Set after the Second Afghan War which ended in 1881, but before the Third fought in 1919, probably in the period 1893 to 1898. The novel is notable for its detailed portrait of the people, culture, and varied religions of India. The book presents a vivid picture of India, its teeming populations, religions, and superstitions, and the life of the bazaars and the road.
Kim by Rudyard Kipling, first published in 1901, is a novel set in British-occupied India during the late 19th century. The story follows Kimball O'Hara, a young boy of mixed heritage who was born in India and orphaned as a child. He lives on the streets of Lahore, using his wits and charm to survive.
Kim befriends a Tibetan Lama, and the two embark on a journey across northern India. Kim’s adventures become even more complex when he is recruited as a spy for the British secret service, engaging in espionage against Russian interests during "The Great Game"—the rivalry between the British and Russian Empires in Central Asia.
The novel is rich in themes of identity, colonialism, and the complex relationships between different cultures. Through Kim’s story, Kipling explores the fluidity of national and cultural boundaries while offering a vivid portrait of India and its diverse society. Kim is considered one of Kipling’s finest works, praised for its narrative style, rich characterizations, and exploration of the colonial experience.
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Categories: Fiction Historical Literature Classics