Line #181 Literature/TheFarPavilions


1	[[quoteright:244:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/tfpbefunky.png]]
2	[[caption-width-right:244:''The book which started it all''.]]
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4	[[quoteright:244:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/tfpmbefunky.png]]
5	[[caption-width-right:244:''The 1984 mini-series''.]]
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7	[[quoteright:225:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/tfpp.jpg]]
8	[[caption-width-right:225:''The stage-adaptation, featuring Ashton and Anjuli''.]]
9
10	-> ...''India and its peoples; not the British India of cantonments and Clubs, or the artificial world of hill stations and horse shows, but that other India: that mixture of glamour and tawdriness, viciousness and nobility. A land full of gods and gold and famine. Ugly as a rotting corpse and beautiful beyond belief''...
11	-->--'''The Far Pavilions'''
12
13	The monumental masterwork of British author M. M. Kaye that took over a decade to write, ''The Far Pavilions'' was published in 1978 to worldwide fame, immediately becoming an instant, global best-seller, as well as M.M. Kaye's most famous and beloved work.
14
15	Spanning over two decades of the 19th century's most turbulent years in India, it is the lush, sweeping story of one man struggling to find who he truly is amid the triumph and tribulations of a life set against both a British-ruled India, and an ancient civilization that is slowly, but surely, turning towards the modern era. A book of love and war, prejudice and pride, courage and cruelty, honor and betrayal—and the unrelenting march of time that slows down for no one.
16
17	Born at the foot of the Himalyas, the orphaned British child Ashton Pelham-Martyn, is raised as an Indian by his ayah, Sita, who cares for him like her own son. When his true ethnicity is revealed to him, he is taken back to England to be molded into a proper Englishman. But it is in England where his identity first becomes a burden that is questioned time and time again by himself and others as he struggles to discover who Ashton truly is, and who he is not. Constantly at odds with both his peers and the world around him, Ashton realizes that it is both a blessing and a curse to see and understand multiple viewpoints, and to sympathize with more than one outlook in a world ruled and dictated by prejudice from all sides.
18
19	At once a historical, political masterpiece, and a stunning, romantic fairytale of a world and era long gone, ''The Far Pavilions'' remains a marvelous marriage between the East and West—a wedding of two different cultures, and the peoples of, and by them.
20
21	The book is divided into eight sub-books starting with Ashton's childhood, and progressing all the way to his inevitable involvement in the Second Afghan War (1878 - 1880)—the climax of the entire novel:
22
23	'''Book 1''' - ''The Twig is Bent''
24
25	'''Book 2''' - ''Belinda''
26
27	'''Book 3''' - ''World out of Time''
28
29	'''Book 4''' - ''Bhithor''
30
31	'''Book 5''' - ''Paradise of Fools''
32
33	'''Book 6''' - ''Juli''
34
35	'''Book 7''' - ''My Brother Jonathon''
36
37	'''Book 8''' - ''The Land of Cain''
38
39	A truly monumental achievement, the British answer to America's ''Literature/GoneWithTheWind'' or Russia's ''Literature/WarAndPeace''—M.M Kaye's ''The Far Pavilions'' is the moving, passionate, and utterly epic tale of an era now lost to the memory of a history book, and the troubled man caught time and time again between its pages.
40
41	Upon release, the book was so popular that that it caused travel agents to devise tours of the locations featured in the story. Unfortunately since then, the book seems to have faded from more mainstream public memory. The Far Pavilions also inspired a massively popular mini-series adaptation in 1984 (one of Creator/{{HBO}}'s first major original productions), and then in 2005, a stage musical. It was adapted again in the form of a RadioDrama in 2011.
42
43	'''Edit''': As of 2017 and as part of the ongoing U.K.-India Year of Culture, The Far Pavilions is Set for a $150 million remake in a joint production between the U.K and India!
44
45	----
46
47	!!''The Far Pavilions'' displays the use of the following Tropes:
48
49	* AbsentMindedProfessor: Professor Hilary Pelham-Martyn, father of Ashton, who is ''so absent minded'' that he doesn't even remember to alert ''any'' of his relatives that he married and had a child. The consequences of said action trouble his son for ''years''.
50	* AffectionateNickname: Ashton is "Ash", Anjuli is called "Juli" (by Ashton), and mockingly, "Kairi-baba" (a small, unripe mango). Then there is "Wally" (Walter).
51	* AgentPeacock: The vain, flamboyant, deadly, and utterly evil [[AffablyEvil Biju Ram]]. Physically however, he's a SissyVillain who cannot stand pain—mentally, he is ''incredibly'' vicious.
52	%% * AlphaBitch: Janoo-rani for starters, and then Belinda. Later on, Shushila. Their personalities and actions speak for themselves.
53	* AmbiguouslyBrown: The fully white Ashton is sometimes mistaken for this, with his swarthy complexion which he inherited from his mother who was an olive-skinned English beauty. This works in Ashton's favor almost always, as it allows him to pass as Indian/non-European several times in the book—interestingly, he's actually mentioned to be more swarthy than some of the more fair-skinned Indians, the pale-skinned Muslims, and the Pashtuns/Pathans.
54	* {{Angst}}: As Ashton is [[CosmicPlaything life's favourite thing to pick on]], he comes supplied with plenty of this.
55	* AntiHero: Ashton, whose brooding, serious personality matches his dark looks and complex past.
56	%% * AnyoneCanDie: It is a book with over 1000 pages, covering ''years''—what else do you expect?
57	* ArrangedMarriage: What [[spoiler: Shushila and Anjuli have waiting for them, courtesy of their brother, to the Rana of Bhithor.]]
58	%% * AscendedExtra: Several of the background characters or just passing names become ''much'' more valuable to the plot later on.
59	%% * AssholeVictim: [[spoiler:Janoo-rani,]] who apparently was poisoned. Later on, [[spoiler: Biju Ram]]. For the majority of readers, it's [[spoiler: Shushila.]]
60	* AtLeastIAdmitIt: A non-villainous example happens when Wally outright states that everyone, including himself, is prejudiced regardless of their colour, race or status in life.
