Yes, Abbottabad is mentioned as a real place in "Kim" and not
fictionalised under a different name, as was suggested by the reporter.
The paragraph in which Hurree makes his lame pun appears to be a more
detailed elaboration of an earlier conversation about the Russians which
occurs in Chapter 12. This also includes the pun but gives it added
context which I think makes it somewhat less excruciating. "There is no
hurry for Hurree -- thatt is an Europe pun, ha! ha!" This suggests that
the poor punning is all part of the elaborate cover that Hurree has
devised for himself.
Professor Rushbook Williams in his famous "A Handbook for Travellers in
India...." advises that "Abbottabad is a pretty hill station popular for
its quietness and the comfort of its hotels.....Nearby at Kakul is the
Pakistan Military Academy, the Sandhurst of Pakistan."
The town is named after Major James Abbott who is a fascinating
character circa 1846. Charles Allen in his book "Soldier Sahibs"
devotes a chapter to him, and has this to say: "Villagers in those
areas most closely associated with Abbott will assert with absolute
conviction that /Kaka/ Abbott prayed in the local mosque and was a pious
Muslim. In one village they say that he first came there as a young
stranger named Bati, and for some years served as a humble water-carrier
(for the mosque)....Then he went away and when the villagers next saw
him it was as Abbott Saheb, Deputy District Commissioner."
Some resonance there with Kimball O'Hara. Allen's book is an excellent
read by the way.
regards
Geoff Maloney
Brisbane, Australia
JOHN WALKER wrote:
> Dear Dave,
>
> You ask for a citation, for the link between Abbotabad and the school,
> "St Xavier's", in /Kim/.
>
> Certainly Abbotabad is mentioned by name, in Kim. On page 201 in the
> Macmillan edition, in the paragraph which also includes the
> excruciating "There is no hurry for Hurree." there is Hurree Babu's
> "Le Carre-like" analysis of the mistake Russian spies have made by
> failing to take the obvious, quicker route through Srinagar and
> Abbotabad. "Our friends have been a long time playing about and
> producing impressions."
>
> I had always assumed that St Xavier's was the one still operating in
> Kathmandu, combined with the school in Lahore. Certainly not, from the
> description given by Kipling, La Martiniere College at Allahabad (as
> suggested elsewhere).
>
> I know that this kind of hare is one which our members appreciate, so
> I stand back for my pet to be summarily jugged.
>
> Best regards,
>
> John
>
>
>
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