book review kabuliwala

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

The migration themes in the 19th century short story 'Kabuliwala' resonate today

Lauren Frayer

Generations of Indian schoolkids have read Kabuliwala — the tale of an Afghan migrant in India. The story remains timely today with mistreatment of migrants, especially Muslims, on the rise.

Copyright © 2021 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

31 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Story Analysis

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Analysis: “The Cabuliwallah”

“The Cabuliwallah” by Tagore revolves around the theme of The Transcendental Quality of Human Connections as it explores the bonds that form between people from different backgrounds and the emotions that surpass language as well as cultural differences. Mini initially grapples with fear and apprehension upon encountering Rahmun. The unfamiliarity of his appearance and language makes her wary of him. Her father's description of their first encounter illustrates these feelings: "[Rahmun] offered her nuts and raisins, but she would not be tempted, and only clung the closer to me, with all her doubts increased" (5). As the story progresses, Mini undergoes a transformation. Tagore uses juxtaposition to highlight the contrast between Mini's initial fear and curiosity toward Rahmun and the warmth and understanding that gradually develops between the two. This juxtaposition emphasizes the power of human connection. Her evolving perception of Rahmun as she grows more comfortable with him and eagerly awaits his visits makes her character arc a testament to this central theme. 

Related Titles

By Rabindranath Tagore

My Lord The Baby

The Home and the World

Featured Collections

View Collection

Indigenous People's Literature

Valentine's Day Reads: The Theme of Love

• Ask LitCharts AI
• Discussion Question Generator
• Essay Prompt Generator
• Quiz Question Generator

• Literature Guides
• Poetry Guides
• Shakespeare Translations
• Literary Terms

Rabindranath Tagore

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Rabindranath Tagore's Kabuliwala . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Kabuliwala: Introduction

Kabuliwala: plot summary, kabuliwala: detailed summary & analysis, kabuliwala: themes, kabuliwala: quotes, kabuliwala: characters, kabuliwala: terms, kabuliwala: symbols, kabuliwala: theme wheel, brief biography of rabindranath tagore.

Historical Context of Kabuliwala

Other books related to kabuliwala.

• Full Title: Kabuliwala
• When Written: 1892
• When Published: 1892
• Literary Period: Bengal Renaissance
• Genre: Contextual Modernism, Short Story
• Setting: Calcutta (present day Kolkata), India
• Climax: Rahamat, recently released from jail, returns to the narrator’s house and asks to see Mini.
• Antagonist: Time and growing up
• Point of View: First Person

Extra Credit for Kabuliwala

Nobel Prize. When Tagore received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, he became the first non-European author to receive it. He used the money from the prize to establish Visva-Bharati University in 1921.

National Anthems. Not only was Tagore the author of India’s national anthem, Jana Gana Mana , but he inspired and co-wrote the national anthems for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well.

• Quizzes, saving guides, requests, plus so much more.

• English Literature
• Short Stories
• Literary Terms
• Web Stories

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore

Table of Contents

“Kabuliwala” is a poignant short story written by Rabindranath Tagore , one of the most celebrated literary figures of India. First published in 1892, it tells the story of the bond between a young girl named Mini and a Kabuliwala, an Afghan fruit-seller named Abdur Rahman.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- Set in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) during the late 19th century, the story begins with the introduction of the protagonist, a writer who observes the interactions between Mini and the Kabuliwala from his window. 

The Kabuliwala, a tall, bearded man in traditional attire, arrives in Kolkata to sell dry fruits and almonds. He befriends Mini, an innocent and curious five-year-old girl, who is fascinated by his appearance and the items he sells.

• Gitanjali Poem Summary by Rabindranath Tagore
• “The Red Wheelbarrow” by William Carlos Williams Poem Summary
• “The Ballad of Reading Gaol” by Oscar Wilde Poem Summary
• The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot Poem Summary
• “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe Poem Summary

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- Mini’s mother, however, is skeptical of the Kabuliwala due to his unfamiliarity and appearance. She warns Mini to be cautious and not interact with strangers. Despite her mother’s admonitions, Mini develops a genuine affection for the Kabuliwala, who dotes on her like a father figure. They form an unlikely bond, as Mini reminds him of his own daughter back in Afghanistan.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- The Kabuliwala visits Mini frequently, bringing her almonds and sharing Storys of his homeland. Mini is captivated by his tales and views him as an exotic and fascinating figure. She treats him with warmth and trust, and the Kabuliwala reciprocates with kindness and affection. Their interactions become a source of joy and solace for both of them.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- However, as time passes, Mini’s family decides to arrange her marriage. Preoccupied with the wedding preparations, Mini becomes distant from the Kabuliwala. Her priorities shift, and she begins to prioritize the demands of her impending marriage. The Kabuliwala feels the growing distance but remains patient and hopeful.

One day, as the Kabuliwala visits Mini’s house, he finds her playing with her doll and wearing new clothes. Mistaking Mini for his own daughter, who has now grown up, he becomes overwhelmed with emotion and happiness. In his excitement, he takes out a knife to cut an apple for her, but his unfamiliar behavior alarms the family. They accuse him of attempting to harm Mini and call the police.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- The police arrive and take the Kabuliwala away, leaving Mini distraught and confused. As the story progresses, the writer recounts how he encounters the Kabuliwala years later when he is released from prison. The Kabuliwala has aged significantly, and the separation from Mini has left a profound impact on him. He yearns to see his daughter again but fears she may not remember him.

The story concludes with a bittersweet ending as the writer takes the Kabuliwala to Mini, now a grown woman. Mini, initially unable to recall her childhood memories, is deeply moved by the presence of the Kabuliwala. In a poignant moment, she embraces him, evoking a flood of emotions and memories from their shared past.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- “Kabuliwala” explores themes of human connection, love, and the impact of time and separation. Tagore’s evocative storytelling delves into the complexities of relationships and the enduring bonds formed between unlikely individuals. The story also addresses themes of prejudice, cultural differences, and the ability to find common ground in the face of adversity.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- Through the character of the Kabuliwala, Tagore highlights the universal yearning for family and home, as well as the sacrifices and hardships faced by those who leave their homelands in search of a better life. “Kabuliwala” serves as a poignant reminder of the power of human connection and the lasting impact we can have on one another’s lives,

About Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore, also known as Gurudev, was a prominent figure in Indian literature, music, and art. He was a poet, philosopher, musician, and playwright who reshaped Bengali literature and greatly influenced Indian culture. Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, in Calcutta, British India, and he passed away on August 7, 1941, in Calcutta. His immense contributions and legacy continue to inspire people around the world.

Tagore belonged to a renowned Bengali family that was deeply involved in the arts and cultural activities. His father, Debendranath Tagore, was a leader of the Brahmo Samaj, a religious and social reform movement in Bengal. Tagore received a versatile education, studying a wide range of subjects including literature, history, philosophy, and science. He was also fluent in several languages, including Bengali, English, Sanskrit, and Persian.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- As a young man, Tagore began writing poetry and soon gained recognition for his lyrical style and profound themes. His first collection of poems, titled “Kabi Kahini” (The Tale of a Poet), was published when he was just 16 years old. 

Over the years, he continued to write poetry, experimenting with various forms and themes. Tagore’s poetic works are known for their deep spiritual insight, romanticism, and celebration of nature.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- In addition to his poetry, Tagore was a prolific writer of songs, often composing both the lyrics and the music himself. 

His compositions, known as Rabindra Sangeet, are an integral part of Indian classical music and continue to be widely performed and celebrated. Tagore’s songs reflect a range of emotions and explore themes such as love, devotion, nature, and the human condition.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- Tagore’s literary genius extended beyond poetry and music. He wrote several novels, short stories, and plays, many of which depicted the social and cultural issues of his time. His most famous work of fiction is the novel “Gora,” which explores themes of nationalism, identity, and social reform. 

Another notable work is the collection of short stories titled “Gitanjali” (Song Offerings), which earned Tagore the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, making him the first non-European to receive the prestigious award.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- Apart from his literary pursuits, Tagore was deeply involved in social and political activism. He was a strong advocate for Indian independence and spoke out against British colonial rule. Tagore established an experimental school called Santiniketan, which aimed to provide education in a natural and holistic environment. Santiniketan later became Visva-Bharati University, one of India’s premier institutions for arts and humanities.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- Tagore’s philosophy emphasized the importance of unity, harmony, and interconnectedness. He believed in the universality of human values and promoted cultural exchange and dialogue. Tagore’s international travels and interactions with prominent thinkers and artists from different parts of the world influenced his worldview and his vision of a global community.

