Trilok Singh Artist - In Patiala

PEPSU, Patiala merged in Punjab on November 1, 1956. The name of Mehkma Punjabi, PEPSU changed to Department of Languages, Punjab with its in Quilla Mubarak, Patiala
Trilok Singh was master of his brush and could use it with utmost care for a technical work like illustrations and microscopic pictures for the dictionaries and encyclopedias or for depicting any theme on the big canvas. The work of Mehkma Punjabi, PEPSU was transferred to Punjab and the deaparment named Languages Department, Punjab. Monthly magazine 'Punjabi Duniya' and 'Sapat Sindhu' in Hindi of PEPSU continued. 'Jan Sahit' magazine in Punjabi also became popular. The following designs are taken from 'Jan Sahit' magazine of July 1970.

The Artist prepared number of portraits of scholars, writers, poets and of prominent personalities. Four volumes of Punjabi dictrionary, departmental publications, Punjabi Duniya & Sapat Sindhu( Hindi) magazines , charts of Punjabi world and illustrations for children dictionary were designed and prepared by him along with “Vishwavkosh” a Punjabi encyclopedia, Punjabi Kosh, Mahan Kosh of Bhai Kahan Singh of Nabha, illustrations for science books, junior science series, books of Bulle Shah, Christ, Guru Teg Bahadur and birds were also prepared by him. The artist took keen interest in various publications and contributed in various activities to make them more interesting for the readers. Some important publications were ਪੰਜਾਬੀ- ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਕੋਸ਼, ਹਿੰਦੀ-ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਕੋਸ਼, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ-ਹਿੰਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼, ਉਰਦੂ-ਹਿੰਦੀ-ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਕੋਸ਼, ਪੁਆਦੀ:ਸ਼ਾਹਪੁਰੀ: ਮੁਲਤਾਨੀ: ਪੋਠੋਹਾਰੀ: ਕਾਂਗੜੀ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਕੋਸ਼, ਵਿਸ਼ਵਕੋਸ਼, ਗੁਰੂ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਰਤਨਾਕਰ ਮਹਾਨਕੋਸ਼, ਗੁਰੂ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਰਤਨ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਹੱਥ ਲਿਖਤਾਂ, ਗੁਰਮਤ ਸੁਧਾਕਰ, ਗੁਰਮਤ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਕਰ, ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਵਿਗਿਆਨ, ਸਾਹਿਤ ਸਿਧਾਂਤ, ਤਕਨੀਕੀ ਸ਼ਬਦਾਵਲੀ ( ਸਾਰੇ ਮਜ਼ਮੂਨਾਂ ਦੀ) ਕਲਾਸਕੀ ਸਾਹਿਤ ਅਧਿਐਨ ( ਗੁਰੂ ਅਰਜਨ ਦੇਵ, ਦਮੋਦਰ, ਗੁਲਾਮ ਫਰੀਦ, ਬੁੱਲੇ ਸ਼ਾਹ, ਭਾਈਗੁਰਦਾਸ, ਭਾਈ ਮੰਨੀ ਸਿੰਘ, ਸ਼ਾਹ ਹੂਸੈਨ, ਵਾਰਿਸ ਸ਼ਾਹ ...), ਸਾਹਿਤ ਵੰਨਗੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਅਧਿਐਨ ( ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਪੱਤਰ ਕਲਾ ...), ਭਾਸ਼ਾਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਾਹਿਤਕ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ( ਉਰਦੂ, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ਹਿੰਦੀ, ਅੰਗਰੇਜ਼ੀ, ਬੰਗਾਲੀ, ਮਰਾਠੀ ....), ਲੋਕ ਸਾਹਿਤ, ਹੋਰ ਭਾਸ਼ਾਵਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਅਨੁਵਾਦ, History of Punjab ( By foreigners), Punjab - Biography, Culture, Philosophy and Religions, Languages and literature, ਬਾਲ ਸਾਹਿਤ। ਅਵਿਨੰਦਨਗ੍ਰੰਥ ।

