Introduction to Humanity in “The Cabuliwala”
Based on an Afghan figure, humanity in “The Cabuliwala” shows Tagore’s art. It is also that a person, if he was from some alien culture, was rarely accepted in the other culture during the previous century, specifically in the Indian sub-continent. Foreigners were either considered occupiers, the British, or kidnappers, the Afghanis, as is the case of Rahman in “The Cabuliwala” by Rabindranath Tagore. This has been expressed by Tagore’s wife that she considers Rahman as a kidnapper to be kept under “watchful eye” (Tagore 3). However, Tagore discovers a particular charm in him with which he seems fascinated. This fascination for the Cabuliwalla arouses Tagore’s sympathy for the foreigners, his generosity for the poor, and his love for the lower class and their children, showing humanity in “The Cabuliwala.”
Stereotyping in “The Cabuliwala”
When Tagore finds that his daughter is attracted to a common street vendor, the Cabuliwalla, he does not pay much attention to this except to remove the terror of his Mini. It is because she has “a blind belief “ that he is a kidnapper (2). After all, most people from Afghanistan have been dubbed as kidnappers of children. His wife also considers him so, as she questions Tagore on the same grounds. However, Rahman arouses Tagore’s sympathy for him because he proves “very patient listener” (3) to his daughter that he himself is not; thus proving that he is a good human being. Secondly, he offers “brigs of nuts and almonds” (4) to Mini, who is dear to Tagore, showing his humanity in “The Cabuliwala.” In this way, he, despite being a foreigner, wins his sympathy.
Human Love in “The Cabuliwala”
Rahman also wins his generosity though it happens at the end after his long reflection. Tagore only thinks of him as a street merchandiser. Cabuliwala does not touch his heart even when he is arrested though he comes to greet Mini and makes fun of himself to make Mini laugh saying, “I would have thrashed that old father-in-law but my hands are bound” (3) as he is under arrest. “The time passed and he was forgotten” by Tagore as is usual but when he appears at the end, brings gifts for Mini without accepting money, and says “I too have one like her in my own home” (5) this touches Tagore’s heart. He thinks of Tagore’s daughter as his own and then brings hundred rupees out of his pocket though he curtails the festivities of his daughter. This is how Rahman arouses his generosity and Tagore demonstrates humanity in “The Cabuliwala.”
Equality among Children in “The Cabuliwala”
This generosity is also a sort of love for the lower-class people and the lower-class children. Tagore knows that the Cabuliwalla, Rahman, is from Afghanistan, which is quite far away. He cannot go to his homeland due to bad financial conditions as he has lost his prime years in jail. Therefore, when he brings gifts for Mini, he thinks about him as a human being having a heart and then thinks of his daughter and home. His heart melts, and he states, “Tears came to my eyes. I forgot that he was a poor Cabuli fruit seller, while I was…” (6). This difference in class arouses his human heart, which makes him think about Rahman and his daughter, and sacrifice his daughter’s wedding to pay him money. This is another evidence of humanity in “The Cabuliwala.”
Conclusion of “The Cabuliwala”
The story, thus, proves that Tagore has a human heart and his story is an ample proof of his showing humanity in “The Cabuliwala.” He is not only a great writer but also a great human being, who, merely by the good gesture of a street vendor, understands his great heart and assesses his own situation. This made him fascinated even more not by his appearance as he used to be, but by his big heart that he brings gifts for his daughter though he has nothing, while he could not give her anything despite having everything. This is not only a way to make him a good human being but also it is his good gesture that fills him with good emotions and passions that he understands his difficulties.
Works Cited
Tagore, Rabinderanath. “The Cabuliwalla.” n.d. Wyne. http://www.is.wayne.edu/MNISSANI/Fall2003/Cabuliwallah.htm Accessed 04 Nov. 2022.
NOTE: It is a student essay for illustrative purposes only. You can borrow ideas and write your own essay.
Questions
- How does the character of Rahman, the Cabuliwala, serve as a symbol of humanity in the story, and what does his relationship with Mini reveal about the universal bonds that connect people across cultures?
- In “The Cabuliwala,” we see moments of both kindness and misunderstanding between the Indian society and the Cabuliwala. How does the story depict the complexities of human interactions and the potential for empathy even in the face of cultural differences?
- The story raises questions about the impact of time on human relationships, as Mini grows up and Rahman returns after several years. How does the theme of humanity intersect with the theme of time in the story, and what does it suggest about the enduring nature of human connections?