Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Khushwant Singh
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Truth, Love and a Little Malice is a well known autobiographical work by one of India s most famous journalists and columnists. General knowledge and competitive examination papers often ask about such books because they link literature with political and social commentary. Knowing that Khushwant Singh wrote this book helps students connect his characteristic wit, sharp observations and candid style with a specific title.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
This question tests recognition of Indian non fiction and autobiographical writing. Khushwant Singh was a prolific author, journalist and commentator known for works such as Train to Pakistan, Delhi and numerous newspaper columns. Truth, Love and a Little Malice is his autobiographical account, full of personal anecdotes and frank opinions about public figures. Other options, like Tarun Tejpal and Nirad C. Chaudhuri, are also noted writers, but they are associated with different specific titles. By correctly linking this book to Khushwant Singh, a learner demonstrates awareness of modern Indian literary history.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Carefully read the book title Truth, Love and a Little Malice and notice the tone, which suggests an honest yet humorous memoir.
Step 2: Recall that Khushwant Singh was famous for his outspoken, humorous and slightly irreverent style, which matches the phrase a little malice.
Step 3: Remember that Truth, Love and a Little Malice is widely known as his autobiography, covering his life, career and personal encounters.
Step 4: Compare this to Tarun Tejpal, who is better known for novels like The Alchemy of Desire, and to Nirad C. Chaudhuri, known for The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian.
Step 5: Conclude that Khushwant Singh is the only author whose written work and persona fit this exact title.
Verification / Alternative check:
As an additional check, think of key autobiographical works in Indian English literature. Nirad C. Chaudhuri wrote The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian and other reflective essays, while Khushwant Singh s major autobiographical statement is Truth, Love and a Little Malice. Many exam preparation books and newspaper articles mention this connection directly. If you search your memory of bookshops or library shelves, you may recall seeing Khushwant Singh s portrait on the cover of this book, further confirming the link.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Tarun Tejpal is known as a journalist and novelist, but Truth, Love and a Little Malice is not one of his works.
Vikram Seth writes novels and poetry such as A Suitable Boy, but he is not associated with this particular autobiographical title.
Nirad C. Chaudhuri did write an influential autobiography, yet its title is different, and he is not the author of Truth, Love and a Little Malice.
Common Pitfalls:
A typical mistake is confusing authors simply because they belong to the same broad category of Indian English writers. Some learners also misremember the author because they focus only on Khushwant Singh s fiction like Train to Pakistan and forget his non fiction. To avoid such confusion, it helps to mentally map one or two signature titles to each major author, especially when those titles clearly reflect the writer s personality, as this one does.
Final Answer:
Therefore, the book Truth, Love and a Little Malice was written by Khushwant Singh.
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