The work of printing blocks of one Mahan Kosh (Dictionary) having four column was completed by the Artist in PEPSU. The four volumes Mahan Kosh printed in 1934-35 were made to ready to merge in one. Dr. Ganda Singh Director, Mehkma Punjabi and Archives wrote about the Artist:-
ਜਿਸ ਸੁਚੱਜੇ ਢੰਗ ਅਤੇ ਜਾਨਮਾਰੀ ਨਾਲ ਤ੍ਰਿਲੋਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਉਸ ਵਿਉਂਤ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਇਹ ਖਰੜਾ ਤਿਆਰ ਕੀਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਸਾਫ਼ ਸੁਥਰੀ ਛਪਾਈ ਯੋਗ ਬਣਾਇਆ, ਉਸਲਈ ਮਹਿਕਮਾ ਹੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਬਲਕਿ ਮਹਾਨਕੋਸ਼ ਤੋਂ ਲਾਭ ਲੈਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਸਾਰੇ ਹੀ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਧੰਨਵਾਦੀ ਰਹਿਣਗੇ ।

The first edition of Mahan Kosh by Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha in one book was printed in 1960 by importing paper from USA through Govt. printing press, Dehradun. Giani Lal Singh, Director, Language Department wrote in the preface of the Mahan Kosh :-
ਸ੍ਰੀ ਤਰਲੋਕ ਸਿੰਘ ਚਿੱਤਰਕਾਰ ਤੇ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਨੇ ਫੋਟੋਜ ਲਈ ਪੱਤਰਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਅਤੇ ਸਵਾਰਿਆ ਵੀ ਪ੍ਸੰਸ਼ਾ ਦੇ ਹੱਕਦਾਰ ਹਨ।

The Artist took lot of interest in Punjabi Kosh and illustrating visually to understand the meanings of Punjabi words. About 700 illustrations were prepared to be published in six volumes of Punjabi dictionary - Punjabi Kosk. These all illustrations were lost due to the carelessness of printing press. Those all drawings & sketches were prepared again. These illustrations are part of Punjabi kosh. These were block printings but quality deteriorated with subsequent publications.

From 1962 to 1964, the Artist was member of study Circle, Punjabi University Patiala.

On first November, 1966, GoI dissolved former state of East Punjab. Out of East Punjab, new state of Haryana State(Hindi speaking)was created, all the hill areas were transferred to Himachal Pardesh and Chandigarh became Union Territory. The remaining smaller State as Punjab (Punjabi Speaking). S. Gurnam Singh CM, Punjab failed to introduce Punjabi as Punjab's state language. S. Lachman Singh Gill revolted and wih support of congress became CM, Punjab. The major decision of S. LS Gill's Government was to make Punjabi as the official language of Punjab w.e.f. from 13th. April 1968. First 'Punjabi Divas' was celebrated to introduce Punjabi language as official language of Punjab.

A painting was made by Trilok Singh, which was presented to the Chief Minister of Punjab S. Lachman Singh Gill on 13th January, 1968 on first Punjabi Divas. In the painting, S. LS Gill has been shown paying respect to Punjabi Language queen and honouring her by putting crown on her head. This work congratulated the whole punjabi world. On upper side of the painting, Britishers has been shown removing the crown of Punjabi language queen. A few lines written by Feroze Din Sharaf about decrowning the Punjabi Language queen are also written.

The work of Trilok Singh was appreciated as 'State Artist' in the PEPSU and than in Language Department, Punjab and his contributionthe to illustrate punjabi culture, traditions, words on canvas. The Artist had tremendous faith and knowledge about Sikh history, sikh religion, knowledge of other languages and glorious traditions. Govt. of Punjab extended his service for another two years.

On 300th Guru Gobind Singh's Parkash Utsav,the artist prepared Guru Gobind Singh Marg route map. The fuctions were arranged at the prominient places on the marg. This Marg was published in many magazines and books. On April 10, In 1973, the Guru Gobind Singh Marg was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Punjab Giani Zail Singh. Language Department, Punjab published brochures of Guru Gobind Singh Marg by the Artist and were distributed. The Mahan Yatra started from Ananpur Sahib.
Trilok Singh was so hard working that after his office hours he used to prepare pictures for the relatives, friends and employees of his office, which he would give them free of cost.

After retirement in 1974, his main works were the paintings on the teachings of Guru and saints and current events. He adopted absolutely new direction in the field of fine arts to convey teachings of saints, Guru and poets through his paintings. He has given form to the formless with the mystical touches of his brush. Gurbani is full of symbols. He visualized that painting has direct impact and even an illiterate person can understand the message of Gurbani. He realized very soon, early in life, that his art is for society and he has created it to convey the message of Gurus to the people, through the media of painting. There is a possibility to improve the mankind and the whole society.