61	* BadassBookworm: Ashton Pelham Martyn who speaks, reads, and writes in several languages—and can still ''kick your ass''. Zarin, Koda Dad, and the rest. Pretty much ''all'' members of the Corps of Guides, and the locals who work along side them. You had to pass ''painfully'' difficult examinations and then some more to even be ''thought'' of as a future member of the Corps.
62	* BadassBystander: In a move he majorly comes to regret, as a boy, Ashton saves the life of Prince Lalji—and then the Prince makes him his official playmate, putting Ashton smack-dab in the middle of the intrigue, danger, and the lies of the palace. The only plus side of this is [[ChildhoodFriendRomance Ashton meeting baby Anjuli.]]
63	%% * BadassNormal: No special powers, just pure SuperToughness, and impressive day-to-day badass living for the Corps, natives, and majority of men in those days.
64	%% * BeautyEqualsGoodness: ''Completely averted'' with Janoo-rani, Belinda and then [[spoiler: Shushila]]. Anjuli usually is this, though she has a few darker moments.
65	* BigDamnHeroes: Starting off as a yes, but ending badly as a [[AvertedTrope no]], this is what happens when [[spoiler: Ashton and company race to save Anjuli and Shushila from suttee now that the Rana has died. It starts off well enough, but by the time they get to Bhithor, [[FromBadToWorse things take a ''very'' sour turn]].
66	* BittersweetEnding: Might even be a DownerEnding for some! [[spoiler: Wally dies, Ashton parts from all his old companions and friends, including Zarin for good, and will never return to the the British or Indian society he's known all his life. Ashton finally finds a place where he can truly be himself, but has to leave every single person behind (besides Anjuli), to achieve that. The plus side is that Ashton and Anjuli end up together, though whether or not their found their "kingdom" is left open.]]
67	%% * BitchInSheepsClothing: The young, pretty, and very vicious Belinda. Later on the incredibly manipulative Shushila who hides her evil behind her extraordinary beauty. Averted with Janoo-rani who flaunts her bitchy evil.
68	* BlingOfWar: The fancy, full dress-uniform of the Corps of Guides. It looks ''very'' nice, but according to Ashton who has to wear it for important meetings (including a marriage ceremony), it is actually very hot and uncomfortable—he can't wait to remove it.
69	* BoardingSchool: Ashton is installed at the painful institution from twelve to eighteen, much to his loathing.
70	** OffToBoardingSchool: Ashton is the victim of this as his exasperated relatives, led by his father's brother, Sir Matthew Pelham-Martyn, intend to 'lick him into shape' and turn the wandering StreetUrchin nephew from India into a proper British man.
71	* ABoyAndHisX: Ashton's truly gorgeous black racing horse, Dagobaz [[spoiler: who meets a horrifically tragic end and causes his master to break down entirely.]]
72	* BrainyBrunette: Ashton is highly intelligent, speaking, reading and writing in several languages and excelling at school. He is also a cunning, and very shrewd soldier, as well as an excellent strategist. Anjuli is this as well, despite having no formal education whatsoever. Later on [[spoiler: after she and Ashton are married]], she quickly picks up English when he teaches her.
73	* BritishStuffiness: Every now and then, with the prudish, snotty, reserved behaviour of the woman (and some men), and incredibly starched manners in the cantonments. The intense desire of keeping up appearances, class snobbery, and StiffUpperLip. Just being reserved and generally showing little emotion.
74	* BrokenBird: Throughout Anjuli's life she had varying degrees of this, but especially after [[spoiler: she is rescued from Bhithor—she suffers from this BIG TIME thanks to the horrific treatment Shushila made her go through.]]
75	* BrokenPedestal:
76	** Subtly done with [[spoiler: Wally towards Ashton—he goes from hero-worshiping Ashton and thinking he is the stuff of legends, to realizing that Ashton is simply a very flawed and troubled individual who is a far cry from being the heroic character Wally once thought of him. Still, this doesn't change Wally's fondness of Ashton, and they remain excellent friends.]]
77	** Also done with [[spoiler: Zarin and Ashton towards ''each other'' in the second last sub-book. They grow increasingly apart, and with differing view points, and ideals decide to part ways. Though Ashton muses that [[HopeSpot one day, in the distant future]], they might meet again.]]
78	** It is not exactly this, but rather [[spoiler: Anjuli finally being fully honest to herself about Shushila's true nature that allows her to come to terms with Shushila's poisonous betrayal of her and finally heal.]]
79	%% * BroodingBoyGentleGirl: Usually Ashton and Anjuli, though sometimes it is reversed.
80	* ByronicHero: The dark, brooding, and emotionally complex Ashton who never truly fits in anywhere.
81	* TheCaptain: When he's made to be the British escort for Anjuli and Shushila's bridal party, Ashton's rank is elevated from Lieutenant to Captain for this particular mission.
82	* CentralTheme: Identity. Is a man the race he was born, the duties he believes in, the country he lives in—or something more?
83	* CharacterDevelopment:
84	** The entire premise of the novel is for Ashton to discover who he truly is: is he Ashok, the British boy raised as an Indian? Is he Ashton, the British man in service to the Raj? Or is he something else entirely? As the book constantly explores the complex and contradictory nature of race, social customs, and identity—this is not an easy resolution. It is made even harder by Ashton's being RaisedByNatives backstory. Then there is his "it's not fair!" viewpoint that he's told over and over and 'over' again to get rid of, and that he struggles to change and adapt—which also plays a major part in the run of the story, even up to the ending. Whew!
85	** Wally too undergoes this to some extent: he's first seen as this very loyal, but also happy-go-lucky, not-too-serious young man. Some years later, while still cheerful and loyal, he sheds the more juvenile aspects of his personality, and becomes much more serious, and rather less of the WideEyedIdealist he was once.
86	** There is a difference between the Anjuli of the past—the shy, frightened and cry-baby and starved-for-affection little girl of childhood—and then the somber, quiet, and usually reserved young woman who hides a passionate heart. Later on after [[spoiler: she and Ashton are married,]] Anjuli matures further into a strong, dependable young woman who, though still quiet and peaceful, is warm, loving, firm-willed, and utterly loyal.
87	* ChildOfTwoWorlds: Ashton, being a white British boy who did not know of his British blood until he was 12, and had spent all his former years raised in Indian culture, and speaking the language. His sudden uprooting, and forceful induction into British culture and the UK, came as [[{{Understatement}} quite the culture shock]]. He spends [[ComingOfAgeStory almost the entirety of the book]] struggling to balance his two cultural sides, while trying to find out who Ashton truly is as a person.
