From `Jungle Book` To `If-`: Remembering Literary Wordsmith Rudyard Kipling On His Birth Anniversary And His Connection With India

December 30th, 2023 marks the 158th birth anniversary of poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling. The writer is one of the best-known of the late Victorian poets and story-tellers. Here is a little about his Indian connect.

Rudyard Kipling was not only an exceptionally talented writer, producing works of undeniable greatness, especially contributions to children's literature, particularly his novel "The Jungle Book," initially published in 1894, continue to endure in popular culture, thanks to the numerous film adaptations created and reimagined since the 1960s.

Kipling's connection to India is profound and deeply embedded in both his personal life and literary works. Born on December 30, 1865, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, Kipling spent the first six years of his life in the country. His father, John Lockwood Kipling, was an artist and scholar, and his mother, Alice, was deeply engaged in the social and cultural life of British India.

He made an indelible mark on English literature through his diverse and prolific body of work. His storytelling prowess, vivid imagination, and keen observation of society contributed to the literary landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His influence on the adventure genre, particularly in works like "The Jungle Book" and "Kim," is widely acknowledged. Despite controversies surrounding his views, Kipling's impact on literature remains significant.

Famous Works of Rudyard Kipling

1. The Jungle Book (1894): One of Kipling's most renowned works, "The Jungle Book," is a collection of stories set in the Indian jungle. The characters, including Mowgli, Bagheera, and Baloo, have become iconic figures in literature and popular culture. The tales explore themes of identity, belonging, and the balance between man and nature.

2. Kim (1901): Set against the backdrop of British-ruled India, "Kim" follows the adventures of an orphaned boy named Kimball O'Hara. The novel delves into the complexities of identity, espionage, and the clash of cultures in a rapidly changing India.

3. Gunga Din (1892): This famous poem pays tribute to a water bearer (bhisti) in British India, highlighting themes of heroism, loyalty, and the colonial experience. The poem has been adapted into various forms of media over the years.

4. Short Stories: Kipling's short stories, such as "The Man Who Would Be King" and "The Phantom 'Rickshaw," often draw on his experiences in India. These stories capture the diverse characters and landscapes of the subcontinent.

One of the famous lines from Kipling's iconic poem "If—" (1910) "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you...", imparts wisdom on maintaining composure and resilience in the face of challenges.

Rudyard Kipling's legacy endures as a literary giant, and his connection to India remains a crucial aspect of understanding the cultural tapestry that influenced his masterful storytelling.