Throughout his life, Tagore was an advocate for peace and understanding among nations. He actively participated in the international arena, engaging with global leaders and intellectuals. His efforts to promote dialogue and bridge cultural gaps earned him immense respect and admiration worldwide.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- Rabindranath Tagore’s impact extends far beyond his literary and artistic contributions. He played a significant role in shaping Indian literature and cultural identity during a time of great social and political change. 

His writings continue to be celebrated for their timeless wisdom, emotional depth, and artistic beauty. Tagore’s legacy serves as an inspiration for generations to come, reminding us of the power of art and the importance of embracing diversity and promoting peace.

The Kabuliwala Characters

“Kabuliwala” is a famous short story written by Rabindranath Tagore, first published in 1892. The story is set in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and revolves around the relationship between a young girl named Mini and a Kabuliwala, a fruit seller from Afghanistan. Through the characters in the story, Tagore explores themes of friendship, humanity, and the power of empathy. Let’s take a closer look at the main characters of “Kabuliwala.”

• Kabuliwala (Rahmat Khan): The central character of the story is a Kabuliwala named Rahmat Khan. He is a middle-aged man from Afghanistan who sells dry fruits and other items on the streets of Kolkata. Rahmat Khan is depicted as a kind-hearted and affectionate person. He has a long beard and wears a loose-fitting robe and a turban, characteristic of his Afghan heritage. Despite his physical appearance, Rahmat Khan is a gentle soul, always willing to engage in conversations and share stories.
• Mini: Mini is a five-year-old girl who lives with her parents in Kolkata. She is described as an innocent and curious child, full of wonder and imagination. Mini is fascinated by the Kabuliwala and forms a unique bond with him. She sees Rahmat Khan as a friend and confidant, and they spend time together, sharing stories and laughter. Mini’s innocent and open-hearted nature allows her to connect with people from different backgrounds, transcending cultural and language barriers.
• Mini’s Father: Mini’s father is a practical and cautious man. He is initially skeptical of the Kabuliwala, considering him to be a mere peddler and a stranger. He tries to protect Mini by discouraging her from interacting too closely with Rahmat Khan. However, as the story progresses, he begins to understand the depth of the Kabuliwala’s emotions and develops empathy towards him.
• Mini’s Mother: Mini’s mother is a caring and compassionate woman. She is initially worried about Mini’s close relationship with Rahmat Khan but eventually realizes the purity of their bond. She becomes more accepting and understanding, supporting Mini’s connection with the Kabuliwala.
• The Landlord: The landlord is a minor character in the story, representing the typical middle-class Bengali society of the time. He is depicted as greedy and unsympathetic towards the plight of the Kabuliwala. He demands rent from Rahmat Khan despite knowing about his financial struggles and lack of customers. The landlord’s attitude stands in stark contrast to the compassionate nature of Mini and her family.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- The interaction between these characters highlights the universal themes of empathy and understanding. Tagore uses the relationship between Mini and the Kabuliwala to explore the idea of human connection transcending boundaries of language, culture, and age. The story also raises questions about the transient nature of relationships and the impact of time and circumstances on these connections.

“Kabuliwala” is a touching and thought-provoking short story by Rabindranath Tagore. It portrays the bond between a young girl, Mini, and a Kabuliwala, Abdur Rahman, highlighting themes of human connection, love, and the impact of time and separation. Through their interactions, Tagore explores the capacity for empathy, understanding, and compassion that transcends cultural and social barriers.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- The story underscores the universality of human emotions and the profound impact that even brief encounters can have on our lives. 

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- It reminds us of the power of empathy in fostering meaningful relationships and bridging the gaps between different cultures and backgrounds. Through the characters of Mini and the Kabuliwala, Tagore invites readers to reflect on the importance of cherishing human connections and the consequences of losing touch with the people who once held a special place in our hearts.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- “Kabuliwala” also sheds light on the sacrifices and struggles faced by individuals who leave their homes in search of a better life, as seen through the Kabuliwala’s longing for his daughter back in Afghanistan. The story invites us to consider the complexities of migration, displacement, and the challenges faced by those who strive to provide for their families in unfamiliar lands.

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- Ultimately, “Kabuliwala” serves as a poignant reminder of the power of empathy, love, and understanding in fostering meaningful connections with others. 

The Kabuliwala Short Story by Rabindranath Tagore- It urges us to embrace the common threads that bind us as human beings and to recognize the potential for transformation and growth that lies within these connections. Tagore’s masterful storytelling and exploration of universal themes make “Kabuliwala” a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers around the world.

Q: When was “Kabuliwala” written? 

A: “Kabuliwala” was written by Rabindranath Tagore and was first published in 1892.

Q: What is the main theme of “Kabuliwala”? 

A: The main themes of “Kabuliwala” include human connection, love, the impact of time and separation, cultural differences, empathy, and the sacrifices made by individuals who leave their homes in search of a better life.

Q: Where is “Kabuliwala” set? 

A: “Kabuliwala” is set in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India, during the late 19th century.

Q: Who are the main characters in “Kabuliwala”? 

A: The main characters in “Kabuliwala” are Mini, a young girl, and the Kabuliwala, Abdur Rahman, an Afghan fruit-seller.

Q: What is the significance of the bond between Mini and the Kabuliwala? 

A: The bond between Mini and the Kabuliwala highlights the capacity for empathy, understanding, and compassion that transcends cultural and social barriers. It explores the impact that brief encounters can have on our lives and the power of human connection.

Q: What themes are explored in “Kabuliwala”? 

A: Some of the themes explored in “Kabuliwala” include human connection, love, the impact of time and separation, cultural differences, empathy, and the sacrifices made by individuals who leave their homes in search of a better life.

Related Posts

Tiny’s granny by ismat chughtai summary and themes.

Tadpa by Gopinath Mohanty Summary and Themes

KV Kumar A Journey towards IAS Yuddh by NISHA KHAN

Attempt a critical appreciation of The Triumph of Life by P.B. Shelley.

Consider The Garden by Andrew Marvell as a didactic poem.

Why does Plato want the artists to be kept away from the ideal state

Do any of the characters surprise you at any stage in the novel Tamas

William Shakespeare Biography and Works

Discuss the theme of freedom in Frederick Douglass’ Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

How does William Shakespeare use the concept of power in Richard III

Analyze the use of imagery in William Shakespeare’s sonnets

Meg 05 literary criticism & theory solved assignment 2024-25, name an australian author known for their memoirs, what is the significance of the character “nathanial delaney” in “the secret river”.

Poem Summary Easter by Jill Alexander Essbaum Line by Line Explanation

• Advertisement
• Privacy & Policy
• Other Links

© 2023 Literopedia

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Are you sure want to unlock this post?

Are you sure want to cancel subscription.

Lit. Summaries

• Biographies

Exploring the Depths of Kabuliwala: A Literary Analysis by Rabindranath Tagore

• Rabindranath Tagore

“Exploring the Depths of Kabuliwala: A Literary Analysis by Rabindranath Tagore” is an article that delves into the themes, symbols, and characters of the famous short story by Tagore. This analysis aims to provide a deeper understanding of the story’s message and significance in Indian literature. Through exploring the complexities of the relationship between the protagonist, Mini, and the Kabuliwala, the article sheds light on the themes of empathy, friendship, and cultural differences.

Background of Kabuliwala

Kabuliwala is a short story written by Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned Bengali writer, in 1892. The story is set in Kolkata, India, during the late 19th century, when the city was a bustling hub of trade and commerce. The protagonist of the story is a Pashtun merchant from Afghanistan, known as Kabuliwala, who travels to Kolkata to sell dry fruits and other goods. The story revolves around the relationship between Kabuliwala and a young girl named Mini, whom he befriends and develops a close bond with. The story explores themes of friendship, love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Kabuliwala is considered one of Tagore’s most popular and enduring works, and has been adapted into several films and stage productions over the years.

