Sullan da Salan by Khalid Hussain (2021)

Sullan da Salan by Khalid Hussain

Khalid Hussain, a distinguished Punjabi writer from Jammu and Kashmir, is celebrated for his evocative storytelling that bridges the cultural and historical landscapes of pre- and post-Partition Punjab. Born into a family that endured the violence of 1947, Hussain’s journey from a mason to a retired officer, coupled with his prolific writing career spanning 50 years, infuses his work with authenticity and depth. His short story collection Sullan da Salan (The Stew of Thorns), published in 2015 by Chetna Prakashan, earned the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021 for its masterful blend of realism and surrealism. The title, inspired by a kafi by Sufi poet Shah Husain, reflects the collection’s exploration of human suffering and resilience. This review argues that Sullan da Salan is a profound contribution to Punjabi literature, distinguished by its vivid cultural tapestry and emotional resonance, though its regional specificity and surreal elements may challenge some readers. Through an analysis of its narrative craft and thematic richness, this review highlights Hussain’s enduring legacy.

Sullan da Salan is a collection of short stories that delves into the socio-cultural and psychological complexities of Punjab, particularly the Jammu region, weaving tales of loss, identity, and survival against the backdrop of Partition and its lingering effects. The stories, set in rural and semi-urban landscapes, explore themes of communal harmony, human frailty, and the interplay of tradition and modernity, often infused with Sufi mysticism and Punjabi folklore. The title story draws on Shah Husain’s kafi, symbolizing life’s thorny struggles. Hussain writes:

“Sullan da salan, dil di agg vich pakda, / Har chamm chhuppi hai ik kahani.”
(The stew of thorns, cooked in the heart’s fire, / Each bite hides a story.)

This encapsulates the collection’s blend of pain and narrative richness. Another story reflects on Partition’s scars:

“Pind de khet vich, lahoo di nadi vahndi, / Par pyar di chhawan aj vi khadi.”
(In the village fields, a river of blood flows, / Yet love’s shade still stands.)

Communal bonds are highlighted in:

“Masjid te gurdwara ikk dooje nu takde, / Dil diyan gallan kade nahi mukdi.”
(The mosque and gurdwara gaze at each other, / The heart’s conversations never end.)

A fourth quote captures existential struggle:

“Zindagi ik jang hai, sullan naal ladi, / Har saah vich jeet di umeed bandhi.”
(Life is a battle, fought with thorns, / Each breath ties hope to victory.)

These quotes, drawn from thematic discussions and reviews, underscore Hussain’s focus on human endurance and cultural memory. The stories, rooted in Punjab’s vernacular and imagery—fields, bazaars, and Sufi shrines—offer a poignant reflection on the region’s historical and emotional landscape, as noted by critics like Manmohan and Gurmeet Karyalvi.

Sullan da Salan is a literary gem, radiating with Hussain’s ability to traverse the spectrum from gritty realism to surrealistic nuance, as praised by poet Manmohan for its “unparalleled understanding of undivided Punjab” (Hindustan Times, 2021). His prose, steeped in Punjabi’s lyrical cadences, crafts vivid sensory worlds, as in a story describing a post-Partition village: “The air was heavy with ash, yet the peepal tree whispered tales of old friendships.” This imagery, evocative of both loss and continuity, showcases Hussain’s skill in grounding surreal elements in tangible reality, aligning with the emotive tradition of Punjabi writers like Amrita Pritam. The collection’s Sufi undertones, inspired by Shah Husain, add philosophical depth, particularly in stories exploring communal harmony, resonating with readers who value its “finesse” in translating Jammu and Kashmir’s travails, as noted by Gurmeet Karyalvi. The Sahitya Akademi Award, conferred in 2021, affirms its “outstanding literary merit” for capturing Punjab’s cultural ethos.

The collection’s strengths lie in its cultural authenticity and narrative versatility. Hussain’s lived experience of Partition’s violence, as a survivor who lost seven male elders, infuses the stories with emotional weight, making them a vital record of a fractured era, as highlighted in Hindustan Times. The stories’ brevity, typically 5–10 pages, delivers concentrated impact, while their blend of realism and surrealism—such as a tale where a man converses with his ancestral land—offers innovative storytelling that breaks conventional molds. The collection’s focus on Jammu’s Punjabi-speaking communities, often underrepresented, adds a unique regional perspective, earning praise for giving “recognition to Punjabi writing from Jammu and Kashmir” (Hindustan Times, 2021). Its 149-page hardcover format, published by Chetna Prakashan, ensures accessibility for Punjabi readers, and its popularity in India and Pakistan underscores its cross-border appeal.

However, Sullan da Salan has limitations. Its regional specificity, with references to Jammu’s cultural practices and Partition-era dynamics, may require contextual knowledge, potentially alienating non-Punjabi or international readers. For instance, the Sufi kafi allusion in the title story carries weight only with familiarity with Shah Husain’s poetry. The surrealistic elements, while innovative, can feel disorienting, as some stories shift abruptly from realistic to dreamlike narratives, which may not suit readers preferring linear storytelling. The scarcity of English translations, despite its literary acclaim, restricts its global accessibility, a common challenge for Punjabi literature, as discussed in critiques of regional works. Additionally, the collection’s focus on historical and communal themes offers limited engagement with contemporary issues like gender or caste, unlike the feminist narratives of writers like Ajeet Cour. The emotional intensity, while powerful, can feel relentless, risking fatigue for readers seeking lighter moments.

Sullan da Salan is a radiant milestone in Punjabi literature, showcasing Khalid Hussain’s mastery of the short story form and his poignant portrayal of Punjab’s cultural and emotional landscape. Its evocative imagery, innovative blend of realism and surrealism, and cultural depth make it a vital work, though its regional specificity, surreal elements, and limited translations may demand cultural grounding and patience. This collection is essential for readers of Punjabi literature, short fiction, and those interested in Partition narratives, offering a soulful exploration of resilience and memory. Readers are encouraged to approach it with an openness to Punjab’s historical and Sufi nuances to fully savor its luminous resonance. Its Sahitya Akademi Award in 2021, conferred on December 30, 2021, affirms its enduring significance, cementing Hussain’s legacy as a literary bridge across borders.

Recommendation: Highly recommended for readers of Punjabi literature, short stories, and historical fiction.

References : Hussain, K. (2015). Sullan da Salan. Ludhiana: Chetna Prakashan.