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Tonga
The Hindi word walla literally translates to one in charge, or the person who is responsible for a task; when it is attached to a noun, walla signifies somebody who works in a certain job or industry. In The Henna Artist, Lakshmi frequently refers to the tonga-walla (rickshaw driver), or the milk-walla (milkman), for example.
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Walla Term Timeline in The Henna Artist
The timeline below shows where the term Walla appears in The Henna Artist. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 2
On the rickshaw ride home, Lakshmi refuses to say anything to Radha, not wanting the rickshaw-walla to hear any gossip. Lakshmi is a little disgusted by her sister, who is dirty...
(full context)
Chapter 3
The milk-walla arrives, and Lakshmi is grateful—both for the interruption, and because she needs the milk to...
(full context)