Characters in Kabuliwala

The characters in Rabindranath Tagore’s “Kabuliwala” are complex and multi-dimensional. The protagonist, Abdur Rahman, is a Pashtun merchant who travels from Afghanistan to Calcutta to sell dry fruits and spices. He befriends a young girl named Mini, who reminds him of his own daughter back home. Mini’s father, however, is suspicious of Abdur Rahman’s intentions and forbids him from seeing his daughter. This leads to a tragic misunderstanding that ultimately results in Abdur Rahman’s imprisonment. The story is a poignant exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the power of empathy to bridge cultural divides.

Themes in Kabuliwala

One of the prominent themes in Kabuliwala is the idea of friendship and human connection. The story revolves around the relationship between a young girl named Mini and a Kabuliwala, a fruit-seller from Afghanistan. Despite their differences in age, culture, and social status, the two form a bond that transcends these barriers. Through their interactions, Tagore highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering meaningful relationships. Another theme that emerges in the story is the concept of nostalgia and longing for one’s homeland. The Kabuliwala’s yearning for his family and country is a poignant reminder of the human desire for a sense of belonging and identity. Overall, Kabuliwala is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the universal themes of love, loss, and longing.

Symbolism in Kabuliwala

Symbolism plays a significant role in Rabindranath Tagore’s “Kabuliwala.” The story is filled with various symbols that add depth and meaning to the narrative. One of the most prominent symbols in the story is the Kabuliwala’s appearance. He is described as having a long beard and wearing a turban, which represents his Afghan identity. This symbolizes the cultural differences between the Kabuliwala and the Bengali people, highlighting the theme of cultural diversity and the challenges of understanding and accepting different cultures.

Another symbol in the story is the Kabuliwala’s gift of dried fruits to Mini. The dried fruits represent the Kabuliwala’s love and affection for Mini, as well as his desire to maintain a connection with his own daughter, who is far away in Afghanistan. The gift also symbolizes the bond that develops between the Kabuliwala and Mini, despite their age and cultural differences.

The prison is another significant symbol in the story. The Kabuliwala is imprisoned for a crime he committed in Afghanistan, and his time in prison represents the loss of his freedom and the separation from his family. The prison symbolizes the consequences of one’s actions and the impact they can have on one’s life and relationships.

Overall, the use of symbolism in “Kabuliwala” adds depth and complexity to the story, highlighting the themes of cultural diversity, love, and the consequences of one’s actions.

Setting of Kabuliwala

The setting of Kabuliwala is a crucial aspect of the story, as it provides the backdrop for the interactions between the protagonist, Mini, and the titular character, a fruit-seller from Afghanistan. The story is set in Calcutta, India, during the late 19th century, a time when the city was undergoing significant changes due to British colonialism and the influx of immigrants from various parts of the world. The streets of Calcutta are described vividly by Tagore, with their bustling crowds, narrow alleys, and colorful bazaars. The Kabuliwala’s presence in this setting is particularly striking, as he stands out with his long beard, turban, and traditional attire. The contrast between his appearance and that of the other characters in the story highlights the cultural differences between the Afghan and Indian communities. The setting also plays a role in shaping the themes of the story, such as the importance of human connection and the impact of time and change on relationships. Overall, the setting of Kabuliwala is an integral part of the story, providing a rich and complex backdrop for the characters and their interactions.

Narrative Style in Kabuliwala

The narrative style in Kabuliwala is a unique blend of realism and imagination. Tagore’s use of vivid descriptions and sensory details transports the reader to the bustling streets of Calcutta, where the story takes place. The use of dialogue also adds to the realism of the story, as it captures the nuances of everyday conversations between the characters. However, Tagore also employs elements of magical realism, such as the Kabuliwala’s ability to communicate with Mini through his dry fruits, which adds a touch of whimsy to the story. Overall, the narrative style in Kabuliwala is a testament to Tagore’s skill as a writer, as he seamlessly weaves together different literary techniques to create a captivating and thought-provoking story.

Comparison with Other Works by Tagore

In comparison to other works by Tagore, Kabuliwala stands out as a unique piece of literature. While many of Tagore’s works focus on the themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships, Kabuliwala delves into the themes of cultural differences and the bonds that can form between individuals from vastly different backgrounds. Additionally, Kabuliwala is one of Tagore’s few works that features a non-Indian protagonist, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the story. Overall, Kabuliwala showcases Tagore’s ability to explore a wide range of themes and create complex, nuanced characters that resonate with readers.

Impact of Kabuliwala on Indian Literature

Kabuliwala, a short story written by Rabindranath Tagore, has had a significant impact on Indian literature. The story, first published in 1892, explores the relationship between a young girl named Mini and a Kabuliwala, a fruit seller from Afghanistan. The story is a poignant portrayal of the human condition and the bonds that can form between people from vastly different backgrounds.

Kabuliwala has been widely regarded as a masterpiece of Indian literature and has been translated into numerous languages. The story has been adapted into films, plays, and even an opera. The themes of the story, such as the importance of human connection and the impact of societal norms on individual lives, continue to resonate with readers today.

Tagore’s use of language and imagery in Kabuliwala has also been praised by literary critics. The story is written in Tagore’s signature style, which is characterized by its simplicity and lyricism. The descriptions of the bustling streets of Kolkata and the rugged landscape of Afghanistan transport readers to these places and evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.

Overall, Kabuliwala has left an indelible mark on Indian literature. Its themes and imagery continue to inspire writers and readers alike, and its message of compassion and understanding remains as relevant today as it was over a century ago.

Analysis of the Conflict in Kabuliwala

The conflict in Rabindranath Tagore’s “Kabuliwala” is multi-layered and complex. At its core, it is a clash between two vastly different cultures – that of the Afghan Kabuliwala and the Bengali narrator. The Kabuliwala, a fruit-seller from Afghanistan, is a stranger in a strange land, struggling to make a living in a city that is not his own. The narrator, on the other hand, is a Bengali man who has grown up in Kolkata and is familiar with its customs and traditions.

The conflict between the two arises from their differing perspectives on life and society. The Kabuliwala is a devout Muslim who believes in the importance of family and community. He is deeply attached to his daughter, who is back in Afghanistan, and longs to see her again. The narrator, on the other hand, is a secular man who values individualism and personal freedom. He is initially suspicious of the Kabuliwala, seeing him as a potential threat to his family’s safety.

As the story progresses, however, the two men begin to develop a bond. The Kabuliwala becomes a regular visitor to the narrator’s home, and the two share stories and experiences. The narrator begins to see the Kabuliwala as a human being, rather than a foreigner to be feared.

The conflict in “Kabuliwala” is not just between two individuals, but also between two cultures. Tagore uses the story to explore the tensions that arise when different cultures come into contact with each other. The Kabuliwala’s struggle to adapt to life in Kolkata is a metaphor for the challenges faced by immigrants in any society. The story also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in bridging cultural divides.

Overall, the conflict in “Kabuliwala” is a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human relationships and cultural differences. Tagore’s masterful storytelling and vivid characterization make this a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

Exploration of the Father-Daughter Relationship in Kabuliwala

The father-daughter relationship is a prominent theme in Rabindranath Tagore’s short story, Kabuliwala. The story revolves around the bond between a father and his daughter, Mini, and the impact of a stranger, a Kabuliwala, on their relationship. The Kabuliwala, a fruit-seller from Afghanistan, befriends Mini and becomes a father figure to her. However, their relationship is cut short when the Kabuliwala is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. The story explores the complexities of the father-daughter relationship and the role of outsiders in shaping it. Through the characters of Mini and the Kabuliwala, Tagore highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in building meaningful relationships. The story also raises questions about the nature of fatherhood and the sacrifices that fathers make for their children. Overall, the exploration of the father-daughter relationship in Kabuliwala is a poignant reminder of the power of love and the bonds that connect us all.

Significance of the Title Kabuliwala

The title of Rabindranath Tagore’s short story, Kabuliwala, holds great significance in understanding the themes and motifs explored in the narrative. The term “Kabuliwala” refers to a person from Kabul, Afghanistan, who travels to India to sell dry fruits and other goods. However, in Tagore’s story, the title character, Rahamat, is much more than just a Kabuliwala. He represents the complexities of human relationships, the impact of time and distance on these relationships, and the universal themes of love and loss. The title, therefore, serves as a metaphor for the larger themes of the story and highlights the cultural and social differences that exist between the two countries. Through the character of Rahamat, Tagore explores the idea of identity and how it is shaped by one’s experiences and surroundings. The title, therefore, plays a crucial role in setting the tone and context of the story and provides a deeper understanding of the themes explored in the narrative.

