Kabuliwala

“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. 

Mini's character arc in "The Cabuliwallah" is particularly significant because of her age. As a child, Mini possesses a natural open-mindedness that allows her to move beyond social differences more easily than adults. In contrast, Mini's mother represents a more typical adult attitude shaped by societal norms and biases. Mini's mother doubts Cabuliwallah’s intentions, which points toward the prevailing class distinctions and prejudices of the time.

The story subtly underscores the class difference that exists between the Bengali family and the Cabuliwallah. The Cabuliwallah's modest means and the challenges that he faces due to his economic status serve as a reminder that while human connections can transcend cultural disparities, the impact of class differences remains a societal reality that influences the lives of individuals like Rahmun.

Set in late 19th-century Calcutta during the British colonial era, one of the central conflicts in “The Cabuliwallah” arises from the cultural divide between Rahmun and Mini. Rahmun’s character is layered, straddling the boundary between two vastly different worlds. Initially seen as foreign and enigmatic, Rahmun's gentle and warm-hearted disposition is revealed through his interactions, particularly when he addresses Mini as the "little girl” (5). "The Cabuliwallah" is emblematic of Tagore’s commitment to promoting cultural harmony during a period of political upheaval in India's history. Through the characters of Rahmun and Mini, Tagore highlights human longing for connection and camaraderie. Rahmun's presence in Calcutta symbolizes a bridge between Afghanistan and India.  

The setting of the story in Calcutta during the British colonial period is pivotal. It serves as a rich backdrop that reflects the diverse social and cultural milieu of the time. The colonial presence and the mingling of various cultures provide fertile ground for exploring the story's themes, particularly The Transcendental Quality of Human Connections and The Passage of Time. Tagore's description of this setting captures the nuances of an evolving society grappling with the clash between tradition and modernity, a topic recurrent in the author’s oeuvre.

A Father’s Love emerges as another significant theme in "The Cabuliwallah." Rahmun's character exemplifies this theme, as he pines for his daughter in the far-off Afghanistan. His yearning for his child mirrors the narrator's emotions as Mini’s wedding approaches towards the story’s end. These parallel experiences of separation and yearning suggest that the bond between family is a universal human experience. Through this parallel narrative, Tagore captures the common thread of paternal love that binds Rahmun and Mini's father.

Tagore uses a range of literary devices to enhance the story's emotional impact. The dialogue, for instance, offers insights into the characters' personalities, emotions, and the evolving nature of their relationship. Through the exchange of words, Mini's innocence and curiosity, as well as Rahmun's heartfelt responses, convey their developing friendship. He also makes use of symbolism in the story, particularly through Rahmun's role as a Cabuliwallah. Beyond being a vendor, Rahmun symbolizes the potential for cultural exchange and friendship, even in the face of differences. The dry fruits he sells are tangible representations of his homeland and the familial bonds he cherishes.

Tagore also utilizes imagery to describe characters, the surroundings, and the context in which the narrative takes place. His descriptions of Rahmun's appearance, Mini's reactions, and the streets of Calcutta contribute to the immersive sensory story world. For instance, his use of imagery to describe Rahmun–“he wore the loose, soiled clothing of his people, with a tall turban” (4)–signals his foreignness in Calcutta. Tagore's use of words like "soiled" and "tall" also mark the Cabuliwallah as an unmistakable outsider in this context.

Despite the budding friendship between Mini and Cabuliwallah, the foreignness associated with the Cabuliwallah is never quite forgotten as the story is told from the adult narrator’s point of view, for whom differences like a person’s nationality are a matter-of-fact. As the narrator says: “In the presence of this Cabuliwallah I was immediately transported to the foot of arid mountain peaks, with narrow little defiles twisting in and out amongst their towering heights” (8). The Cabuliwallah is hence presented as a metonym for Afghanistan itself, transporting the narrator to its rugged landscapes of Afghanistan during their interactions. He paints a vivid picture of the Cabuliwallah's homeland, describing the mountain peaks, camels, and turbaned merchants with their traditional weapons. This suggests that Mini's father has a degree of curiosity and fascination with the Cabuliwallah's cultural background; he is both able to see beyond the immediate physical presence of the man to appreciate the richness of his heritage. On the other hand, there is a subtle undercurrent of social and cultural distance: “But at some such point Mini's mother would intervene, imploring me to ‘beware of that man’” (8). This implies that while the narrator may have a certain level of fascination, there is also an awareness of the strangeness and potential differences that separate him from the Cabuliwallah. He exhibits some of the orientalist tendencies that characterized British colonial attitudes towards India and its neighboring countries.

As a child, Mini does not dwell on the Cabuliwallah's background or place of origin. She interacts with him without preconceived notions or prejudices. However, as she grows older, there occurs a change in her attitude. She seems to adopt a degree of insulation from the Cabuliwallah. This change is evident in her distant and somewhat apprehensive behavior towards the Cabuliwallah, a contrast against the openness and warmth she exhibited as a child.

Tagore's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose and profound humanism. His words create an atmosphere of intimacy and reflection throughout the story. The prevailing mood in "The Cabuliwallah" is one of melancholic nostalgia, tinged with moments of warmth and hope. The evolving relationship between Mini and the Cabuliwallah, marked by distance and formality in their later encounters, adds to this melancholic undertone. The narrative voice itself is gentle and empathetic, mirroring the story's overarching themes of love and connection.

In "The Cabuliwallah," Tagore employs a chronological narrative style by presenting events in a linear fashion. This chronological structure serves a crucial purpose in underlining the gradual evolution of the central characters, Rahmun and Mini. Through this chronological unfolding, Tagore highlights the shifts in their relationship and the changing dynamics of their bond. The chronology underscores the theme of The Passage of Time, which is palpable in Mini's journey from childhood to adolescence. In the end, she returns to her initial hesitancy towards the man. The impending wedding symbolizes Mini's coming of age, which denotes not only her physical maturation but also her emotional growth.

As Mini transitions from childhood to adulthood, her relationship with the Cabuliwallah also undergoes a shift. Once she grows up, societal conventions, biases, and the awareness of her impending marriage start to shape her perspective. She becomes more conscious of social norms, class distinctions, and the perceived foreignness of the Cabuliwallah. The once-intimate bond Mini had shared with the Cabuliwallah is no longer visible when they meet again after years of separation. The warmth and camaraderie that defined their early interactions changes into distance and formality. This transformation in their relationship underscores how The Passage of Time affects human connections, especially when societal norms and prejudices come into play.