The term durwan comes from the Persian word darwān, meaning “door-keeping” or “door-guarding.” Boori Ma is working in this capacity in all but title. After all, as the narrator mentions, being a durwan is…
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Partition
Partition refers to the formation of India and Pakistan as independent nations, following Great Britain’s departure from India in 1947. Although they were supposedly divided along religious lines—India as majority-Hindu and Pakistan as majority-Muslim—the violence…
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Monsoon
Monsoon is an annual season of heavy rainfall throughout Southeast Asia. It usually lasts from May through September. Rainfall amounts can be measured in feet, and flooding is typical. Calcutta, the setting of “A Real…
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Boori
The name Boori comes from Bangla or Bengali, the majority language of Bengal. It translates as “old woman.” In the context of the story, it is interesting to note that the term comes from Boori…
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