Interpretation of the Ending of Kabuliwala

The ending of Kabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore is a poignant and thought-provoking one. The story, which revolves around the relationship between a young girl named Mini and a Kabuliwala, or a fruit-seller from Afghanistan, comes to a close with a twist that leaves readers with much to ponder.

As the Kabuliwala is about to leave Mini’s home, he is arrested for a crime he did not commit. Mini’s father, who had previously been wary of the Kabuliwala, comes to his defense and helps him secure his release. However, when the Kabuliwala returns to Mini’s home, he finds that she has grown up and no longer recognizes him.

The ending of Kabuliwala can be interpreted in a number of ways. Some readers may see it as a commentary on the fleeting nature of human relationships and the inevitability of change. Others may view it as a reflection on the power of memory and the importance of holding onto the past.

Regardless of how one chooses to interpret the ending of Kabuliwala, it is clear that Tagore has crafted a story that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. Through his exploration of themes such as identity, family, and cultural difference, Tagore invites readers to engage with complex issues in a way that is both accessible and deeply moving.

Exploration of the Cultural Context in Kabuliwala

Kabuliwala, a short story by Rabindranath Tagore, is a poignant tale of the bond between a young girl and an Afghan fruit-seller. The story is set in Calcutta during the early 20th century, a time when India was under British colonial rule. The cultural context of the story is crucial to understanding the themes and motifs that Tagore explores in his work.

One of the most significant cultural aspects of Kabuliwala is the relationship between the Indian and Afghan communities. The protagonist, Mini, is a young Bengali girl who befriends the Kabuliwala, a Pashtun man from Afghanistan. The story explores the cultural differences between the two communities, highlighting the prejudices and stereotypes that exist on both sides. The Kabuliwala is initially viewed with suspicion and fear by the Indian community, who see him as a foreigner and a potential threat. However, as the story progresses, Mini and the Kabuliwala develop a deep bond that transcends cultural barriers.

Another important cultural context in Kabuliwala is the role of women in Indian society. Mini’s mother is a traditional Bengali woman who is confined to the domestic sphere. She is initially wary of the Kabuliwala’s presence in their home, but eventually comes to accept him as a friend of her daughter. The story also touches on the theme of child marriage, which was prevalent in Indian society at the time. Mini’s father is eager to arrange a marriage for her, despite her young age and protests.

Overall, the cultural context of Kabuliwala is essential to understanding the themes and messages that Tagore conveys in his work. The story explores the complexities of cultural identity, prejudice, and gender roles in Indian society during the colonial era. Through the relationship between Mini and the Kabuliwala, Tagore highlights the power of human connection to transcend cultural barriers and bridge divides.

Analysis of the Language and Literary Devices in Kabuliwala

In Kabuliwala, Rabindranath Tagore masterfully employs various literary devices to convey the story’s themes and emotions. The language used in the story is simple yet evocative, allowing the reader to easily connect with the characters and their experiences. The use of imagery is particularly striking, with vivid descriptions of the bustling streets of Kolkata and the rugged terrain of Afghanistan. The contrast between these two settings highlights the cultural differences between the protagonist and the Kabuliwala, and underscores the theme of human connection despite these differences. Additionally, Tagore employs symbolism to great effect, with the Kabuliwala’s shawl serving as a powerful metaphor for the bond between father and daughter. Overall, the language and literary devices used in Kabuliwala contribute to a rich and nuanced exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the human experience.

Exploration of the Themes of Love and Loss in Kabuliwala

In Kabuliwala, Rabindranath Tagore explores the themes of love and loss through the relationship between the protagonist, Mini, and the Kabuliwala, a fruit-seller from Afghanistan. The story is set in Calcutta, where the Kabuliwala comes to sell his wares and befriends Mini, a young girl who reminds him of his own daughter back home. As the two develop a bond, the Kabuliwala becomes a regular visitor to Mini’s home, bringing her gifts and sharing stories of his homeland.

However, their relationship is cut short when the Kabuliwala is arrested for a crime he did not commit and sent to prison. Mini grows up and forgets about the Kabuliwala, until she is reminded of him years later when she sees a group of prisoners being led to the jail. The story ends with Mini realizing the depth of the Kabuliwala’s love for her and the loss she feels at not being able to see him again.

Through the story of the Kabuliwala, Tagore explores the universal themes of love and loss. The Kabuliwala’s love for Mini is pure and selfless, and he is willing to sacrifice his own freedom for her. Mini, on the other hand, experiences the loss of a friend and mentor when the Kabuliwala is taken away. The story also touches on the theme of cultural differences, as the Kabuliwala’s foreignness and unfamiliarity with Indian customs is a source of both curiosity and suspicion for the other characters in the story.

Overall, Kabuliwala is a poignant and moving exploration of the human experience of love and loss, and the ways in which these emotions can transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.

Comparison with Other Works of World Literature

When it comes to world literature, Kabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore stands out as a unique and powerful work. While there are certainly other stories that explore themes of friendship, loss, and cultural differences, few do so with the same level of nuance and emotional depth as Kabuliwala.

One work that comes to mind as a potential comparison is John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. Like Kabuliwala, this novel explores the relationship between two very different men who form a bond despite their differences. However, while Of Mice and Men is certainly a moving and well-written work, it lacks the same level of cultural specificity and attention to detail that makes Kabuliwala so compelling.

Another work that could be compared to Kabuliwala is Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner. Both stories take place in Afghanistan and deal with themes of family, friendship, and loss. However, while The Kite Runner is a powerful and important work in its own right, it lacks the same level of subtlety and emotional nuance that makes Kabuliwala such a standout piece of literature.

Ultimately, while there are certainly other works of world literature that explore similar themes to Kabuliwala, few do so with the same level of emotional depth and cultural specificity. Tagore’s story is a true masterpiece, and one that deserves to be read and appreciated by readers around the world.

The Role of Religion in Kabuliwala

Religion plays a significant role in Rabindranath Tagore’s short story, Kabuliwala. The story is set in Calcutta, where the protagonist, a young girl named Mini, befriends a Kabuliwala, a fruit-seller from Afghanistan. The Kabuliwala is a devout Muslim, and his faith is an essential aspect of his character. He prays five times a day, observes Ramadan, and makes a pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Kabuliwala’s religious beliefs and practices are contrasted with those of the other characters in the story, who are mostly Hindu. Mini’s father, for instance, is a rationalist who dismisses the Kabuliwala’s stories of his homeland and his family. He is also suspicious of the Kabuliwala’s intentions towards his daughter. In contrast, Mini is fascinated by the Kabuliwala’s stories and is drawn to his kind and gentle nature.

The story also explores the theme of human connection across religious and cultural boundaries. Despite their different backgrounds and beliefs, Mini and the Kabuliwala form a bond based on their shared humanity. The Kabuliwala sees Mini as a surrogate for his own daughter, who he has left behind in Afghanistan. Mini, in turn, sees the Kabuliwala as a friend and confidant.

Overall, religion serves as a lens through which the characters in Kabuliwala view the world and each other. It highlights the differences and similarities between them and underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in bridging cultural divides.

Analysis of the Motifs in Kabuliwala

One of the most prominent motifs in Kabuliwala is the theme of fatherhood. The protagonist, Rahmat, is a father who is separated from his own daughter due to his work as a Kabuliwala, or a seller of goods from Kabul. This separation is mirrored in the relationship between Rahmat and Mini, a young girl who reminds him of his own daughter. Through their interactions, Tagore explores the complexities of fatherhood and the sacrifices that come with it. Another important motif is the theme of cultural differences and the clash between tradition and modernity. Rahmat represents the traditional ways of life in Afghanistan, while Mini and her family represent the modern, urban lifestyle of India. This clash is highlighted in the scene where Rahmat is arrested for attempting to kidnap Mini, as it shows the misunderstandings and prejudices that can arise from cultural differences. Overall, the motifs in Kabuliwala add depth and complexity to the story, allowing readers to explore themes of family, tradition, and cultural identity.