88	* ChildhoodFriendRomance: Anjuli towards Ashton (then known as "Ashok"), who was the only person who truly cared for her, and treated her with affection, as she was ill-treated by almost everyone else. After Ashton escapes the palace, this turns into PatientChildhoodLoveInterest for Anjuli for ''years''. Later on, Anjuli triumphs as the [[ChildhoodFriendRomance Victorious Childhood Friend]] towards Ashton, who falls for her almost from the moment they meet again as adults.
89	* ChronicHeroSyndrome: Ashton tries his hand at this much to the anger of his superiors—it works, but not without a group effort, and major losses, both physically and mentally.
90	* CombatPragmatist: Depending on who he is fighting and the circumstances, Ashton goes between this and LetsFightLikeGentlemen.
91	* ComingOfAgeStory: The story starts with Ashton actually taking his first breaths as a newborn baby, and follows him along for over twenty years of his life.
92	%% * CoolOldGuy: Many scattered throughout the book, but especially Koda Dad Khan who is also an OldMaster, and beloved father-figure to Ashton. Also, Mahdoo, Kaka-ji Rao. [[OneSceneWonder Later on in his brief appearance, Red.]]
93	* CoolOldLady: The wise, tolerant and understanding Mrs. Viccary, an older woman who befriends Ashton, even becoming [[SecretKeeper his private confidante]] several times. Their friendship is based on the fact that she (like him) loves India and is educated and respectful of its customs and its people.
94	%%* CulturedBadass:
95	%%** Very much Ashton—then again, considering the era and his profession, he kind of ''has'' to be.
96	%%** Wally too.
97	%%** The Corps in general—especially the book-loving, intelligent ones.
98	* CultureClash:
99	** Played with in terms of Britain and India—on one hand, there is mutual (and especially on the Indian end), increasing dislike of the other; the British especially are shown many-a-time to be [[MightyWhitey insensitive and mocking of Indian Culture]], but then again, [[MirroringFactions both sides are shown to have racist ideas towards the other.]]
100	** Ashton is pretty much the embodiment of this being not only caught between being British or Indian but also (to a lesser extent) caught between being Hindu, Christian or Muslim. One might say he is culture clash ''personified''.
101	* DamselInDistress: [[spoiler: Seeing as Ashton and co. get news that Anjuli—and to a lesser extent, Shushila—are about to be forced to commit suttee because of the death of the Rana, Anjuli, to their knowledge, is this. However...when they actually arrive to save her and Shushila, things turn out to be much more complex.]]
102	%%* DancesAndBalls: In the early part of the novel, these are mentioned frequently.
103	* DarkAndTroubledPast: Not everything, but from the time Ashton goes to work and then later on when becomes a playmate for the spoiled prince Lalji of the Palace of Winds, until his escape to save his own life some years later. Not to mention the fact that Ashton didn't even know he was actually ''white and British'' until he was 12, caused serious identity problems for him that continue to plague him until the very end of the book.
104	* DeathbedConfession: While it doesn't happen on a bed, the dying Sita finally reveals the true parentage of Ashton who spent the last 12 years of his life believing he was Indian, only to be told he was wrong. She even pleads as her LastRequest for Ashton to go and find an English person who will help him find whatever family he has left, and regain his place in the British world.
105	* DeathByChildbirth: Ashton's mother succumbs to this, having miscalculated her due date and then giving birth to Ashton practically in the middle of nowhere—in the crest of a pass in the Himalayas. This proves fatal, as she dies from complications due both to his birth, and the cold, dusty wind just a few days later.
106	%% * DidntThinkThisThrough: Ashton gets hit with this repeatedly throughout the book as it is connected to his FatalFlaw, but no more so than during [[spoiler:the Bithor Arc.]]
107	* DirtyForeigner: How some of the British see the Indians (most notably, Belinda and her mother)—even though they're in ''their'' country. On the other hand, plenty of Indians/Muslims feel this way to ''each other'' depending on location/Caste/skin colour.
108	* DirtyOldMan: Crossing over with later on with DepravedBisexual in regard to Shushila, the Rana of Bhithor's former preference was for men and young boys.
109	* {{Doorstopper}}: Reprints of the novel clock in at over 900 pages. The original edition was over a 1000, and some editions divide the book into two individual copies. Not to mention that for all editions, the print is rather on the small side. The book itself is split into several sub-books, each over a hundred pages long.
110	* DoubleStandard:
111	** The men, both British and Natives, are free to carry on with women as they please on the side, but the women, no matter their race, are expected to remain prim, proper and very submissive towards a man—and proper virgins until they're wed, unless they have a profession in the sex industry (and then of course, they're looked down upon by society, even by the men who make use of them!).
112	** Anjuli actually [[WhatTheHellHero calls Ashton out on this after their cave encounter,]] saying that a man may be with any woman he pleases and be free of the consequences, but a woman will be reminded daily, both from carrying the child and the abuse she will receive from society from being an unwed mother. Anjuli also questions Ashton on how he can be so sure he has not done the same—how can he be certain that he himself has not got some woman pregnant from random, past encounters?
113	* DrivenToSuicide: Thanks to [[spoiler: Belinda for viciously outing his mixed ancestry, George bites the bullet.]] later on [[spoiler: Ashton of all people seriously thinks about doing this when Anjuli parts from him to marry the Rana of Bhithor.]] Moments later, he's disgusted at himself for such absurd weakness.
114	* DwindlingParty: Wen Ashton and company go on a three year mission to catch a thief on the Frontier; when Ashton and company attempt to [[spoiler: rescue Anjuli and Shushila from suttee after the Rana dies]], and finally when Ashton, Wally, and their fellow comrades fight in the Second Afghan War.
115	%% * DysfunctionJunction: Everywhere—what with a bit off BigScrewedUpFamily, characters shuffled in and out of the TraumaCongaLine, half the cast with a DarkAndTroubledPast...basically, this book screws everyone over, and then a couple more times to get the job done right.
