A couple of years ago they were undoubtedly the unofficial bankers of the middle-class Bengali families, who used to fall back on them for money during their need.

But things have changed today. The easily available credit at the private banks has wiped out their traditional means of livelihood.

With the money-lending business going red, many of the thousand Kabuliwalas, who stay in groups in different localities of Kolkata, have switched to other business to eke out a living.

“Eighty per cent of our business has gone. The banks have made a dent in our businesses. But what do we do? We will have to adjust with the changing times,” rued Nooruddin Khan, who stays along with 14 other compatriots at Weston Street.

The ‘adjustment’ as narrated by Nooruddin is evident. When the 46-year-old planned to purchase a car, he went to a private bank to avail the finances. But the terms and conditions set by the bank repulsed him and he ultimately decided not to buy the four-wheeler.

“Unlike banks we give even Rs 1,000 as loans,” said Nooruddin, who charges four per cent interest per month. He said that before giving loans, the Afghans visit the house and work place of the borrowers to ascertain the financial credibility of the person. With decimating money-lending business, the Kabuliwalas are now shifting to other businesses. “Out of 15 people staying here, eight have shifted to other trade. Earlier, all of us were in money-lending business,” said Nooruddin, who has lent around Rs five lakh to people.

Among the new businesses, which are being adopted by them include selling clothes, handkerchief, turban, dry fruits, to name a few.

“Times are changing. Afghanis are also changing according to the times,” Yasmin Khan, great granddaughter of Frontier Gandhi Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan told The Indian Express. She is the president of Pakhtun Jirga-e-Hind, an organisation of Pakhtuns in the city.