The Sitting Bee

Short Story Reviews

Kabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore

In Kabuliwala by Rabindranath Tagore we have the theme of connection, love, escape, trust, friendship, sadness and charity. Taken from his Collected Stories collection the story is narrated in the first person by an unnamed man (Mini’s father) and after reading the story the reader realises that Tagore may be exploring the theme of connection. Mini though at first afraid of Rahman gets to enjoy the time that she spends with him. She is intrigued by the goods he sells and rather than accepting the money for the purchased items. Rahman hands Mini back the money her father has given her. It is also noticeable that Mini’s father is very much in love with Mini despite the fact that at times by being inquisitive she can be a handful. Most times Mini’s father plays along with Mini when she is asking questions as she knows all that Mini is doing is trying to learn. Mini’s mother on the other had has less patience and does not like Mini asking so many questions. It is also interesting that Mini’s father likes to escape into different worlds, he is a writer after all. However he always seems to be brought back down to life by family life.

There is also an element of trust in the story. By letting Mini talk and play with Rahman Mini’s father is trusting Rahman. Which may suggest that Mini’s father considers Rahman to be of good character. Mini’s mother on the other hand appears to be distraught that Mini is being allowed to talk to a person she knows nothing about. It is also noticeable that Rahman and Mini’s relationship is only fleeting. After Raham has been sentenced to jail for seven years. Mini after a period of time and as other girls would do forgets all about her friendship with Rahman. However despite the passing of time Rahman has never forgotten Mini. Something that is noticeable by the fact that he arrives to Mini’s home on the night of her wedding. There is also a sense that Mini does not recognise Rahman. There is no talk of their past and the meeting between the two ends abruptly. This is more than hurtful for Rahman because he knows that he has a young daughter the same age as Mini in his village and she too most likely will not recognise Rahman. Tagore possibly deliberately adding an element of sadness into the story through Rahman’s character.

Mini’s mother is also an interesting character. Though she has little patience for Mini’s continued talking she still nonetheless is concerned about her daughter. She knows what can happen on the streets of Calcutta and that Mini could easily be kidnapped. Though some critics might suggest that Mini’s mother is overreacting it is most likely that she is just protecting Mini from the dangers of the streets. Mini’s father on the other hand believes that Mini should be allowed to explore the world around her. To live her life to the best of her ability. Particularly when it comes to Rahman who has something that he can teach Mini. Rahman is very much a man of mystery with his stories he can help enlighten Mini’s already inquisitive mind.  It is as though Rahman and Mini’s friendship is a match made in heaven. Rahman though he may have attacked a man with a knife over an unpaid debt has never brought any danger to Mini or her family. He at all times has been polite and good-natured when it comes to his engagement with Mini and her family.

The end of the story is also interesting as Mini’s father feels sympathy for Rahman. He knows that Rahman has a daughter and he knows that it is better for him to visit his daughter. The life he had previously lived in Calcutta is no more. So the money Rahman receives from Mini’s father is very helpful. It affords Rahman the opportunity to not only see his daughter again but there may also be a possibility that Rahman can become a Kabuliwala again. A life that reader knows Rahman very much enjoyed. It is also interesting that Mini’s father feels good about his act of charity. Just as he is together with his daughter at Mini’s wedding. So too can Rahman be with his daughter back in his village. Rahman will be able to put behind him the seven years he spent in jail and start a fresh life all over again. One that will include him getting to know his daughter all over again. Thanks to the charity of Mini’s father who could have avoided Rahman and have asked him to leave the house. If anything Mini’s father has showed an altruistic streak when he did not have to. He was not made or pushed to help Rahman rather he choose to. Which leaves the reader suspecting that Mini’s father is a good man. Who does not judge another person by their past. For Mini’s father the future and what an individual does with their future is important.

• Once There Was a King by Rabindranath Tagore
• The Castaway by Rabindranath Tagore
• My Lord, the Baby by Rabindranath Tagore
• The Wrong Heaven by Rabindranath Tagore
• Rabindranath Tagore

Please forward me writting it according to blooms taxonomy or applying blooms taxonomy

Please can you give description for ratings

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail

Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser.

The Kabuliwala Summary | Rabindranath Tagore

“Kabuliwala” by Tagore is a tale of heart-rending friendship between a 5-year-old Bengali girl Minnie and an Afghan moneylender, Abdur Rahman or Rahamat. The story beautifully ties a bond of mutual affection and the unconventional relationship between the two.

Table of Contents

Inception of an Odd Friendship

One day she called him from the window of her house. But as he approached closer she got startled and ran back inside. Minnie’s father talked to Rahmat and learned about his family in Kabul.

As their friendship blossomed, Minnie and Rahmat started meeting and interacting every day. Rahmat narrated stories of his homeland to Minnie and the young girl happily returned the warmth with her own innocent tales and playfulness. Kabuliwala listened to the young girl with great intent and relish.

Misfortune Overtakes the Kabuliwala

However, the maidservant of Mini’s parents started filling the ears of Rama, Minnie’s mother regarding the Kabuliwala’s true intention. Soon, Minnie’s mother grew suspicious of this flourishing friendship and feared that Rahmat might even kidnap and sell her daughter. She also stopped paying Kabuliwala for his goods.

On the other hand, Kabuliwala’s woes magnified as he got arrested for stabbing a customer after getting involved in a scuffle. The tiff started due to non-payment of a Rampuri shawl that the Kabuliwala sold to the customer. The customer denied having ever bought the shawl and that caused Rahmat to lose his control.

During the trial, he confessed to killing the man even after being advised against it by his lawyer. The judge decided to reduce his punishment to 10-years imprisonment after being impressed by his honesty. After getting released several years later he went to see Minnie.

Return of a Friend

To his surprise, a lot had changed and the day he arrived was actually Minnie’s wedding day. But when Minnie’s father realized his presence, he asked Rahmat to leave the premises owing to his ill-fated and inauspicious absence.

Kabuliwala obliged but while leaving offered some raisins for Minnie.  He also showed a scruffy piece of paper with a handprint of his daughter that he left in Kabul.

Seeing that her father’s heart melted and he called Minnie. Mini was dressed and embellished like a bride but was too apprehensive to meet her long-forgotten friend.

Kabuliwala was taken aback to see a girl he could not recognize and struggled to cope with the reality of the time he lost while imprisoned. He was tormented by the thought of having lost his own daughter’s childhood. She would have been a grown woman like Minnie.

Minnie’s father understood his precarious condition and offered him enough money for a safe trip back to Kabul and a reunion with his own daughter. Even Minnie’s mother, realizing her misjudgment, extended the money she saved for Minnie’s wedding ceremony.

Key Lessons

The fundamental message of the story is that people have the ability to do good as well as bad to others. Often, it is easier to side with our fears and suspect someone who is not like us. It can be a different skin colour or a different language.

But if we are patient with people and try to understand their situations and problems then we can find some common ground. They go through the same emotions and conflicts as we do.

Further Reading

Related posts:.

Rabindranath Tagore: Short Stories

By rabindranath tagore, rabindranath tagore: short stories summary and analysis of "kabuliwallah".

The story opens with the narrator talking about his precocious five-year-old daughter Mini, who learned how to talk within a year of being born and practically hadn’t stopped talking since. Her mother often tells her to be quiet, but her father prefers to let her talk, so she talks to him often.

One day while the narrator is writing, Mini starts crying out “Kabuliwallah, Kabuliwallah!” The man she’s shouting about is an Afghan in baggy clothes, walking along selling grapes and nuts. Mini fears him, convinced that she has children the size of herself stashed in his bag.

But a few days later, our narrator finds the Kabuliwallah sitting with Mini, paying close attention as she talks and talks. He has given her some grapes and pistachios, so the narrator gives the Kabuliwallah half a rupee. Later, Mini’s mother finds her with the half-rupee and asks where she got it, and is displeased to hear she took money from the man.

Mini and the Kabuliwallah develop a close relationship, spending time together every day joking around and talking. The narrator enjoys talking to the Kabuliwallah too, asking him about his home country of Afghanistan, and all about his travels. But Mini’s mother is alarmed by her daughter’s closeness with the man, worrying that he might try to abduct Mini. The narrator does not agree that there is any danger.

Every year in the middle of the month of Magh, the Kabuliwallah returns home. Before making the trip, he goes around collecting money he is owed. But this year, the Kabuliwallah gets in a scuffle with a man who owes him money and ends up stabbing him. This lands him in jail for the next several years, during which Mini grows up and starts enjoying the company of girls her age. The narrator more or less forgets about the Kabuliwallah.

