The Tribute

-Dash Benhur

By Adwaita Anil Dani

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 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dash Benhur is a renowned Indian writer. His real
name is Jitendra Narayan Dash. He publishes
scholarly articles under his real name and other
literature under the pen name "Dash Benhur."
He is considered one of the most important Indian
writers of the post-independence era. He is
particularly associated with children's literature
and poetry, and has written many books for
children in a time when very few other writers
did.
 Characters
Babuli -The narrator
Babuli's wife

The elder brother

The elder sister-in-law

The second brother

The second sister-in-law

Babuli's Mother
 The Plot

The story revolves around a young man Babuli

who has kept himself away from his family in the
village for quite sometime. It is only after the
division of ancestral property in the village, does
he realize the importance of family bonds and
relationship.
 Questions
•Describe Babuli's feelings when he hears his wife discussing the
things they would buy with the money they would get after selling
their share of the land.
Ans. Babuli thinks of his wife as a butcher. He feels his wife is
insensitive and heartless. But finally, he also goes with her to the
shops to estimate the costs of various commodities.
•What were the changes Babuli noticed in the village home when
he reached there?
Ans. When Babuli reached his village home no one came to
receive him. There was the silence of a graveyard. His sister-in law
and nephews did not rush out to greet him. His second brother and
his wife were nowhere to be seen.
•What does the act of leaving his share to his elder brother reveal
about Babuli's character?
Ans. Babuli was a sensitive person who had behaved in a selfish
and immature manner. In good time, he realises his mistake and
shows his love for his elder brother.
 Questions

How does Babuli manage to come out of the cobwebs that had
settled around him?
Ans. Babuli was caught in the strands of city life. He was
preoccupied with his work and wife in the city. He had pushed
back all thoughts of his brother and mother. But the letter from
his brother woke up the dormant feelings. He was filled with
shame on his way to the village. He felt as if everybody was
accusing him of his behaviour. Past memories flooded his mind
and he was reminded of his brother's unconditional sacrifices.
Finally, he makes the decision to leave his share of property to
his eldest brother as a tribute to his love.
Thank You