Born in India Made in England: Autobiography of a Painter

Balraj Khanna was a painter who witnessed the Partition of India in 1947 and moved to London in 1962. He met influential people and his career as a painter blossomed. His novel, "Nation of Fools," was awarded the Royal Society of Literatures Winifred Holtby Prize for a First Novel in 1984.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2021
Publisher: Unicorn Publishing Group

Balraj Khanna, a child born in the Punjab during the tumultuous Partition of India in 1947, bore witness to the devastating divide between Hindus and Muslims, once harmonious neighbors. His passion for the English language and culture led him to London in 1962, where he encountered the prejudice and indifference warned of by Goanese painter Francis Newton Souza. In London, Balraj's artistic career flourished, meeting influential figures such as critic and novelist Mulk Raj Anand, painter Avanash Chandra, and the esteemed Keeper of the Indian Collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, W.G. Archer. Archer arranged for Balraj's solo exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford in 1968, marking a significant milestone in his artistic journey.

Balraj became a member of The Indian Painters Collective and connected with diplomat Salman Haidar, who championed Indian artists and organized exhibitions. He lectured on Indian Art at prestigious universities, exhibited his works at renowned galleries, and even served as a Foreign Correspondent during the India-Pakistan War in 1971-72. His novel, "Nation of Fools," received the prestigious Royal Society of Literatures Winifred Holtby Prize for a First Novel in 1984.

Balraj's artistic journey is a testament to his resilience and determination in the face of adversity. "Born in India, Made in England," his autobiography, vividly captures his experiences, from his childhood in India to his life in England and the encounters he had with the English in the 1960s. Francis Souza's poignant reflection on the racist nature of England at the time underscores the challenges Balraj faced as an Indian artist in a foreign land.

Balraj Khanna's life and work continue to inspire and resonate with people worldwide, reminding us of the power of art to bridge cultural divides and promote understanding. His journey serves as a reminder that art can transcend political boundaries and that the human spirit can endure even in the most challenging circumstances.

Weight: 738g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781916495746