116	* EmptyShell: Hinted at while the rescue mission is taking place but revealed fully later on, [[spoiler: Anjuli is shown to have become this, thanks to Shushila who has finally revealed her true colours, coupled with the crushing loneliness, and lack of love Anjuli experienced while in Bhithor. Taken up to eleven when Anjuli finally reveals to Ashton that she was starved and kept in isolation by Shushila.]]
117	* EndOfAnAge: Several times. When [[spoiler: Ashton escapes from The Palace of the Winds, his life—and even his ''identity''—comes crashing down upon him.]] Again when [[spoiler: Ashton and Zarin part ways, Ashton himself realizes that that part of his life is over, and he is embarking on a new phase.]] And then at the very end of the book, [[spoiler: Ashton leaves every single thing or person (except for Anjuli and his servant) behind to start a new anonymous life where his own life began]]—at the foothills of the Himalayas, [[TitleDrop the Far Pavilions.]] Though the book ends somewhere in the 1880's, The British Raj draws ever nearer to its ultimate end, and the era and lifestyle move ever closer to their demise.
118	%% * TheEpic: On the scale of Russia's ''War and Peace'', and America's ''Gone With the Wind''—which are no small feats by any means.
119	%% * FatBastard: The Maharajah of Bithor, who is as disgusting as he is evil.
120	* FatalFlaw: For Ashton, it is his impulsiveness, as well as childish belief of "it's just not fair!". It takes him over 900 pages to overcome this.
121	%% * FirstGirlWins: It was inevitable that [[spoiler: Ashton would end up with Anjuli, whom he has known since she was just a baby, and he a young boy,]] but the way the author approaches this makes for a captivating read.
122	* ForeignCussWord: Ashton swears in an Indian language when in the company of British army-men—the only person who picks up on how foul his words are, is an Indian servant who is shocked. There is also another scene where he's speaking to Anjuli in Hindi after she sneaks out to meet him the same night they meet for the first time years later—[[WhatTheHellHero Ashton swears and calls her a bitch]] in English after she accuses him of being frightened that they would be discovered—''not'' one of Ashton's better moments.
123	* {{Foreshadowing}}: That repeated dream of a girl riding on a horse with Ashton, with her long black hair streaming in the wind, urging him to make the horse go faster because there is someone chasing them isn't just a dream...
124	* GeniusBruiser: Ashton—he's got the brains, he's got the brawn, and he knows how to use both to his best advantage.
125	%% * GigglingVillain: Ugh, Biju Ram and it's ''creepy''.
126	* GoodLookingPrivates: Several army men, both British and Native, are said to be rather easy on the eyes.
127	* GrowingUpSucks: The first sub-book which covers Ashton's childhood and teenage years is pretty much this, starting with Ashton being made Lalji's playmate, then Sita telling him his true parentage, and finally being taken back to England to be brought up "properly" as an Englishman—after spending 12 years of his life thinking he was Indian.
128	* TheGunslinger: Ashton's pretty damn handy with his rifle, and [[ImprobableAimingSkills has excellent aim]]. Who takes the cake however with their [[QuickDraw superb skills]], and their [[ImprobableAimingSkills perfect, ''impeccable'' aim]] is the hunter, Bukta.
129	* HalfBreedDiscrimination: The British Raj is ''painfully'' cruel to those of mixed ancestry. [[spoiler:George]] learns this the hard way. Anjuli has some problems with this too. On the other hand, while every now and then the fully-white Ashton gets this comment upon his tanned looks, this is actually used to his ''advantage'', and becomes very handy several times—allowing him to pass as North-Indian or Afghan for example.
130	%% * HappilyMarried:
131	%% ** Ashton's parents were surprisingly happy, despite a large age gap between them, and a very unconventional marriage for the 1800's.
132	%% ** [[spoiler: Ashton and Anjuli, though it starts off rocky; later, they're parted for a while due to Ashton's involvement in the Second Afghanistan War, but at the end of the book, leave to start their lives together in peace.]]
133	* HaveIMentionedThatIAmHeterosexualToday: Briefly stated while talking, it is mentioned in conversation that due to lack of women folk when out in the wilderness of India, British and Indian soldiers indulged their needs with younger boys or teenagers as there were no prostitutes around. Ashton claims he simply cannot understand how some men resorted to this.
134	* HeterosexualLifePartners: Ashton and Wally are the very best of friends—there is even a scene in the book where their close relationship is commentated upon as being "unnatural". Ashton and [[spoiler: Zarin]] were once this, but in the last two sub-books of the novel, they come to a mutual understanding that their relationship and personal ideals/views have changed and they part, though there is a HopeSpot speculation that perhaps one day in the distant future, they will meet again.
135	* HistoricalDomainCharacter:
136	** Ashton's good friend, Walter "Wally" Hamilton, is a fictionalized version of the real life Walter Richard Pollock Hamilton, the Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross—the highest honour awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Lieutenant Hamilton was awarded this for his bravery in the Second Afghan War (a war featured heavily in the last two sub-books of ''The Far Pavilions''), where he was [[spoiler: killed in action in 1879 at the age of 23.]]
137	** Pierre Louis Napoleon Cavagnari also makes an appearance in the final two sections of the book.
138	** Several other real-life historical figures are mentioned though they don't actually make an appearance.
139	* HoistByHisOwnPetard: It seems like it wasn't such a good idea for [[spoiler:Biju-ram to mark his own knife with such a deadly poison after all...]]
140	* HookerWithAHeartOfGold: Said to be the prettiest girl in the Guides' part of India, and one rather popular with the British men stationed there. Ashton knows of her as well, perhaps hinting he too has been subject to her charms in the past. It is outright stated that he's paid for courtesans in the past as well.
141	%% * HopelessSuitor: George for Belinda which turns out HORRIBLY. Later on, [[spoiler: Wally for Anjuli; he doesn't even ''try'', considering he knows Ashton and Anjuli only have eyes for each other.]] He's happy for them nonetheless.
142	%% * HotBlooded: Ashton sometimes—much to his own frustration, and the massive annoyance and condemnation of his superiors.
143	* IChooseToStay: In the end, [[spoiler: Ashton may have found his Far Pavilions—and if he has, he's never returning from them.]]
144	%% * IncorruptiblePurePureness: Wally. [[spoiler: Even until the end.]]
