5 Famous Stories by Rabindranath Tagore. Explore the literary genius of Rabindranath Tagore in this blog post, which delves into five of his most famous works. From the heartfelt play ‘The Home-Coming’ to the enchanting narrative ‘The Cabuliwallah,’ Tagore’s stories reflect the complexities of human experience, culture, and relationships. Discover how his insightful explorations of tradition and modernity, the supernatural, and human resilience offer profound reflections on society and the human spirit.
5 Famous Stories by Rabindranath Tagore
Table of Contents
The Cabuliwallah
My five years’ old daughter Mini cannot live without chattering. I really believe that in all her life she has not wasted a minute in silence. Her mother is often vexed at this, and would stop her prattle, but I would not. To see Mini quiet is unnatural, and I cannot bear it long. And so my own talk with her is always lively.
One morning, for instance, when I was in the midst of the seventeenth chapter of my new novel, my little Mini stole into the room, and putting her hand into mine, said: “Father! Ramdayal the door-keeper calls a crow a krow! He doesn’t know anything, does he?”
Before I could explain to her the differences of language in this world, she was embarked on the full tide of another subject. “What do you think, Father? Bhola says there is an elephant in the clouds, blowing water out of his trunk, and that is why it rains!”
And then, darting off anew, while I sat still making ready some reply to this last saying: “Father! what relation is Mother to you?”
With a grave face I contrived to say: “Go and play with Bhola, Mini! I am busy!”
The window of my room overlooks the road. The child had seated herself at my feet near my table, and was playing softly, drumming on her knees. I was hard at work on my seventeenth chapter, where Pratap Singh, the hero, had just caught Kanchanlata, the heroine, in his arms, and was about to escape with her by the third-story window of the castle, when all of a sudden Mini left her play, and ran to the window, crying: “A Cabuliwallah! a Cabuliwallah!” Sure, enough in the street below was a Cabuliwallah, passing slowly along. He wore the loose, soiled clothing of his people, with a tall turban; there was a bag on his back, and he carried boxes of grapes in his hand.
Listen to our Audio Story of “The Cabuliwallah” on YouTube
The Home Coming
In this story from Rabindranath Tagore’s story, Phatik Chakravorti, a mischievous village boy, decides to lead his friends in rolling a heavy log, but his plans are thwarted when his younger brother Makhan sits on it. Phatik threatens Makhan, but ultimately resorts to a clever ploy to get rid of him by rolling both the log and Makhan.
This results in Makhan getting angry and crying home, while Phatik faces the repercussions from their mother, who favors Makhan. Soon after, their uncle Bishamber arrives from Bombay, seeking to help Phatik with his education. Phatik, eager to leave the village, is overjoyed at the prospect of going to Calcutta. However, once there, he feels out of place and unwanted in his aunt’s household, leading to feelings of loneliness and longing for his village home.
Listen to the Audio Story: The Home Coming | A Story by Rabindranath Tagore | Audio Story | Stories by Rabindranath Tagore
Once There was a King
The story begins with a nostalgic look at how, as children, we enjoyed fairy tales without questioning details, unlike the more skeptical modern readers who demand specifics. The narrator recalls a childhood memory in Calcutta during a storm, hoping to avoid his tutor.
His wish almost comes true, but the tutor arrives. Pretending to be sick, he convinces his mother to cancel the lesson, and later persuades his grandmother to tell him a story. The grandmother’s story is about a king with one queen who has a daughter but no son. The king leaves for twelve years to perform austerities to gain a son, leaving the queen and princess behind.
As the princess grows, the king eventually returns, amazed at his daughter’s beauty. He impulsively decides that the first person he sees will marry her, and it turns out to be a young Brahman boy gathering sticks. They marry, and the boy eventually grows up in a palace with the princess, unaware of her true identity.
Despite his curiosity and repeated questions, the princess delays revealing her identity. One night, just as she prepares to tell him, a tragic event occurs—a serpent bites the boy, leaving the story on a cliffhanger. The tale blends themes of childhood innocence, the magic of storytelling, and the complications of growing up.
Listen to this story on YouTube: Once There was a King | A Story by Rabindranath Tagore | An Interesting Story in English
The Child’s Return
Raicharan, a loyal servant, started working for his master at the age of twelve. He cared for his master’s son, who grew up to be successful, eventually getting married. When a new child was born to the family, Raicharan devoted all his attention to the baby, forming a deep bond with the child. One day, while playing near the river, the child disappeared, presumed to have drowned. Raicharan was heartbroken and suspected by the mother of stealing the child because of its gold ornaments, although he denied any wrongdoing.
Listen to this story on YouTube: The Child’s Return | A Story by Rabindranath Tagore | Stories | Audio Stories to Listen
Master Mashai
“Master Moshai” (or “Master Mashai”) is a story by Rabindranath Tagore that explores human relationships, the struggles of being selfless, and the role of teachers in society. The story focuses on a dedicated teacher who loves teaching and wants to make a difference in the lives of his students. The teacher, called Master Moshai, spends his life helping and guiding the children in his village.
He doesn’t have much money, but he finds joy in sharing his knowledge and watching his students grow. He believes that education is important for improving people’s lives.
Listen to this story on YouTube: MASTER MASHAI | Master Moshai | A Story by Rabindranath Tagore | Heart Touching | Stories by Tagore
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