Final answer:
The short story "A Real Durwan" takes place in Calcutta, India, and is part of Jhumpa Lahiri's collection 'Interpreter of Maladies'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The short story "A Real Durwan" by Jhumpa Lahiri takes place in the bustling city of Calcutta (now known as Kolkata), India. This story is part of Lahiri's acclaimed collection, Interpreter of Maladies, which highlights the experiences of Indian immigrants and the Indian diaspora. "A Real Durwan" unfolds in a dilapidated apartment building and follows the life of Boori Ma, a sweepress who claims to have once lived a life of privilege before becoming destitute. The setting of Calcutta is integral to the narrative, capturing the contrasting aspects of the city's socio-economic conditions and playing into the themes of displacement and identity.