145	* ItsAllAboutMe: There is a brief moment where Ashton goes through this thought, fantasizing about [[spoiler: getting Anjuli back from the clutches of the Rana, regardless of his companions all dying, coupled with the immense danger of provoking war with Bhithor]]. He's utterly disgusted and angry at himself for even thinking such a thing.
146	* IWasQuiteALooker: The reader is informed that this is what eventually happens to Belinda (which she remains utterly oblivious to), when she's been married to her much older husband for some years. Gone is the young, pretty yellow-haired girl—she's been replaced by a "stout" woman with faded hair and an aged face.
147	* JadeColoredGlasses: Ashton wore them sometimes as a child; as he grew up, he kept [[TookALevelInCynic leveling up in being cynical]]—though the glasses still showed up every now and then even as an adult. Much to the dismay of his elders and superiors.
148	* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: The ever-troubled, angsty Ashton, though underlying all his difficulties, he really ''is'' a NiceGuy—it just isn't so obvious [[ButtMonkey under all the problems life keeps piling upon him.]]
149	%% * KnightInSourArmor: The increasing mess of the plan and the actual, ''disastrous'' attempt to [[spoiler: rescue Anjuli and Shushila after their husband, the Maharajah of Bithor dies]], makes Ashton and pretty much everyone else involved in said rescue become this.
150	* LadyAndKnight: With Anjuli, the beautiful Indian princess, and Ashton, the British soldier. Also a mixture of BodyguardCrush, as Ashton is the soldier hired to escort the brides-to-be, Shushila and Anjuli, to their new home.
151	%% * TheLancer: Wally to Ashton.
152	* LikeBrotherAndSister: Ashton felt this way towards Anjuli for years as a little boy. He thought she felt the same too—[[PuppyLove she didn't.]]
153	* LivingEmotionalCrutch: Ashton and Anjuli—without each other, they can never be happy. {{Justified}}, as they're [[OneTrueLove two halves of the same whole]], and it is shown in the book just how well suited they are for one another.
154	* LoveAtFirstSight: Anjuli to Ashton since she was a child, and then again after meeting him, (though she is unaware that he is the same Ashok of childhood.) When he's reunited with her after all those years apart, Ashton in turn, feels this way to Anjuli though it only dawns upon him when he comforts her after revealing that he is indeed the Ashok she remembers. Later on, this happens to [[spoiler: Wally of all people, who falls in love with Anjuli the moment he lays eyes on her—not that he ever reveals that to anyone,]] knowing full well he [[HopelessSuitor has no chance.]]
155	* LoveConfession: After he kisses her for the first time in the caves, Ashton pulls back nervously to ask if Anjuli truly loves him. He gets this as a response:
156	--> '''Ashton''': 'Julie, do you love me?'
157	--> '''Anjuli''': 'I love you. I have always loved you. I have always been yours and I always will be; and if I had loved you first as a brother, it was not a brother that [[IWillWaitForYou I waited for as I grew up]] and became a woman, but a lover.'
158	* LoveEpiphany: Ashton gets his dose after comforting a devastated Anjuli the same night he tells her that he is the same Ashok of their past.
159	-->'No,' whispered Ash, arguing with himself in the silence. 'No of course not. It's ridiculous. It couldn't possibly happen like that...not in just one minute, between one breath and the next. It couldn't...' But he knew that it could. [[LoveAtFirstSight Because it had just happened to him]].
160	* LoveHurts: Especially when you're a British soldier who is madly in love with an Indian princess.
161	%% * MadeOfIron: Mostly averted, because even though Ashton is strong and in tip-top physical shape, the harsh lifestyle and difficult duties make him susceptible to serious injury more often than not.
162	* TheMainCharactersDoEverything: Time and time again, Ashton discovers the hard way that most of the people surrounding him are utterly useless. On the other hand, [[{{Irony}} this is exactly what gets him in trouble]], and makes him somewhat of a renegade soldier.
163	* AManIsAlwaysEager: After they kiss in the caves, Ashton has to restrain himself from having his way with Anjuli.
164	* ThatManIsDead: Finally and completely recognized and accepted by [[spoiler: Ashton permanently at the very end of the book, where he leaves both Ashok and Ashton in the past along with the entire life he's led up to this point. He becomes the person he's searched for for years, a balance between Ashok and Ashton, and the mature man he has grown to be.]]
165	* ManOfWealthAndTaste: The sinister [[TheDandy Biju Ram]] wears silken clothes and flashy jewelry over his black heart, and adores the finer things in life.
166	* MarriedToTheJob: Wally LOVES being a soldier in the Corps of Guides.
167	%% * MayDecemberRomance: Ashton's parents ''were'' this, Belinda's marriage ''is'' this, and Anjuli's marriage ''would have been'' this. Her sister, Shushila ''had'' this. Quite a common trend, given the time period. (Ashton himself is six or seven years older than Anjuli, which, while being a difference, is still not enough to fully become this trope.)
168	* MementoMacGuffin: As children, Anjuli gave Ashton a small, cheap mother-of-pearl fish that he split in two on the night he escaped with Sita from the palace. Ashton split the fish in two, keeping one piece for herself and the other half for Anjuli "to remember him by". Years later, the fish is how Anjuli realizes that Ashton is the same Ashok from childhood and vice versa—this is what cements Ashton's suspicion that Anjuli is indeed the same girl from his childhood.
169	%% * MightyWhitey: Averted. Sure, majority of the British army personnel, and the civilians are under this impression—they're ''dead wrong'' for the most part. While certain British ways/inventions/strategies are used, they're not presented nor implied to be anything along the lines of MightyWhitey. Both sides are shown to have things to learn from each other; not to mention, the theme of MightyWhitey is presented only to be deconstructed and discussed.
170	%% * MoodWhiplash: Several times, and to a [[FromBadToWorse shocking degree]].
171	%% * MountedCombat: You want to get someplace quickly on land, and then battle in the 1800s? Best bet is a horse.
