My Reminiscences · Chapter
X: Srikantha Babu explained
The narrator describes his deep affection for Srikantha Babu, an elderly, artless, and joyful man of Persian culture who becomes his devoted listener and music teacher.
What happens
The narrator describes his deep affection for Srikantha Babu, an elderly, artless, and joyful man of Persian culture who becomes his devoted listener and music teacher. Srikantha Babu's transparent simplicity and boundless capacity for delight endear him to all, from European missionaries to the narrator's family. The chapter culminates in Srikantha Babu's final visit to the narrator's ailing father, after which he dies peacefully, singing a hymn of mercy.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Mentorship
Srikantha Babu acts as a mentor and friend to the narrator and his entire family, bridging generations with his joyful spirit.
Death and the Transience of Life
The chapter ends with Srikantha Babu's final illness and death, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of song.
Characters to notice
- Srikantha Babu
The central figure of the chapter, an old man of Persian culture, a devoted admirer of the narrator's father, and the narrator's music teacher.
- Narrator
The narrator recalls his relationship with Srikantha Babu, who was his favorite pupil in singing and a source of joy.
- Father DePeneranda
The narrator's father, a revered figure whom Srikantha Babu visits on his deathbed; a hymn is adapted to honor him.
- Govinda Babu
Mentioned as the superintendent who would have shown more respect for the narrator's serious poem.
- Vidyasagar
Referenced as the author of 'Banishment of Sita,' which the boys read to torment Srikantha Babu.
Key passages
“The old man was like a perfectly ripe Alfonso mango—not a trace of acid or coarse fibre in his composition.”
Srikantha Babu was entirely sweet-natured, without any bitterness or harshness.
The narrator uses a mango metaphor to describe Srikantha Babu's pure and gentle character.
“He was of the old school of Persian culture and knew not a word of English.”
Srikantha Babu was educated in traditional Persian learning and did not speak English.
Highlights the cultural background of Srikantha Babu, contrasting with the English influences of the time.
“He could not bear to see anyone sorrowing or even to hear of it.”
Srikantha Babu was deeply empathetic and could not tolerate witnessing or hearing about sadness.
Illustrates his compassionate and sensitive nature.
“With a great effort he managed to take the dust of my father’s feet and then return to his lodgings in Chinsurah where he breathed his last a few days later.”
Despite his severe illness, Srikantha Babu traveled to pay his respects to the narrator's father, and died shortly after returning.
Describes the poignant final act of devotion before his death.