As her name implies, the widow is an elderly widow, formerly married to a powerful Rajah in the north of India. Industrious, irascible and, and sharp, she is a formidable woman. When not traveling the country in her large, comfortably bullock cart, she manages the affairs of her family and large estate. Despite her abrasive personality, however, she proves to be an invaluable ally and friend to Kim and the lama, extending her hospitality to them on numerous occasions. When Kim falls ill at the end of the novel, for instance, she takes personal charge of his health, ensuring his speedy recovery. Thus, despite their playful accusations of superficiality and chattiness, both Kim and the lama acknowledge her so-called “merit,” with Kim going so far as to call her “Mother.” If, in the widow’s own words, there are two types of women, “those that take men’s strength, and those that put it back,” she belongs to the latter camp.
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The Widow Character Timeline in Kim
The timeline below shows where the character The Widow appears in Kim. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4
...of the parao, boldly building a fire next to the cart of a wealthy, high-spirited widow. One of the men, a hillman, orders Kim to move farther away, and Kim mocks...
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Calling him to her cart, the widow criticizes Kim for attaching himself to the lama for personal gain, not believing him to...
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At Kim’s request, the lama goes to speak with the widow. Kim watches from afar, wishing he could overhear, and when the lama returns Kim inquires...
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...disciple of a holy man “annexed by a strong-willed lady,” and observes with amusement the widow’s ordering around of her servants as they make ready to leave. Once on the road,...
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Chapter 12
...accepts the criticism. Traveling by foot, Kim and the lama make their way to the widow’s estate, enjoying the fresh air and telling stories to friendly village-people along the way. The...
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One of the widow’s Oorya servitors arrives, begging the attendance of the lama. Arriving at the widow’s residence, Kim...
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Chapter 15
...thousand thousand” in the spirit. Kim admits to the lama that he sent for the widow to pick them up by carriage. Breaking down from exhaustion, he laments that he has...
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The widow takes personal charge of Kim’s recovery, joking that there are two types of women, those...
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The widow mentions the Bengali hakim is there, and Kim asks to see him. The Babu arrives,...
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