172	* MysticalIndia: The book showcases the mystical, ancient side of India—for instance, there is suttee, medicine men, charming snakes to do your bidding; there are rajahs, and ancient temples alongside gorgeous, sprawling palaces, elephants, tigers; beautiful princesses, and conniving royalty. Then again, this part of India WAS true of India in that period and its history. At the same time however, the book ''also'' makes sure to point out the stereotypes about India, and makes sure to show the complexity of the land and its people as well as customs. The author also makes sure to point out the hypocrisy of British rule, and deconstructs the "nobility" of said British Rule—calling out the WhiteMansBurden, and the superior thinking of the British towards the Indians, especially as it is shown the British had many things to learn from India and the Indian peoples. (And vice-versa). The book shows over and over that ''both'' sides have things to learn from each other: in some things the British way is better, in other ways the Indian way works best, and then [[TakeAThirdOption sometimes a mix of both is the right choice.]]
173	* NiceGuy: Wally; he's kind, loyal, affectionate and a gentleman. The only character in the book who does not ever lose their good heart—not even momentarily.
174	%% * NiceToTheWaiter: Ashton, who befriends several servants closely, (and who turn out to be very helpful later on). Anjuli too, but with varying results.
175	* NoDoubtTheYearsHaveChangedMe: Almost said word for word by Ashton when he reveals to Anjuli that he's really the Ashok she knew from childhood. To say she's shocked that the tall British man in Raj uniform in front of her is the same 12 year old Indian boy she was so fond of as a child is an understatement.
176	* NobodyThinksItWillWork: The general, and thought of those who know Anjuli and Ashton's true relationship.
177	* NotSoStoic: Ashton, who is is implied to be under great mental strain [[spoiler: after the whole Ala Yar affair. Later on in the book, he breaks down harshly after the rescue mission goes so badly wrong, though he held it together completely until then.]]
178	%% * OfficerAndAGentleman: Both Ashton and Wally, though Wally is the true example of this, being both an extremely loyal soldier and very gentlemanly by nature. Ashton's...much more of a refined BadBoy.
179	* OldManMarryingAChild:
180	** What happens to the 13 year old Shushila when she's betrothed to the much older Maharajah of Bithor. However, for the customs of the era and the country, this was normal and not seen as such.
181	** Anjuli on the other hand at 18, is revolted at the thought that a man of the Rana's age and physique would ever lay a hand on her. Which is another reason why she [[spoiler: gives her virginity to Ashton, coupled with the fact that she is in love with him.]]
182	* OlderThanTheyLook: Anjuli, who looks like a young, even childlike teenager, instead of a woman in her early 20's. Depending on the day and/or how much stress he's under, Ashton.
183	* {{Omniglot}}: Like his father before him, Ashton is gifted with the ability to speak, read, and write in several languages, though this skill isn't limited to just himself—members of the Corps ''had'' to be able to do this, in order to communicate and more effectively "govern their subjects". Non-Corps members, i.e, the Pashtuns or Indians, pretty much grew up with this ability.
184	* OnlyKnownByTheirNickname: The narration always refers to Ashton as "Ash", a clever balance between his Ashok and Ashton identities, further blurring the lines between who he really is. Walter's always referred to as "[[AffectionateNickname Wally]]".
185	* ParentalMarriageVeto: Belinda's parents (especially the father), towards Ashton (and any young man in general), as it was expected for the young man to devote his youth to the British Army of India, and not waste it by getting married and being "burdened" with wife and children. If a girl was to be married, it was to a [[OldManMarryingAChild ''much'' older man well out of his youth]] and already settled.
186	%% * PennyAmongDiamonds: [[spoiler: George,]] though he does his best to hide it.
187	%% * PeriodPiece: An excruciatingly researched and historically accurate fictional story covering the mid to late 1800's British Raj, the Second Afghan War, and mentions of ''loads'' of former, (and important), historic dates that took over a decade to write and is ''absolutely awesome.''
188	* PimpedOutDress: Besides the more formal versions of military uniform, the gorgeous outfits of the Indian royalty are depicted as such—not to mention the ''stunning'' saris and incredible jewelry of the princesses, Anjuli and Shushila.
189	%% * PlainJane: Anjuli was ''not'' a pretty child. [[SheIsAllGrownUp Later on however...]]
190	* PrettyBoy: George Garfoth is described as such, especially as a child. This doesn't help him one bit.
191	%% * TheProtagonist: The one and only Ashton of course. Some claim that India itself is also a protagonist of sorts as well.
192	* PsychicDreamsForEveryone: Over and over again, Ashton dreams of himself riding for his life on a horse with a girl sitting behind him with long black hair, urging him to ride faster, and get away from those who pursue them. [[spoiler: ''Everything'' in this dream comes to pass eventually. And the actual moment is ''anything'' but dreamy, and turns into a merciless nightmare.]]
193	* PuppyLove: Anjuli has been in love with Ashton (Ashok to her), since she was just a small child. She never grew out of it, and never stopped loving him, despite not seeing him for years.
194	* RaceForYourLove: Done [[SeriousBusiness seriously and very dangerously]] when Ashton and company race to [[spoiler: save Anjuli, and to a lesser extent, Shushila from suttee]].
195	%% * RaisedByNatives: A truly ''epic'' example: [[spoiler: His mother having died due to complications of childbirth, Ashton is then taken care of by his absentminded father, Professor Hilary, and his father's friend, the retired officer Akbar Khan, as well as Sita, the wife of Hilary's groom—the latter two of whom love him as their own son, and spoil him. Ashton spends the first 18 months of his life among the mountains, and by the time he is four years old, doesn't speak a word of English—only the local dialects of which he picks up a lot, having acquired the talent of languages from his father, the Professor. He rarely wears European clothing, and dresses like the locals, passing as them as well due to the fair-skin, and Caucasian features of the Indians around him. When the camp is struck by an epidemic of cholera, his father, Akbar Khan, and Sita's husband (among many others), are all taken by it, leaving Sita to take care of not-even 5 year old Ashton when the rest die. Though they leave the camp, the violent Sepoy Uprising of 1857 (The Sepoy Mutiny), prevents Sita from returning Ashton to his distant English relatives—they escape the bloody situation, and find refuge in the kingdom of Gulkote where Ashton continues to be raised as an Indian child, totally forgetting that he is in fact, a white British boy. Known as "Ashok" (Ash), Ashton is eventually hired as a servant boy and later, companion for the crown prince of Gulkote—it is here that he meets and befriends the mistreated princess, baby Anjuli, who grows very close to him, along with Zarin, and his father Koda Dad Khan. Some years pass and Ashton discovers a murderous plot against the prince, but discovers that he himself will be killed for the discovery. To save his life, he is urged to flee with Sita. He parts from Anjuli and the rest, and escapes from the city. Sita dies shortly afterwards, but not before she gives Ashton the long withheld information of his true lineage, the documentation, and also the instructions to find his relatives. This Ashton obediently does, and at the age of 12, returns to England to spend the next several years in [[FishOutOfWater constant opposition and confusion with everyone.]] He is sent to boarding school (where he excels in his studies but fails to make any friends), to be forcefully molded into "a proper British man" with a "proper British way of thinking".]] Ashton returns to India as a young man in late summer, 1871.
