At Howli Thana by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative unfolds in a police station in a remote area, where a former police officer, Afzal Khan, seeks employment as a messenger. He presents himself as a trustworthy individual, claiming to have a clean heart and a history of service. He recounts the challenges faced by the police in dealing with dacoits, emphasizing the cleverness of the criminals and the ineffectiveness of the police force. Afzal describes a time when the police, led by the Havildar, made a pact with the dacoits to avoid conflict, allowing them to live in relative peace while they feasted on melons. However, their complacency leads to disaster when, one morning, they discover that their rifles and important documents have been stolen. In a panic, the Havildar devises a plan to fabricate a story of a dacoity, involving a staged fight and injuries to the officers to cover their incompetence. As they prepare their false report, Afzal and another officer rush to inform the assistant commissioner, known as Yunkum Sahib, who is feared for his unpredictable nature. They present their fabricated tale, but Yunkum Sahib remains skeptical and does not act immediately. When the Deputy Sahib arrives, he praises the Havildar for capturing local criminals, unaware of the true circumstances. The plot thickens when Yunkum Sahib reveals that he himself had stolen the rifles and documents during the night, exposing the police's failure and dishonesty. The Havildar, realizing the gravity of the situation, pleads for mercy, but the power dynamics shift dramatically. Afzal, recognizing the impending danger, seizes the opportunity to escape on the Havildar's mare, fleeing from the wrath of the authorities. In the end, Afzal's fate remains uncertain, but he expresses a desire to serve the Sahib, hoping for a better life for himself and his children. The story highlights themes of corruption, survival, and the complexities of power within colonial law enforcement.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1888 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 2,292 words
First lines
His own shoe, his own head. -- _Native Proverb_.
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At Howli Thana is listed on Textopian as a short story by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1888 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Crime Fiction, Satire
- Length: 2,292 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of morality, duty, and the human condition within a colonial context.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical period, it reflects the socio-political dynamics of British India.
- Adventure — The plot involves elements of danger and intrigue, particularly with the dacoits and police interactions.
- Crime Fiction — The story revolves around criminal activities, including theft and deception, within the police force.
Tags
crime · mystery · India · colonialism · police · investigation · adventure · suspense · narrative · cultural clash · British Raj · local customs