American Singhs from Washington,DC, USA visited the Artist's Gurmat Art Gallery at his residence, Chitralok, Patiala on 18.10.1979. S. Marn Sumat Singh wrote - greater power of different concepts, principle and supreme mystical truth of Sikhism with such dynamic inspiration that all were moved by them again and again and uplifted.

He made it clear that art and society have a close relationship and art should be used to improve the society. The knowledge is the strength of his paintings. He believed to live in the light of Gurbani under the guidance of Shri Akal Takht and Guru Granth Sahib as the Guru. He worked for the love and unity of every one Trilok Singh was very humble servant of God and society. He led a life of truthful living and to become the real well wisher of the nation and people was his main routine.

He wrote thirteen articles; “ fiB b'fJD, G[Zbk p[Zbk, p'bh s{bh d/ wjkB fuZsoeko oftzdo BkE N?r'o, woihT[Vk s/ ukBD w[Bkok ueotksh, ;kv/ fgnko/ B/sk itkjo bkb Bfjo{ dh t;hns” published in magazines of language department are worth mentioning. Beside the rich brush, Trilok Singh did blossom some literary flowers too, which have got a different fragrance and gives altogether a different happiness. All these articles are in his published book in Punjabi ”Duna Laha”

He also translated many articles from Bengali to Punjabi. His book “Bangla Di Baab” is a translation of Bengali stories and “Rahu te chand” is a novel. He was not an artist only but a very fine writer also. Trilok Singh knew many languages Punjabi, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Assamese, Persian & English and translated many articles, stories and books from Bengali to Punjabi. It was very rare to have such qualities, undoubted sincerity and dedication.

On 25.11.73, Giani Zail Singh, the Chief Minister, Punjab arranged state level function at the residence of the Artist and inaugurated the exhibition of Trilok Singh’s paintings in ‘Chitralok’ Patiala. The Chief Minister, Punjab honoured the Artist with cash award of five thousand rupees.

In 1974, a sword and robe of honour were presented to Trilok Singh on the annual function of martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev. by Guru Arjan Dev Kirtan Mandal. This exhibition of his paintings was held in ground near the ‘Chitralok’.

In 1977-78 he participated in Four Hundredth anniversary of Amritsar foundation day exhibition by SGPC. His painting depicting Guru Gobind Singh and his life in nineteen stars was adjudged as the best. On insistance and with assurance that SGPC 's president S. Gurcharan Singh Tohra that they would Publish it, the Artist gave the original oil painting to them. The Artist was honoured with “ Saropa” and cash award. The artist wrote many letters to President, SGPC but SGPC did't print.

The artist was honoured on the ocassion of on 125th birthday of Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha for his contribution in compiling the work of four volume into one “GuruShabad Rattankar Mahan Kosh”.

He always kept brush on the ear, dozen pens in both pockets of his shirt, paper in the middle pocket. The pockets of coat used to be full of peanuts, colours, scissors, hammer, rope i.e. Sootlee, cotton, pins, ribbons and tape. He presented himself as a television set on the screen of the world as a complete painting. This is how a very close friend of Trilok Singh wrote about him. The Artist had no faith in swearing and was always friendly with all. He had got lot of sense of humour. His small jokes and stories pleased everyone around him. Trilok Singh was brought up in an atmosphere of Guru Sikh, his mind is clear like crystal and pure like lotus.

The Artist was honoured on his 70th. birthday i.e.10.12.1984. The Language Department, Punjab organised a special function in Central Library, Patiala and inaugurated exhibition of paintings of the Artist. Language Deptt. honoured the artist by publishing and releasing a book on his life, works and his contribution to the field of art. The book " CHITRALOK's CONTRIBUTION TO ART' is written by Dr. Saroj Pandhey. S. Kapur Singh Ghuman, Director, Language Deptt. and renowned writer S. Jit Singh Sittal are in the pic.

Though Trilok Singh retired from his services from Languages Department,Punjab yet he could be always seen working either in his studio or in “ Art Exhibition” or in public functions where he was busy in displaying his works or distributing the prints of his works to the public.