196	* RealMenLoveJesus:
197	** The devout Irish-Protestant Wally loves the Lord just as much as he loves war. Ashton tends to be much more of a NayTheist. Anjuli, in her turn, is pretty much the 1800's version of an atheist—she doesn't believe in any gods, and she feels that if they exist, they ignore her pleas to them. Everyone else tends to be either Muslim, Hindu, or some form of Christianity. There's even one Jew mentioned!
198	** Ash occasionally recites a pantheistic Hindu prayer:
199	-->'Oh, Lord, forgive three sins that are due to my human limitations.\
200	Thou art Everywhere, but I worship thee here:\
201	Thou art without form, but I worship thee in these forms;\
202	Thou needest no praise, yet I offer thee these prayers and salutations.\
203	Lord, forgive three sins that are due to my human limitations.'
204	* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: Throughout the book, though mainly in the earlier parts, Ashton gets this from his superiors for being a rather WildCard soldier. Later on after the whole debacle with Shushila, Ashton gives one to Anjuli of all people, being extremely frustrated (and secretly hurt), by her severely changed demeanor.
205	* RescueRomance: Ashton saves Anjuli from drowning when the palanquin she is riding in topples over when the massive bridal party is crossing the river. He feels drawn to her immediately, and this is what starts off his feelings for her.
206	* RescueSex: [[spoiler: After he kisses her while they're trapped in the cave during the sandstorm, Ashton wants nothing more than to do this with Anjuli. However, being a gentleman and knowing she is a virgin, he asks if she loves him, (thereby also implying consent). She says yes, and willingly goes along with him. Ashton is even considerate enough to warn her later on that, "he was going to hurt her".]] However, [[spoiler: Ashton loses that gentlemanly consideration later on. After this scene happens, they take to discussing their feelings for each other, and the situation they are now in. When Anjuli refuses to run off with him, abandoning everything, Ashton, now furious, proceeds to "have his way with her." It would have definitely been rape if Anjuli hadn't given in, and it hadn't been implied to be more of "hard ravishment." Still, it comes across as rather TOO borderline. And Anjuli ''still'' doesn't agree to run away with Ashton for all his trouble.]]
207	%% * RetiredBadass: Several former, older army men throughout the book such as Akbar Khan or Colonel Anderson—they may not be in action much anymore, but boy, are they still badass!
208	* RisingWaterRisingTension: While crossing the ford with the bridal party, the ruth carrying Anjuli tips over, and Ashton rushes to get her out before she drowns.
209	* SaveThePrincess: Upon hearing that the Rana of Bhithor, [[spoiler: Anjuli and Shushila's husband]], has died, and the women are condemned to suttee, Ashton invokes this trope with a few others. [[spoiler: He doesn't initially expect to be able to rescue Anjuli, but intends to [[MercyKill spare her the agony of burning to death]] by shooting her in the head when the fire is lit, after which he will [[DrivenToSuicide shoot himself]], since he would be tortured to death for interfering with the funeral rite, and doesn't want to live on after Anjuli's death in any case.]] Upon arriving, they discover that [[spoiler: Anjuli has been spared from the flames by Shushila]]. However, it turns out things are far more complex than that, and the mission goes HORRIBLY wrong with several characters (and their horses) dying brutally.
210	%% * SceneryPorn: There is some truly gorgeous imagery throughout the book. Perhaps that is why there were ''actual tours'' crafted both around and to the locations described in the book, due to its immense popularity.
211	* SexAsRiteOfPassage:
212	** Ashton loses his virginity when he's "taken advantage of" at the age of 16, by naughty housemaid Lily Briggs, five years his senior back in England. He's [[DoesntUnderstandSex confused by the encounter]] but goes along with it, finding it "immensely enjoyable", and proves to be an "apt pupil". They spend the next several days romping in bed together every night until their little fling is found out—Lily is dismissed, and Ashton is soundly thrashed.
213	** Later on, [[spoiler: Anjuli loses her virginity to Ashton with full consent, because she has loved him for years and also does not want to lose her maidenhood to the old, disgusting Rana of Bhithor.]]
214	* SexlessMarriage: [[spoiler: Fortunately for Anjuli, her marriage to the Rana is in name only; he never even lays a finger on her—which is good for [[CrazyJealousGuy Ashton]] as well.]]
215	* SheIsAllGrownUp: Ashton's first impression of Anjuli after seeing her for the first time since they were children. He can't tear his eyes away from how stunningly beautiful she has become, and has to hastily look away when someone points that out.
216	%% * ShownTheirWork: M.M. Kaye, the author, grew up in and ''loved'' India and lived many years of her life there—it shows beautifully in her writing. While her story is fictional, the setting is painstakingly researched; the country, laws, rules, geographical location, land-type, buildings, transportation, manners, social customs (both British and Indian), and war are all ''accurately described''. Even such things as clothing, medical treatment, food, wording/slang of the day are written flawlessly. And M.M Kaye not only keeps this up for every change of scenery, land and location (even by boat!) but continues for ''over 1,000 pages''. Showing their work indeed.
217	%% * ShrinkingViolet: As a child, Anjuli was this, being cast off, abused, and forgotten by the rest of the servants at Janoo-rani's orders. George Garfoth is implied to be one as a little boy as well.
218	%% * SilkHidingSteel: Under their beautiful exteriors, the quiet, gentle Anjuli, and the spoilt, selfish Shushila are this.
219	* SillyRabbitIdealismIsForKids: What the elders keep trying to din into Ashton's head.
