The Portrait of a Lady
By Khushwant Singh
Presented by: Prashant Singh Chib
Class 11th Science
About the Author
• Khushwant Singh (1915–2014) was a well-known Indian writer, journalist, and
lawyer.
• Educated at King’s College London and Government College Lahore.
• Known for his sharp wit, secular views, and powerful storytelling.
• His works reflect realism and deep observations of Indian life.
Overview of the Chapter
• ‘The Portrait of a Lady’ is an autobiographical sketch by Khushwant Singh.
• It is a tribute to his grandmother, with whom he shared a deep emotional bond.
• The story highlights themes of love, respect, simplicity, and the passage of time.
• It is written in a reflective, first-person narrative style.
Physical Description of the
Grandmother
• The grandmother is described as short, plump, and slightly bent.
• Her face was covered with wrinkles; she wore spotless white clothes.
• Always carried a rosary and moved around silently while chanting prayers.
• She seemed so old and timeless that the author thought she had always been old.
Early Childhood Bond
• In the village, the grandmother and the author were very close.
• She woke him up, bathed him, fed him, and accompanied him to school.
• While he studied, she sat in the temple reading scriptures.
• She ensured he learned religious teachings and moral values.
Life in the City
• The move to the city marked a turning point in their relationship.
• The author started going to an English school in a motor bus.
• She could no longer accompany him or help with his studies.
• She disapproved of English education and science, especially music.
Growing Apart
• As the author grew older and moved to university, their interactions lessened.
• He was given a separate room and they rarely spent time together.
• Although the physical closeness reduced, mutual respect and affection remained.
• She accepted the distance without complaints, showing her quiet strength.
Her Daily Life and Spirituality
• She spent most of her day in prayer, spinning the wheel, and feeding sparrows.
• The sparrows gathered around her every afternoon for food.
• She seemed to live in a spiritual world, detached from materialism.
• Her calm and disciplined life reflected devotion and inner peace.
The Final Days
• The grandmother seemed to predict her death and stopped talking to others.
• She spent her final hours chanting prayers and refused food and rest.
• When she passed away, thousands of sparrows came and silently mourned.
• They didn’t chirp, eat, or move much—a powerful moment of silent grief.
Themes of the Chapter
• Unconditional love and emotional connection between generations.
• Spirituality and simple living as guiding forces in life.
• Contrast between tradition and modernity, old vs. new education.
• Acceptance of change and quiet resilience in the face of loss.
Character Sketch of Grandmother
• She is portrayed as caring, religious, silent, and emotionally strong.
• Her personality reflects grace, dignity, and acceptance of life’s changes.
• She has a timeless aura and spiritual energy that impacts even animals.
• Through minimal dialogue, her actions reveal her deep wisdom.
Conclusion & Credits
• ‘The Portrait of a Lady’ is a touching tribute to a loved one.
• It beautifully explores family bonds, spiritual values, and the passage of time.
• The story leaves the reader reflecting on relationships and mortality.
• Prepared by: Prashant Singh Chib | Class: 11th Science