Another theme about which he felt very strongly was “Relationship of parents, son and daughter-in-law. He was totally inspired by “ GkJh r[odk; ih dh tko (37-13) nekb g[oy oj dzgsh Bz{ ;[wZs pyP/HHH..””, “ekj/ g{s MrVsjT[ ;zfr pkgHHH..’’(Why a married son quarrels with his father)

After printing cards on social themes, he distribute among people from time to time. Similarly, he distribute small posters for “Mother India” for Brave Indian Soldiers. By doing so, he wanted that people must be made aware of facts of life, about the sacrifice of parents, mother India and sacrifices of the soldiers who have laid down their lives for the country.

'Dunha Laha' book was published by the Artist in 1987.It has three parts. First part is about the life of the Artist. Second contains 13 articles written by the Artist and published in various magazines. The last one is prominent personalities's views about life of the artist and his work.

The book title 'Dunha Laha' is taken from the history of Guru Ramdas. A trader devotee came to the Guru and gave him very costly diamond fixed gold neclace as per his vow. At the same time a poor Fakir came to have charity. The Guru gave the neclace to the Fakir. The trader became astonished. The Guru explained it has double benefit (Dunha Laha) ie Guru and Fakir both are happy from your gift.

The Artist has translated articles from Bengali language to Punjabi. The book 'Bangla De Daab' was published by the Artist in 1974. The illustrations in it were prepared by the Artist. This book was approved by Director, Education department, Punjab vide his letter dt 25.6.1976 for colleges, schools and social education centers.

Trilok Singh chooses his subjects from varied facets of life. His art is dynamic rather than static. It is expressive of true feelings towards life and not merely a record of passing sensation.

He prepared illustrations for Sant Inder Singh Chakarvorty’s commemoration volume and made art works t for book “ Malvinder”. So far his technique and style of painting is concerned, his creations have taken the shape of ‘Classical paintings’ with old traditional way of painting.

When one looks at his paintings, sometimes Trilok Singh seems to be a Muslim priest, a Christian preacher, a Pandit and at times a Guru. Each picture has become a history in itself. All the words of Gurbani translated into painting is the result of the meditation of his life-time.

It is always said about the artists and literary people that they do not care for their families, so their old age becomes a misery for them. Trilok Singh, though not from a very rich family, was blessed with contentment in life. He was totally a family man. He belonged to a family that always believed in doing everything with own hands. He has three sons and one daughter.

The artist always believed in ‘work is worship’ and he has not wasted any moment of his life. He used got up early in morning and merged himself with the words of Gurbani and has created immortal works of art through his meditation and dedication towards an unseen spiritual power. Most of the time he was in his artistic mood, anytime of the day or night, he will pick up his brush and start working. Number of his works has reached thousands of houses with the message of Gurus.

“Trilok” means who lives in three worlds. A deep relationship of his mind and soul has been projected through his works. He has dressed his works and connected these directly with life and salvation.

On 6th June 1990, the Artist's wife, Mrs. Harbans kaur left for heavenly abode peacefully in morning around 4 AM. She felt uneasiness in night due to pain in chest. Jotinder Singh and his wife took her to Rajendra Hospital. She was admitted in emergency ward. In morning, the blood pressure fluctuated high and low in early morning. Doctor checked and could not find nerve to administer glucose. She told that her last time has come. Jotinder Singh and her wife sat nearby and gave water with spoon. She left peacefully. The Artist felt that it was God’s will and remained very calm. Again, he continued his work in same way.

On 13th. July 1990, he prepared his Will. In the Will, he wrote that his youngest son Jotinder Singh would take care of his paintings as he has been helping him, looking after his paintings since long.

On 9th. Dec. 1990, the Artist was invited to Ludhiana for honouring him by Art Society. He inaugurated the the painting exhibition of young artists. S. Bhagat Singh of M/s GS & Sons presented the momento. Artist.S. Daljit Singh Jassal, Artist Jarnail Singh, Prof Prem Singh and young artists were present there.

He developed into one of the great painter of imagination, the most original genius of Gurbani Paintings.

Trilok Singh had the habit of writing daily diary before going to bed. He used to write important events of the day with all the visuals in different coloured inks. On 10th December, Monday 1990 he wrote his diary and breathed his last the next day. We have perserved his diaries of last 10 years.