220	%% * SingleTargetSexuality: Anjuli has eyes for no one but Ashton, and others might as well not even exist.
221	%% ** [[spoiler: Wally subtly has this for Anjuli later on.]]
222	* SmoochOfVictory: After spending weeks (perhaps over a month) with each other, as Ashton is the British soldier in charge of leading the bridal party to Bhithor, and having secret (totally platonic), meetings at night recalling their childhood together, Ashton, Anjuli, and a few others go riding. However, a massive sandstorm swells up, Ashton and Anjuli are separated from the rest, and seek shelter in a large cave. They get separated from each other while inside the pitch-blackness and Ashton, fearing that Anjuli has injured herself calls out desperately for her. She answers, stumbles into his arms and Ashton (who by this time is very much in love with her), kisses her both in thankfulness and desire.
223	* SnipingMission: Though entirely unplanned, [[CosmicPlaything Ashton finds himself in this position]] when [[spoiler: Anjuli [[MercyKill begs him to kill Shushila]] to save her from the horrific death of suttee. He had originally intended to do this for Juli, but when he discovered that she wasn't going to be burned along with her sister, the plan changed.]] Ashton is ''not'' pleased and doesn't want to do it—however, after seeing the [[spoiler: flames of suttee approaching Shushila and her initial composure dissolve into terror]], Ashton gives in. [[SmiteMeOMightySmiter Though it is a very difficult shot, his aim does not miss.]]
224	* SomeoneToRememberHimBy: This is what Anjuli hopes and yearns for, as she wants to [[spoiler: have Ashton's child and care for the baby]] to both remember [[spoiler: Ashton]] by, as well as give her something to better tolerate marriage to the Rana of Bhithor. It [[spoiler: doesn't happen, and Anjuli does not get pregnant.]]
225	* StarCrossedLovers: In the flavour of half-caste, unloved, mistreated Princess—and the brooding British soldier who has known her since she was a child.
226	* StatuesqueStunner: Anjuli grows from being a plain, unattractive child into a tall, shapely young woman with tawny eyes, and raven black hair.
227	%% * StiffUpperLip: British or not, everyone gets their turn at repressed emotions. It was either this, or break down completely, especially in drastic situations.
228	* SugarAndIcePersonality: Very much with Ashton who is cold, unfriendly, brooding, and reserved with the majority of people—but with those he cares for, he becomes talkative, friendly, open, and affectionate. Considering he's a soldier with a confusing past, this isn't surprising, and depending on the situation, Ashton becomes a mixture of both. By nature however, he's a quiet, introverted man.
229	%% * TallDarkAndHandsome: Ashton always was on the verge of this, but as a full-grown adult he achieves it with his swarthy, brooding looks, dark hair, and tall, lean-muscled build. Several other men in the book are this as well, both among the British and the natives of India. Zarin, George, Sarji, and the Pashtuns in general.
230	* TallDarkAndSnarky: Ashton, when he's in the mood to be, can use his sarcasm and caustic words to a cutting degree. In lighter situations, the aforementioned soften into charming wit.
231	* TimePassageBeard: Ashton sports one when he returns from going AWOL. Perhaps crossing over into BeardOfSorrow, considering the circumstances of the two years spent on the Frontier.
232	%% * TroubledButCute: [[BornUnlucky Ashton.]] Just [[CosmicPlaything look at all the shit the universe makes him go through!]]
233	* UnrequitedLove:
234	** It is subtly implied that Wally [[spoiler: falls in love instantly with Anjuli upon Ashton introducing them, as he is immediately taken in by her rare beauty and charm. However, Wally says nothing since he knows it is hopeless, and remains happy for the both of them, wishing them the best since Ashton is his dearest friend, and he is fond of Anjuli.]]
235	** George Garforth is truly in love with Belinda, despite people thinking he is a gold digger, and him knowing he has no chance— both because he knows Belinda does not care for him, as well as his lineage spoiling things for him. Still he tries, but Belinda savagely turns him down, and ''utterly ruins his life'' in the process.
236	** Kaka-ji Rao reveals to Ashton that he too once loved someone he could not be with—both her caste, and the fact that she was too young for (Kaka-ji Rao), kept him from speaking of his feelings. She died young, and [[TheLostLenore he never forgets her.]]
237	* UptownGirl: Considering that Anjuli is a ''princess of royalty and lineage'', and Ashton just one of many regular British officers and ''well'' beneath her rank? Yes.
238	* VictorianNovelDisease: Cholera, which shows up with a vengeance at the start of the book, killing Ashton's father, Akbar Khan, and [[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill almost everyone in that location, except ''two people''.]]
239	* WarIsGlorious: What Wally sincerely believes from the bottom of his heart.
240	* WarIsHell: Which is why Ashton and many others return broken, changed, and bitterly hardened men.
241	* WhiteMansBurden: The British Raj in general are under this impression. They are wrong.
242	* WholesomeCrossdresser: Despite the tense situation, it is still amusing when, as a child, Ashton is forced to disguise himself as a girl to escape with Sita, and avoid being caught by their pursuers who are looking for "a woman and a little boy". The narration even remarks that Ashton makes a "very good girl", draped in one of Sita's saris, and with some brass ornaments to embellish the look.
243	%% * WickedStepmother: Janoo-rani to Anjuli.
244	* WideEyedIdealist: Over and over ''and over'' again, Ashton is told to stop thinking in such childish, black and white terms as "it's not fair", and to stop applying such an immature outlook to the far more complex problems of the real world. [[spoiler: At the end of the book, he finally does.]]
245	* WomenAreWiser: Anjuli is the one to put a stop to the dangerous, and [[DidntThinkThisThrough utterly absurd plan of Ashton's to have her run away with him.]] He's [[RageBreakingPoint furious]] about her refusal—but then [[MiseryBuildsCharacter grudgingly and bitterly comes to realize that she's absolutely right.]]
246	* WouldHitAGirl: Ashton—but only when absolutely necessary, and to stop a panic attack/mental breakdown. He is ''very'' tempted to raise his hands against Belinda after he finds out what she did to George, and her true nature in general is revealed.
247	* YoungerThanTheyLook: Sita and the hill people in general who look much older than their actual age, given the hard living.
248	----

Context Literature / TheFarPavilions