes an Important Dates section covering significant events from the birth of Maharaja Ranjit Singh through the life and death of Maharaja Duleep Singh.
📚 A Historical Novel With a Strong Sikh & Punjab Connection
The Exile is particularly suited to readers interested in Maharaja Duleep Singh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh Empire, Punjab history and the colonial period.
It is a novel rather than a conventional biography, so the historical setting is presented through literary storytelling and fictionalised narrative.
The author uses multiple viewpoints and characters to create a detailed portrait of Duleep Singh and the world surrounding him.
📑 Contents
The book is divided into five sections:
BOOK ONE – The Dying Light
BOOK TWO – The Shish Mahal
BOOK THREE – Deception
BOOK FOUR – Elveden
BOOK FIVE – The Rebel
It also includes:
Author's Note
Cast of Characters
Important Dates
The chapter numbering continues throughout the five sections, making this a substantial historical novel rather than a short account.
🕰️ Historical Setting
The story includes references to important events and figures connected with the final years of the Sikh Empire and Maharaja Duleep Singh, including:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh • Maharani Jind Kaur • Kharak Singh • Nau Nihal Singh • Sher Singh • Duleep Singh • Koh-i-Noor • Punjab • Lahore • Britain • England • India
The book also explores Duleep Singh's later attempts to return towards his homeland and the complicated political circumstances surrounding his life.
📏 Book Specifications
Title: The Exile
Author: Navtej Sarna
Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Novel
Subject: Maharaja Duleep Singh / Sikh Empire / Punjab History
Language: English
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 251
Size: Approx. 13 cm × 20 cm × 1.5 cm
Weight: Approx. 199 g
ISBN: 9780143068822
Publisher: Penguin Books India / Penguin Random House India
Originally Published: 2008
This edition: Penguin Books edition, as shown in photographs
Country of Manufacture/Printing: India
Condition: New
❓ FAQs
What is The Exile about?
The Exile is a historical novel based on the life of Maharaja Duleep Singh, exploring his life, exile, relationships, identity and connection with Punjab.
Is this a biography?
No. It is a historical novel, combining documented historical material with fictional narrative.
Is Maharaja Ranjit Singh mentioned?
Yes. Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the wider history of the Sikh Empire form an important part of the historical background.
Does the book cover the Koh-i-Noor?
Yes. The story deals with the historical circumstances surrounding Duleep Singh and the loss of the Koh-i-Noor.
Is the book about Sikh history?
It is strongly connected with Sikh and Punjab history, especially the final period of the Sikh Empire and the life of Maharaja Duleep Singh.
What language is the book in?
English.
How many pages does it have?
Approximately 251 pages.
What is the ISBN?
9780143068822
Is it paperback?
Yes, this edition is paperback.
⚠️ Content & Reading Note
This is a historical novel intended for adult readers and contains mature themes, including relationships, sexuality, political intrigue, violence, death, religious conflict and other adult subject matter.
Historical events are presented through a fictionalised narrative, so readers should distinguish the author's literary interpretation from a formal academic biography.
🎯 Ideal For
Maharaja Duleep Singh enthusiasts • Sikh history readers • Punjab history readers • Sikh Empire collections • Indian history readers • Historical fiction readers • Khalsa and Sikh heritage collections • Readers interested in colonial India • Libraries and personal historical collections
It can also make a thoughtful gift for someone interested in Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Maharaja Duleep Singh and the history of Punjab.
⭐ Why Buy?
A fascinating literary treatment of one of the most distinctive stories connected with the final generation of the Sikh Empire.
The combination of historical events, royal history, exile, Punjab, Britain, family relationships and political intriguegives the book appeal to both Sikh history enthusiasts and readers who enjoy historical fiction.
📦 Packaging
The book will be carefully packed to help protect it during transit.
⚠️ Important Information
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they show the actual book, cover design and sample internal pages.
Minor storage, shelf or handling marks may occasionally be present on books. Small variations in colour can occur because of photography, lighting and individual screen settings.
Dimensions, page count and weight are approximate.
This listing is for ONE BOOK ONLY.