But on the day of Mini’s wedding, the Kabuliwallah appears at the narrator’s house. Without a bag or his long hair, he is barely recognizable to the narrator, but he eventually welcomes him in. The narrator is uneasy, thinking about how the Kabuliwallah is the only would-be murderer he’s ever known, and tells the visitor to leave. He complies.

But shortly after, the Kabuliwallah returns, bringing a gift of grapes and pistachios for Mini. The narrator doesn’t tell him that it’s her wedding today, but simply repeats that there’s an engagement at their house and he must go. But the Kabuliwallah pulls a small piece of paper out of his coat pocket and shows it to the narrator. It’s a handprint in ash, and he explains that he has a daughter back home in Afghanistan, and that Mini helps him deal with the heartache of being so far from her. The narrator is touched and gets Mini.

Mini and the Kabuliwallah have an awkward exchange during which the man realizes that Mini has grown up, and therefore so has his own daughter. Like with Mini, he’ll have to reacquaint himself with his daughter. The narrator gives the Kabuliwallah money so that he can return home to Afghanistan to see his daughter, meaning that Mini’s wedding will lose some of the theatrics such as electric lights and a brass band. But the wedding will be “lit by a kinder, more gracious light.”

There are two central themes in this story, and Tagore masterfully plays them against each other to build tension in the narrative. The first key theme is otherness , with Kabuliwallah standing as a clear outsider who speaks broken Bengali and dresses in a way that situates him outside of typical Bengali society. The narrator is fascinated by him in part because of the fact that he’s seen parts of the world that are so different from Calcutta, while the narrator’s wife distrusts him precisely because he is a foreigner, and perhaps one who will kidnap her child, which she thinks Afghanis are wont to do.

The other theme is doubling , as the narrator and the Kabuliwallah are construed as mirror characters of one another. They are both shown as storytellers, and each is fascinated enough by Mini to listen to her talk for hours. But most importantly, Tagore reminds us that they’re both fathers, and the narrator seeing the Kabuliwallah as a man who is heartsick over a daughter that he has not seen in years helps the narrator see the man as a human being, not as some would-be murderer.

The genius of the story is the fact that the climax seems to come when Kabuliwallah stabs the debtor, which would confirm the narrator’s wife’s worst fears that this outsider is dangerous. During what seems like the denouement of the story, the Kabuliwallah returns and the narrator, who has clearly spent the intervening years considering the man a would-be murderer, tries to brush this outsider off.

But then the real climax comes. The Kabuliwallah pulls out the piece of paper with his daughter’s handprint inscribed on it. This image draws a link between the narrator and Kabuliwallah as men with daughters they love dearly. With the move to bond the narrator and the Kabuliwallah, Tagore crafts a tale about finding common humanity despite all of the differences that two men may have.

It’s worth noting here that one of the things that makes Tagore such an innovator given the context he was writing in was his unconventional narrative structure. Indeed, this story doesn’t play out over some sort of conflict and resolution like a typical narrative (or the adventure stories that the narrator writes) might. Instead, Tagore develops a set of relationships and shows us how those relationships play out when tempered by the sands of time.

Rabindranath Tagore: Short Stories Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Rabindranath Tagore: Short Stories is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Character sketch of kabuliwala

A traveling fruit and nut merchant from Afghanistan, the Kabuliwallah develops an unlikely friendship with a five-year-old girl while in Calcutta. After a period of time in jail, the Kabuliwallah returns to meet the girl, only to find her on her...

Discuss the contribution of Tagore to Indian education discussed in Uma Gupta's book.

I'm sorry, this is a short-answer question forum designed for text specific questions. I am unfamiliar with the book you've cited above.

Comment on themes of Tagore’s writing,

GradeSaver as a complete theme page readily available for your use in its study guide for the unit.

Study Guide for Rabindranath Tagore: Short Stories

Rabindranath Tagore: Short Stories study guide contains a biography of Rabindranath Tagore, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Rabindranath Tagore: Short Stories
• Rabindranath Tagore: Short Stories Summary
• Character List

Lesson Plan for Rabindranath Tagore: Short Stories

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Rabindranath Tagore: Short Stories
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Rabindranath Tagore: Short Stories Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Rabindranath Tagore: Short Stories

• Introduction

• Kindle Store
• Kindle Short Reads
• 90 minutes (44-64 pages)

Sorry, there was a problem.

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Kabuliwala Kindle Edition

• Print length 45 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publication date February 19, 2014
• File size 35279 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00IJZJBG2
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Versilio/The Adaptation Company (February 19, 2014)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 19, 2014
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 35279 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 45 pages

About the author

Rabindranath tagore.

Rabindranath Tagore was a Nobel Laureate for Literature (1913) as well as one of India’s greatest poets and the composer of independent India’s national anthem, as well as that of Bangladesh. He wrote successfully in all literary genres, but was first and foremost a poet, publishing more than 50 volumes of poetry. He was a Bengali writer who was born in Calcutta and later traveled around the world. He was knighted in 1915, but gave up his knighthood after the massacre of demonstrators in India in 1919.

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 68% 20% 9% 1% 3% 68%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 68% 20% 9% 1% 3% 20%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 68% 20% 9% 1% 3% 9%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 68% 20% 9% 1% 3% 1%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 68% 20% 9% 1% 3% 3%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

Report an issue

• About Amazon
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell products on Amazon
• Sell on Amazon Business
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Become an Affiliate
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Make Money with Us
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Amazon and COVID-19
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices

• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

• Photo Gallery
• World Records
• World History
• Indian Dance
• Indian Music

Kids Portal For Parents India Kids Network

Kabuliwala: Bengali short story written by Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore May 6, 2024 Stories in English 16,370 Views

My five years’ old daughter Mini cannot live without chattering. I really believe that in all her life she has not wasted a minute in silence. Her mother is often vexed at this, and would stop her prattle, but I would not. To see Mini quiet is unnatural, and I cannot bear it long. And so my own talk with her is always lively.

One morning, for instance, when I was in the midst of the seventeenth chapter of my new novel, my little Mini stole into the room, and putting her hand into mine, said: “Father! Ramdayal the doorkeeper calls a crow a krow! He doesn’t know anything, does he?”

Kabuliwala: Rabindranath Tagore

Before I could explain to her the differences of language in this world, she was embarked on the full tide of another subject. “What do you think, Father? Bhola says there is an elephant in the clouds, blowing water out of his trunk, and that is why it rains!”

And then, darting off anew, while I sat still making ready some reply to this last saying, “Father! what relation is Mother to you?”

“My dear little sister in the law!” I murmured involuntarily to myself, but with a grave face contrived to answer: “Go and play with Bhola, Mini! I am busy!”

The window of my room overlooks the road. The child had seated herself at my feet near my table, and was playing softly, drumming on her knees. I was hard at work on my seventeenth chapter, where Protrap Singh, the hero, had just caught Kanchanlata, the heroine, in his arms, and was about to escape with her by the third story window of the castle, when all of a sudden Mini left her play, and ran to the window, crying, “A Kabuliwallah! a Kabuliwallah!” Sure enough in the street below was a Kabuliwallah, passing slowly along. He wore the loose soiled clothing of his people, with a tall turban; there was a bag on his back, and he carried boxes of grapes in his hand.

I cannot tell what were my daughter’s feelings at the sight of this man, but she began to call him loudly. “Ah!” I thought, “he will come in, and my seventeenth chapter will never be finished!” At which exact moment the Kabuliwallah turned, and looked up at the child. When she saw this, overcome by terror, she fled to her mother’s protection, and disappeared. She had a blind belief that inside the bag, which the big man carried, there were perhaps two or three other children like herself. The pedlar meanwhile entered my doorway, and greeted me with a smiling face.

So precarious was the position of my hero and my heroine, that my first impulse was to stop and buy something, since the man had been called. I made some small purchases, and a conversation began about Abdur Rahman, the Russians, the English, and the Frontier Policy.

As he was about to leave, he asked: “And where is the little girl, sir?”

And I, thinking that Mini must get rid of her false fear, had her brought out.

She stood by my chair, and looked at the Kabuliwallah and his bag. He offered her nuts and raisins, but she would not be tempted, and only clung the closer to me, with all her doubts increased.

