Objective: Understand the socio-political changes and challenges faced by Kolkata, from independence to the modern era
A. Reading assignments
Please read Kabuliwala Rabindranath Tagore’s short story “Kabuliwala” Please see “CourseReadingsWeek6” in the course files
B. Screening Assignments
Please screen Roland Joffé’s film City of Joy (1992) directed by. You can rent the film from Amazon.com at https://www.amazon.com/City-Joy-Patrick-Swayze/dp/B087FJ4JWW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1VMGTK4TXC90N&keywords=city+of+joy&qid=1704273034&sprefix=city+of+joy%2Caps%2C561&sr=8-2
and Dibakar Banerjee’s film Detective Byomkesh Bakshy. You can rent the film from Amazon.com at https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08XLSWGT3/ref=atv_dl_rdr?deepLinkingRedirect=1&autoplay=1
C. Discussion Board Assignments
I. Please go to the discussion board and select Discussion Board Week 4. All questions relate to
Please post your answer to the following questions:
1. Character and Environment Interaction:
In what ways do the protagonists of Rabindranath Tagore’s “Kabuliwala” and Roland Joffé’s “City of Joy” embody the socio-political milieu of Kolkata in their respective eras? Examine how their relationships with the city mirror the historical shifts from the post-independence period to the early 1990s.Consider how the characters’ professions, personal struggles, and relationships with other characters serve as a microcosm of the larger societal changes. Look at specific events in the story and the film that highlight the socio-political climate of the time. What do these characters tell us about the city’s identity and its challenges?
2. Kolkata as a Narrative Force:
Question: Compare and contrast how Kolkata is personified in “Detective Byomkesh Bakshy” and “Kabuliwala.” How do the city’s historical context and socio-political complexities contribute to the storytelling in these works? Focus on the narrative function of Kolkata in these stories. How does the city influence the plot and the characters? Are there any particular landmarks, cultural aspects, or historical events mentioned that add depth to the story? How does the city’s portrayal affect the mood and tone of the narrative? Reflect on the descriptive language used to depict Kolkata and the feelings it evokes.
3. Individuals Against Socio-Political Shifts:
How do the main characters in “City of Joy,” “Detective Byomkesh Bakshy,” and Tagore’s “Kabuliwala” navigate the challenges posed by the socio-political evolution of Kolkata? Analyze the similarities and differences in the protagonists’ approaches to justice and societal change. Look at the actions taken by the characters when faced with injustice or societal issues. Do they act alone or do they collaborate with others? What obstacles do they encounter, and how do their personal stories intersect with the larger narrative of Kolkata’s socio-political environment? Discuss the outcomes of their actions—do they lead to change, or do they highlight the resistance to change in society?
Also, the word count of 400 words applies to a total of all your answers. You do not need to address the questions in this sequence. As long as your answer addresses all questions asked, you can write one coherent text and do not have to worryabout the numbers. It is always a good idea to include concrete examples from the films or the reading. It also helps with the word count.
II. Please post a thoughtful, insightful and substantive response to the posting of another student.
Student #1
Rabindranath Tagore’s “Kabuliwala” and Roland Joffé’s “City of Joy” are two narratives that explore Kolkata’s socio-political landscape. “Kabuliwala” tells the story of Rahmat Khan, a Kabuliwala or trader from Kabul, who seeks to assimilate into the city after partition. His interactions with Mini reveal the complexities of cultural assimilation and the potential for genuine human connection. However, his tragic involvement in a violent altercation exposes the city’s underlying tensions and prejudices.
On the other hand, “City of Joy” transports us to the early 1990s, a time marked by profound socio-political upheaval in Kolkata. An American doctor, Max Lowe, is portrayed against a backdrop of rampant economic inequality, political corruption, and social unrest. Max confronts the harsh realities of systemic injustice and human suffering, ultimately finding redemption and purpose in his commitment to alleviating their plight.
In “Detective Byomkesh Bakshy,” Kolkata emerges as a vibrant and dynamic character in its own right, intricately woven into the narratives and imbued with historical significance and socio-political resonance. The city’s bustling streets, crowded markets, and eclectic neighborhoods serve as silent witnesses to Rahmat’s journey, anchoring the narrative in Kolkata’s rich tapestry of history and heritage.
In “City of Joy,” Detective Byomkesh Bakshy paints a starkly different portrait of Kolkata, steeped in noir-inspired intrigue and shadowy menace. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the Quit India Movement, the city becomes a crucible of clandestine espionage and political turmoil. Through meticulous attention to detail and evocative cinematography, the film captures the essence of Kolkata’s enigmatic allure, where history and myth intertwine amidst the ebb and flow of human drama.
Across these narratives, the central protagonists navigate the treacherous waters of Kolkata’s socio-political landscape with courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. Max Lowe, a beacon of hope amidst the city’s darkness, collaborates with local leaders like Hasari Pal to effect tangible change through grassroots initiatives and community empowerment. Byomkesh Bakshy, a formidable force for justice in a society plagued by inequality and exploitation, navigates the criminal underbelly of the city with his keen intellect and observational skills.
In conclusion, the narratives of “City of Joy,” “Detective Byomkesh Bakshy,” and “Kabuliwala” collectively offer a rich tapestry of insights into Kolkata’s socio-political evolution, illustrating the enduring power of resilience, collaboration, and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.
