Tabaqui (Jungle Book 1994)

Tabaqui is a supporting villain in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book.

Role in the Film
Tabaqui was a jungle guide who, being well aware of the Black Jungle's dangers, would keep clear of that particular jungle. He was also a friend of Buldeo, a local hunter.

Tabaqui is first seen after Buldeo assists in Mowgli's arrest by knocking the boy out after he eludes the British troops. Buldeo finds a jeweled dagger on Mowgli's person and is intrigued by it and knows that it comes from the mythical City of Hanuman. But Captain William Boone approaches and takes the "queen's evidence" off the reluctant hunter and while Boone and Lieutenant Wilkins marvel over the sight of the valuable, Buldeo matter-of-factly informs the two that there's bound to be more treasure like the dagger, before leaving on horseback with Tabaqui who was waiting for him.

Several days later as the jungle boy is being educated and re-introduced to civilisation by Katherine "Kitty" Brydon, Boone and Wilkins meet up with Buldeo who is drinking at an outdoor tavern during an Indian celebration. Buldeo introduces them to his friend who is sat at the table with them and they tell Boone and Wilkins the stories of the "Lost City of Hanuman" and how all who travelled there to claim treasure perished along the way and Tabaqui further backed up Buldeo's point by adding that entering the Black Jungle would be risking your life, unless one knew the way. They decide to persuade Mowgli into helping them.

After Mowgli refuses and after Kitty breaks off her engagement to Boone,