Kim · Chapter
The Road to Simla explained
Kim travels with Mahbub Ali from Umballa to Simla, enjoying the journey and learning about horse-trading and the ways of Sahibs.
What happens
Kim travels with Mahbub Ali from Umballa to Simla, enjoying the journey and learning about horse-trading and the ways of Sahibs. He overhears a plot to kill Mahbub and cleverly avoids it. Mahbub discusses the nature of faiths and Kim's bond with the lama, while Kim reveals he recognized one of the assassins from earlier events.
Themes in this chapter
The Great Game and Espionage
Kim overhears a plot to kill Mahbub Ali, revealing the dangers of espionage in the Great Game. Mahbub's role as a spy is implicit in the conversation about selling news.
Friendship and Loyalty
Kim's loyalty to Mahbub is shown when he warns him of the plot, and Mahbub's affection for Kim is expressed in their conversation about faith and the lama.
Cultural Diversity and Syncretism
Mahbub discusses the diversity of faiths, comparing them to horses, and Kim reflects on his own identity as a blend of cultures.
Characters to notice
- Kim
Kim travels with Mahbub Ali, overhears a plot against him, and cleverly avoids danger. He reflects on his growth and his bond with the lama.
- Mahbub Ali
Mahbub Ali travels with Kim to Simla, discussing horse-trading, faiths, and Kim's future. He is the target of an assassination plot.
- Teshoo Lama
The lama is mentioned by Kim and Mahbub as Kim's spiritual bond and the subject of their conversation.
- Colonel Creighton
Colonel Creighton is referenced as the one who will take Kim out of school and send him on the Road.
- Sikandar Khan
Sikandar Khan meets Mahbub on the road, selling horses, and Mahbub buys two of them.
Key passages
“I am very old. Every month I become a year more old. I was very young, and a fool to boot, when I took Mahbub's message to Umballa.”
Kim feels he has matured rapidly since his earlier adventures, reflecting on his growth.
Kim's internal monologue shows his self-awareness and development.
“Thou art beyond question an unbeliever, and therefore thou wilt be damned. So says my Law—or I think it does. But thou art also my Little Friend of all the World, and I love thee.”
Mahbub acknowledges Kim's lack of a fixed faith but expresses his personal affection for him.
Mahbub's statement highlights the tension between religious orthodoxy and personal bonds.
“Therefore I say in my heart the Faiths are like the horses. Each has merit in its own country.”
Mahbub compares different religions to horse breeds, each suited to its own environment.
This metaphor reflects the theme of cultural diversity and syncretism.