This was their first meeting.

• Stumbleupon

Tags Children Hindi Stories Children Stories for Children Children Stories for Students Culture And Traditions Hindi Stories Culture And Traditions Stories for Children Culture And Traditions Stories for Students Fortune Hindi Stories Fortune Stories for Children Fortune Stories for Students Friendship Hindi Stories Friendship Stories for Children Friendship Stories for Students Heart Rending Hindi Stories Heart Rending Stories for Kids Heart Rending Stories for Students Heart Touching Hindi Stories Heart Touching Stories for Kids Heart Touching Stories for Students Hindi Stories on Children Hindi Stories on Culture And Traditions Hindi Stories on Fortune Hindi Stories on Friendship Hindi Stories on Human Behaviour Hindi Stories on Self Respect Hindi Writer Rabindranath Tagore Human Behaviour Hindi Stories Human Behaviour Stories for Children Human Behaviour Stories for Students Motivational Hindi Stories Nostalgia Hindi Stories Nostalgia Stories for Kids Nostalgia Stories for Students Old Classic Hindi Stories Old Classic Stories for Kids Old Classic Stories for Students Popular Hindi Stories of Rabindranath Tagore Rabindranath Tagore Stories Collection Self Respect Hindi Stories Self Respect Stories for Children Self Respect Stories for Students Top 10 Heart Rending Stories in Hindi Top 10 Heart Touching Stories in Hindi Top 10 Hindi Stories of Rabindranath Tagore Top 10 Nostalgia Stories in Hindi Top 10 Old Classic Stories in Hindi Wisdom Stories in Hindi

Related Articles

Enlightening Story by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Burnt Roti

3 weeks ago

Bali and Hanuman: How Hanuman saved Sugriva

April 22, 2024

Festival of Eid: Premchand Story For Kids

April 4, 2024

A lesson for Rimi: Inspiring English Story of a Careless Student

January 7, 2024

Surprises in Store: Humorous Christmas Story For Children

December 17, 2023

Gift of the Magi: O. Henry’s Heart Touching Christmas Short Story

December 16, 2023

डॉक्टर की लिखाई पर हास्य कहानी

डॉक्टर ने साफ़ हैंडराइटिंग में दवा लिखी; मेडिकल काउंसिल ने एमबीबीएस की डिग्री वापस ली …

Enter the characters you see below

Sorry, we just need to make sure you're not a robot. For best results, please make sure your browser is accepting cookies.

Type the characters you see in this image:

• Program Guide
• Sports News
• New & Trending NEW
• Streaming Services
• Newsletters
• OTTplay Awards
• OTT Replay 2023
• Changemakers

Home » Review » Kabuliwala review: Mithun Chakraborty casts a magic spell »

Kabuliwala review: Mithun Chakraborty casts a magic spell

Suman Ghosh's Kabuliwala is a beautiful film that should never be missed.     

• Shamayita Chakraborty

Last Updated: 12.45 AM, Dec 30, 2023

Story: Rahmat (Mithun Chakraborty) leaves behind his little daughter Razia and mother and comes to Kolkata to earn money. He meets little Mini (Anumegha) in the City Of Joy. In Mini, Rahman finds his daughter. 

Also read: Mithun Chakraborty to play Kabuliwala in Suman Ghosh’s next  

Review: Director Suman Ghosh had two primary challenges – adopting a classic by Tagore and recreating something that is considered to be one of the iconic films in Bengal directed by none other than Tapan Sinha. He took on both the challenges with simplicity sans an iota of imposed extrapolation. He built up the film simply and that is the magic of the film. 

However, all this would have fallen flat had there been no Mithun Chakraborty. It was none other than Chhabi Biswas who made Rahmat’s character iconic to the Bengali audience. Mithun neither imitated nor negated his predecessors. Instead, he became Rahmat in every frame. Through him, we see how an Afghan from the serene land of Jalalabad grapples with the cacophony and lack of trust in a big city. The contradictions and confrontations of Rahmat and his fellow Afghan residents’ lives are delicately captured by the ace actor through his celebrations and struggles. Mithun makes every tearjerking moment real with Rahmat’s simplicity, principled life, and paternal love. 

Also read: Kabuliwala: The Mithun Chakraborty-starrer film will be shot in Kargil?  

Along with Mithun Chakraborty, Abir Chatterjee and Sohini Sarkar are also convincing as Mini’s parents. Abir is fabulous in portraying a kind, empathetic, and liberal man. Sohini captures the dilemma of a mother concerning a man from a faraway land delectably. Little Anumegha leaves no stone unturned to melt your heart with her cuteness. However, not just the adorable appearance, she does a first-class job in portraying Mini. Besides, Sumit Samaddar and Gulshanara Khatun are also seamless in their presence. Their performances are in perfect harmony with directorial plans. The actor who plays Rahmat’s friend in Kolkata deserves a special nod. 

On the other hand, Kabuliwala showcases a landscape that is not often captured in Bengali cinema. The serene scenic beauty of Rahamat’s village is wonderfully captured by Subhankar Bhar. Even the ’60s Kolkata is very smartly presented. Old neighbourhoods in the city have been transformed into a period set convincingly. The songs are extraneous but never transgress the believable limits. Background music, on the other hand, blends seamlessly with the film.

Verdict: It takes a lot of courage to choose a story that has strong sentimental stature in viewers’ hearts. Suman Ghosh takes up a brave challenge and comes out with flying colours. It is an out-and-out Mithun Chakraborty film and he fascinates the audience in every frame. Kabuliwala is a beautiful film that should never be missed.     

• New OTT Releases
• Web Stories
• Streaming services
• Latest News
• Movies Releases
• Cookie Policy
• Shows Releases
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Subscriber Agreement

• Log in/Log out (Opens in new window)
• All content
• Rural Alaska
• Crime & Courts
• Alaska Legislature
• ADN Politics Podcast
• National Opinions
• Letters to the Editor
• Nation/World
• Film and TV
• Outdoors/Adventure
• High School Sports
• UAA Athletics
• National Sports
• Food and Drink
• Visual Stories
• Alaska Journal of Commerce (Opens in new window)
• The Arctic Sounder
• The Bristol Bay Times
• Today's Paper (Opens in new window)
• Legal Notices (Opens in new window)
• Peak 2 Peak Events (Opens in new window)
• Educator of the Year (Opens in new window)
• Celebrating Nurses (Opens in new window)
• Top 40 Under 40 (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Spelling Bee (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Craft Brew Festival
• Best of Alaska
• Spring Career Fair (Opens in new window)
• Achievement in Business
• Youth Summit Awards
• Teacher of the Month
• 2024 Alaska Summer Camps Guide (Opens in new window)
• Holiday Bazaar Guide (Opens in new window)
• 2024 Back to School (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Visitors Guide 2024 (Opens in new window)
• Bear Paw Festival 2024 (Opens in new window)
• 2023 Best of Alaska (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Health Care (Opens in new window)
• On the Move AK (Opens in new window)
• Senior Living in Alaska (Opens in new window)
• Youth Summit Awards (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Visitors Guide
• ADN Store (Opens in new window)
• Classifieds (Opens in new window)
• Jobs (Opens in new window)
• Place an Ad (Opens in new window)
• Customer Service
• Sponsored Content

Book review: A road trip from New York to Alaska opens a reluctant traveler to beauty and healing

“Out of the Dark”

By Marian Elliott; Cirque Press, 2024; 303 pages; $15.

A woman suffers the loss of her 19-year-old son and falls into a near-paralyzing depression. Her husband leaves their home in Long Island, New York, and moves to Florida, forbidding her to accompany him. He insists that she wants to visit relatives teaching in Toksook Bay, Alaska, and buys a camper for the trip. Accompanied by her son’s elderly shepherd-collie mix, she sets out on a road trip, unsure of where or how far she might go and really wanting only to join her husband in Florida.

This is the disquieting start to a story labeled memoir, told by Wasilla resident Marian Elliott. Memoirs generally employ an “I” to tell a true story, but “Out of the Dark” features a main character named Jeanne, an apparent stand-in for the author. (To avoid confusion, the book might have been called an autobiographical novel, based on the writer’s life but with the freedom to change identities and employ details and conversations to meet the story’s demands. There are other distinctions between memoirs and fiction, but the author must have had her reasons for choosing a third-person perspective.)

In any case, Elliott has told a compelling story with several angles. The first third of the book centers on the tragedy of losing a child to a senseless accident, the family’s inability to talk of the young man or his death, and the failing marriage. (As Jeanne learns when she finally attends a grief support group, a majority of marriages falter after such a tragedy.) Jeanne suffers emotional and mental anguish, worsened by her husband blaming her, without reason, for the death and otherwise undermining her sense of reality. He proves to be a champion of gaslighting and manipulation: “Do you have any idea how lucky you are? I know people who would give anything to go to Alaska. I wish I were going.”

Much of the remaining book is essentially a road trip, as Jeanne and the dog Gulliver, to whom she is devoted, travel together. Beginning in September, they first tour through a region she actually wants to visit — Canada’s Maritime Provinces. She seeks out ocean views and other restorative places. A single woman with an old dog draws attention, and she readily makes friends with other campers, residents, and a philosophical hitchhiker who asks, “Did you ever wonder if you met yourself on the road in a strange place, you’d recognize who you were?” The year was 1980, and her own trust and kindness seemed to invite that of others. She runs into the same travelers repeatedly, accepts invitations to visit others in their homes, and maintains correspondences for months and perhaps years afterward. When she mentions Alaska, some she meets are excited by the idea but most raise their eyebrows, especially about heading north so late in the season. Toksook Bay? She doesn’t seem to know, herself, that the Yup’ik village is not just “Alaska” but on an island far to the west, facing the Bering Sea.

Halfway through the book, three weeks after leaving her home, she’s firmly against continuing to Alaska. “She needed to make Gary (her husband) understand the Alaska trip was not going to happen.” But after a stop at her daughter’s college near Buffalo, N.Y., her husband on a phone call demands that she continue to Alaska and she agrees to drive as far as the Canadian Rockies.

Time on the road and in the narrative speeds up considerably after that. Jeanne learns that her husband has another woman in Florida — something readers might have deduced much earlier. “The only choice she could see was to go forward. Why not keep driving until she figured things out? Who knew what the road had to offer?” She drives up the Alaska Highway, where she runs out of gas and is rescued by kind men. She drives through whiteout snowstorms. In Whitehorse the dog has a medical emergency, other kind people help her, and she rushes on to Fairbanks to reach a veterinarian.

To tell much more of the story would give too much away, but suffice it to say that the old dog’s condition keeps Jeanne in Alaska until spring. She does actually get to Toksook Bay, surprised by the small plane, the numerous stops in and around Bethel, and her relatives’ request to bring a box of fruits and vegetables.

Throughout her travels, even as she continues to grieve for her son, Jeanne finds much to love about the world, in people and in nature. When a raven flies over her head in the quiet of British Columbia, the woman from New York is stunned to hear, for the first time in her life, the sound of a bird’s wings. Later, she’s entranced by the song and sight of a dipper (water ouzel), “flying just above the surface of the water following the curve of the creek. He settled on a boulder downstream and with the burbling waters rushing around him, he sang out again an ebullient medley in whistles and trills.”

In the end, “Out of the Dark” is a story of trust, self-knowledge, and healing. The journey with Jeanne/Elliott satisfies not only as a road trip marked by the kindnesses of strangers; readers will delight in the company of a woman traveler who grows into the self she’s in fact happy to recognize.

[ Book review: A reluctant memoirist reflects on a tragic family story — and considers forgiveness ]

[ Book review: Intimate and creative, Jennifer Brice’s long-evolving essays present her sharp mind at work ]

[ Book review: Riveting memoir reveals lifetime of lessons from teacher’s time in Alaska village ]

Nancy Lord is a Homer-based writer and former Alaska writer laureate. Her books include "Fishcamp," "Beluga Days," and "Early Warming." Her latest book is "pH: A Novel."

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Auto Racing
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Book Review: ‘The Future Was Now’ is a brilliant look back at the groundbreaking movie summer of ’82

This cover image released by Flatiron shows “The Future Was Now: Madmen, Maverick, and the Summer Sci-Fi Abducted Hollywood” by Chris Nashawaty. (Flatiron Books via AP)

• Copy Link copied

The moments are seared into the pop culture pantheon. And our collective consciousness.

A friendly alien taking Henry Thomas’ character Elliott on an airborne bike ride with the full moon as a backdrop in “E.T.” Carol Anne (Heather O’Rourke) in “Poltergeist,” getting out of bed, staring into a pulsating TV screen, turning to her family and warning: “They’re here.” Arnold Schwarzenegger’s titular hero Conan the Barbarian succinctly listing for his compatriots what is best in life: “To crush your enemies. See them driven before you. And hear the lamentation of their women.”

Former Entertainment Weekly film critic Chris Nashawaty walks readers through the significance (and making) of each of the films, as well as five other science fiction/fantasy classics — “Blade Runner,” “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior,” “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” “The Thing” and “Tron” — that, incredibly, were released within two months of each other in the summer of 1982.

In the ultra-entertaining and informative “The Future Was Now: Madmen, Mavericks, and the Epic Sci-Fi Summer of 1982,” Nashawaty makes the case that the octet of flicks altered the trajectory, not only of the auteurs at the helm, but of Hollywood filmmaking.

“The summer of 1982 was the moment when sci-fi, fantasy, and splashy blockbusters ripped from the pages of comic books would grow up,” Nashawaty writes. “These films could no longer be nonchalantly dismissed as kids’ stuff.

“They became the harbingers of a new era and eventually the most dominant force in popular entertainment.”

His thesis is solid, sure. But it’s not what makes “The Future Was Now” a great read. The behind-the-scenes intrigue does that.

Nashawaty digs deep into the history of how these groundbreaking films got — and were — made. Perhaps most fascinating is the tale of burgeoning cinema maestro Steven Spielberg leading his young charges through the filming of the now-classic “E.T.” and more or less taking over the production of “Poltergeist,” a much different kind of film that now is considered to be a landmark in the horror genre.

Add in the complex origins of the “Star Trek” and “Mad Max” sequels, plus Ridley Scott’s odyssey in transforming a Philip K. Dick novel into the big-screen cult classic “Blade Runner,” and you’ve got a must-read for any cinephile.

The summer of ’82 paved “the way for our current all-blockbusters-all-the-time era,” Nashawaty writes.

But the real treat is having a front-row seat as the author’s painstaking research and expert recounting bring to life how these silver-screen gems came to be.

AP book reviews: https://apnews.com/hub/book-reviews

Advertisement

Supported by

Sausage Legs and Wax Nose Jobs: Peeling the Layers on a Century of Beauty

In “All the Rage,” the social historian Virginia Nicholson discusses the changing standards that bedeviled and enthralled a century of women.

• Share full article

By Sadie Stein

Paraffin nose jobs. Blinding mascara. “Bicycle face” (think the “Ozempic face” of 1910). As chronicled in Virginia Nicholson‘s “All the Rage: Stories From the Frontline of Beauty,” there’s not much women haven’t done to conform with the aesthetic standards of their day.

Nicholson, the author of six previous books on subjects ranging from Bloomsbury bohemia to 1950s femininity , introduces each chapter of her rollicking history — which focuses on the century between 1860 and 1960 — with a photograph of a woman whose looks epitomize the ideal of her age. Figure-eight corsets and protuberant bustles give way to short skirts and fringe; bobs cede to lacquered beehives. But as much as fashion, hairstyles and body ideals change over time, some things are forever: You’ll be judged for looking like you try, you’ll be judged if you look like you don’t try and you’re never allowed to get old.

Nicholson talked with The New York Times from her native England about bikini pinups, female empowerment and botched 1920s plastic surgeries. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Why did you choose to focus on these particular years?

I wanted to begin in 1860 because it’s the height of the Victorian era. The corset is shaping the body in an extraordinary, outrageous way, but we don’t know what’s underneath. It’s also the moment when photography goes mainstream. Daguerreotypes are no longer for the rich.

And by 1960, we’ve achieved a high point of visual media. Essentially, we’re still looking at each other in two dimensions, in color, just as we were then.

In 1960, fashion also gets the nearest we ever have to being naked. As you take off those horribly uncomfortable corsets and run around liberated in a bikini, you may think: Thumbs up to liberation. But of course, the more clothes you take off, the more you have to worry about what your body looks like.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .