Arch, The - see "Parker Memorial Arch".

Ajax - the impressively endowed Ongole bull that lived a "life of Riley" in the old School Dairy, across the gulley from Small Plain, (Lower Barne's). The bull was acquired by the School in the late 1930's and it was rumoured that his prowess and reputation for never 'firing a blank' soon spread far and wide. By all accounts he was still going strong in 1948 when the School Dairy was finally closed down.

Back Road, the - the long, twisting bridle-way to Taksal and Kalka down the west face of Kasauli hill. Before the days of the train (Kalka-Simla Railway, 1905), it was the main route to and from school for those who lived in the plains and went home for the long winter breaks. Cut into the hillside around about 1843, it soon became the favourite route into the hills for Simla and other hill-stations, replacing the old, and much longer route via Nalagarh, Baddi, Haripur and Khadli.

Bakery, the - the group of buildings at the west, (Kasauli) entrance to the School. Known simply as the Bazaar in the very early days of the Asylum, it became the main service, provisioning and business centre for the School, comprising the bakery, 'dharzi' (tailor) shops, 'mochi' (shoe-makers, repairers), general stores and visitors quarters. It was also, (and still remains), the site of the "Village School", [q.v].

Barbary Bull - no, nothing to do with Ajax and the School Dairy but the group of farm buildings just below the Pavilion on the pagdandi down to Sanawar Village. The name goes back a long time, and if anyone knows its origin, please get in touch.

Barne Hall - See Gaskell Hall

Barne's- see Big Plain.

Barney - the nickname given to the Reverend George Dunsford Barne when he was Principal from 1912 to 1932. The name continued to be used after he became Bishop but was always spoken sotto voce, never to his face of course, and never within earshot of the staff.

Bazaar -see 'Bakery, the'.

BD - [n]  generally the Boys Department but also Battledress in later years, when this was introduced as the official winter uniform. (See pictures)

BD Pavement - see 'Square, the'.

Big Plain - the familiar name for the Boy's playing field, constructed in about 1904 during the reign of Principal Hildesley. It was formally named "Barne's" in April 1941 by Principal Charles George O'Hagan, who named it after his mentor and exemplar, the Right Reverend George Dunsford Barne, Bishop of Lahore and 4th Principal of Sanawar, in order to "...perpetuate, in a small way, the name of one who had laid the foundation of Sanawar games and raised them to heights unequalled by any other school in India".

Birdwood, or Birdwood School - the academic centre of learning for girls and boys built on the site of the original 'School Hall' and former Teacher Training College. The foundation stone was laid on 25th August 1927 by the Rt. Rev. Henry Bickersteth Durrant, Bishop of Lahore and the buildings were formerly opened on 22nd September 1929 by the Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshall Sir William Riddell Birdwood, (Baron Birdwood of Anzac), after whom the new school was named.

Birdwood Steps, The - see 'Golden Staircase'.

Bleak House - the staff quarters built on the north-east side of the east, (PD) ridge and said to be the highest point on the school hilltop. It has the best view of the Shivalik ranges to the east and snow-clad Himalayas beyond. It was the family residence of the Coombes' family for many years. (See 'Bobuck' immediately below).

Bobuck - the nickname for Mr. J.R. Coombes B.A., B.Sc., much-loved and respected Physics teacher who came to Sanawar from Bishop Cotton School for Boys in Bangalore and the University of Madras in 1933 and left us in 1944 for a teaching post at Armidale Teacher's College, University of New England, NSW Australia.

Bolthia's or Boota's Plain - an area of fairly level terrain about the size of a hockey pitch on the 'Chota Dharampur' spur of Eagle's Nest, just below the huts of the old Consumption Sanitorium . At the north end of the plain near to the huts, there was a spring-fed pond that was named "Doomer's". Origin unknown but perhaps a 'spooky' reference to the nearby Sanatorium. The name goes back to the early 1900's.

Boss - the Principal

Bootroom - the place where one exchanged worn out boots, shoes, socks and other bits of 'kit'. Originally in a storeroom off the verandah of what is now the gymnasium, (Gaskell Hall), at the top of the broad steps leading down to the lower dormitories, (Block 12). It was moved down to the south end of the juniors' dorms, (near the bath-house and washrooms) around about 1943.

Bouncer's Rock - a large rock overlooking 'Hart's Pool', [q.v.]   in the stream below Choir Bridge at Dagroo valley. Said to have been named after "Bouncer" Morton, (Nicholson 1913-1920) who, one year during an early Summer Camp, evidently attempted a "swallow-dive" from the rock, and flopped somewhat inelegantly, (not to say painfully)! on his belly in the pool below.

Bounds, Short, Long and Roving - Self-explanatory - places where one could or could not go. Bounds were specifically defined for each Department and regularly published in School Part I Orders. Short Bounds referred to particular parts of the hilltop where one could safely go, and others that were strictly 'off-limit' during 'normal', day-to-day School times. Long Bounds permitted short forays onto the hill-sides a little beyond the estate boundary markers, and were applicable to weekend free time, half-holidays etc. Roving Bounds, applicable only during official School holidays, defined the boundary limits for 'roamers' permitted to ramble even further afield. There were certain conditions, however. One had to be at least 14 years of age and in a party of three or more. Moreover, you had to say where you were going and roughly what time you expected to get back.

Broken Bridge - the bridge across the lower reaches of Dagroo valley on the old bridleway between Subathu and Kasauli. It was said to have been constructed by the Gurkhas in about 1812. The Lawrence's would have crossed this bridge on the overland journey from Rupar, (Rupnagar) to their summer cottage in Kasauli before the 'new' route from Kalka was developed. (See Back Road). The bridge fell into disrepair sometime after 1900.
Postscriptum:  Also known to some 'roamers' as "Hundred Bridge" - origin unknown. (Thanks to James Walker, Dec 2020).

Brown Sahib - origin unknown but it was the name given to Mohd. Sardar,  one of Mr. Ulavi's delivery 'Boys' from the Bakery who displayed and sold his wares on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, on the BD Pavement by the Bath House water tanks. He carried his wares in a large tin trunk, balanced on his head. In one hand he carried a bell that he would ring to let us know he had set up his 'stall', in the other a stick to ward off the flies - and thieving hands!

Butchery, The - the School abattoir, run by the IASC. The butcher's name was Ishmael so our meat was at all times, strictly 'halal' !

Butts, the - the 'target' end of the old 200yard, full-bore firing range between Garden City and the main road. Following disuse in 1938, the trench and embankment became overgrown with 'Spanish Flag', (Lantana camara)  and was latterly a favourite spot for butterfly collectors.

Camp - Annual Summer Camp held during the first week after Easter, and usually at Dagroo on a fallow piece of farming land, just a little upstream from the bridge on the road from Dharampur to Subathu. See also Choir Bridge

Camp Pie - a culinary concoction of the camp cooks, consisting of yesterday's left-overs with added chopped vegetables and a few tins of corned beef, (if you were lucky)! The ingredients were arranged in large, shallow metal pans or trays, topped with a thin crust of mashed potato and warmed up in large, cast iron 'Dutch ovens' set over the camp kitchen chulas.

Cannons, the - aka 'the guns'. The two captured Turkish 13-pounder field guns on Birdwood quadrangle, sited in front of Gaskell (Barne) Hall, on either side of Birdwood stair-case, and overlooking the Cenotaph below. They were presented to the School by the Indian Government as trophies in 1928 in recognition of Sanawar's contribution to the Great War, and to commemorate the Sanawarians who fell during the conflict. For some time, they were the favourite meeting places for senior boys and their girlfriends during morning 'milk' breaks.

Carter's Crawl - origin unknown but the phrase is thought to have been coined sometime after swaraj.
Help anybody?

Centre Court, The - following Wimbledon tradition, the Girl's new Tennis Court built in the dip between PD and the main ridge was formally named "The Centre Court" when it was opened in June 1922 by Principal George Barne, who was himself a keen and accomplished Tennis player in his time. Strictly out of bounds to the Boys of course, except when officially appointed as 'fags', (ball boys).
(Order No. 383 dated 27th June, 1922) refers).

Charlie Bootlace – Real name Ram Lal, maker and vendor of various sweetmeats, [badam barfi, doodh pera, ladoo, mitai etc.]   He also sold channa, chevda, puri and roti of various sorts. Charlie Bootlace came to us from Ghora Gali  in early 1943 and was formally granted permission to sell sweets on Sundays. “…To the girls between 11-30 a. m. and 12-30 p. m. on Peacestead, and to the boys in the afternoon on No. 11 Pavement”. (School Part I Orders dated 9 March 1943).  He later opened his first ‘shop’ at the top end of the Bakery, a second in the upper level of the rebuilt Tuck Shop on the Chapel slope, and a third in the little hut just below the road leading up onto Peacestead from the 'tank'. After independence, he became known simply as Charlie and continued selling his wares to Sanawarians until about 1956.

Chelmsford Training College - the name given to the former Government Training Class, latterly the Teacher Training College built by the government on the site of what is now Birdwood School. The College moved to Ghora Gali and was amalgamated with the Lawrence School in 1923. The building vacated by the College was taken over by the School as its first 'School Hall'. (See also Birdwood School).

Chikku/Chikki - origin uncertain but it was the nickname given to Mr. M.C. Evans, B.A., well-liked and respected Science and Maths teacher who came to us from the Chelmsford Teacher Training College, Ghora Gali in 1941, stayed on after independence and finally left in 1954.

CI, the - The Chief Instructor. The most senior member of the military staff, and the only one of them who was authorised to award and administer corporal punishment. Appointed by Army GHQ in New Delhi and selected from the ranks of serving Staff Sergeants and Warrant Officers, he was seconded to the post of Chief Instructor and granted the local rank of WO I (RSM). The CI was directly responsible to the Principal for all matters pertaining to good order, conduct and military discipline in BD.

Choir Bridge - the bridge on the old cart road between Dharampur and Subathu at the head of the Dagroo valley. Evensong was held here on the final Sunday of most Summer Camps. The School choir generally assembled on both sides of the stream, under this bridge, with the congregation seated in groups on the banks upstream. Hence the name 'Choir Bridge' which goes back to the early 1900's. This old bridge has since been by-passed by a more substantial structure of steel and concrete to cope with today's modern traffic loads. However, when the author last checked in September 2012, the familiar old cart road bridge was still left standing alongside the new edifice and is now used for foot traffic. Long may it remain there.

Church Barrack - Block 10, the original Girl's Dormitory and School building next to the Chapel. It was the very first of the three-storey dormitory blocks to be built. The building underwent many changes and modifications and got the name 'Church Barrack' after it was completely rebuilt in the early 1920's.

Clay Valley - the continuation of Horseshoe valley below the main cart road where it opens out to a deep, steep-sided valley with sparsely wooded slopes. The colour of the soil on the west slope, (below Sanawar Village) was a yellowish brown. Hence, presumably the name. There is, (or was) a pagdandi all the way up this valley from the railway line below, well known and well used by many a roamer. It followed the course of an old pipe-line, (origin and purpose unknown). Remnants of the old stone pillars which carried the pipe up the valley were still to be seen when the author last checked in 2012. See also photos elsewhere in these pages.

Cloisters, The - initially the fine, arched corridors of the three main, two storey blocks of Birdwood, but latterly used to include all the linking corridors and verandahs.

Consumption Huts, the - the familiar name for the nearby Tuberculosis (TB) Sanitaria. There was one on the former Dagshai-Kasauli bridle-way (now MDR10) on the east slope of Eagle's Nest, (the present day site of the 'Sanawar Nature Camp'), and another near Sanawar Village. Many of the inmates who died from their illness in these two sanitaria lie buried in our School Cemetery.

Crater - the prominent hill on the connecting ridge between Sanawar and Kasauli. Origin unknown, but said by some to be the site of an ancient volcanic eruption.

Creepie - the familiar name for the tiny White-eye, (Zosterops palpebrosa), a common bird of the gardens on the hilltop and the broad-leaved woodland below Big Plain. Origin uncertain but thought to be named after its creeping manner when foraging. The nest is a beautiful little purse-like structure of silken web, suspended in the fork of a slender branch.

Dagroo - the usual site for the annual Summer Camp held in the valley of the same name. The chosen site was a large, fallow field a short distance upstream of the Dharampur/Subathu road bridge. See also the Falls, Hart's & Massey's Valley.

Dagshai Gate or Entrance, the - the formal name for the entrance to the School on the east side of the hill at Jamuntu Village, [q.v.].  The name appears to have been dropped in favour of Moti's Corner [q.v.] since about 1930. Visiting sports teams from BCS Simla and elsewhere were generally welcomed and 'sent off' at this gate. The School Band played them in and out.

Dairy, the - the School Dairy Farm established in the late 1870's across the gully from 'Small Plain' as a private venture by the Asylum, and later taken over and managed by the Indian Army Service Corps. It provided fresh milk and dairy products for the school until about 1948, when it finally closed down.

Dhobi Ghat - on the same small ridge as the Dairy but just a little higher up the hill.

Dhom's Plain - a small plain or piece of level terrain just above the cart-road at 'Chota Dharampur", (present day Chhahar). It marked the eastern limits of the Boy's 'long' bounds, [q.v.].

Dock - the Hospital.

Donkey Slant - the gentle, sloping path between the Short Back and the Long Back on the north side of the hilltop starting just below the old Power House and resevoirs. Origin unknown, but thought possibly to have been named after the heavily laden trains of donkeys and/or mules that in those early days, carried the water up to the resevoirs from the springheads in the valley far below. The junction of this path with the Long Back also marked the Girl's eastern Short Bounds.

Doomer's Pond - a spring-fed pond just below the Consumption Huts on Bolthia's or Boota's Plain, [q.v.]

Drinkies - a spring conveniently located near boundary stone #38 on the pagdandi between Sanawar Village and Big Plain, (Barne's). The water ran sweet and clear for most of the year, and it was a welcome stop off for 'roamers' on the long, uphill trek from Jabli valley and beyond.

Durrant Society - the School Debating Society founded in March 1929 and named after Rt. Rev. Henry Bickersteth Durrant, Bishop of Lahore, staunch friend, patron and benefactor of Sanawar throughout his incumbency.

Eagle's Nest - the familiar pine cladded peak immediately to the east of the School estate, on the southern lower slopes of which the 'new' School Cemetery was built in 1886/7. Eagle's Nest was inside Long Bounds for all departments, and a favourite destination for PD nature walks.

Falls, the - a series of cascades or shallow water-falls in the stream just above Hart's Pool in Dagroo Valley,

Flat, the - the first of the playgrounds to be constructed on the hilltop. Said to have been started in Principal Cole's time from a level and even bit of terrain on the east side of the estate, beyond the infant's accommodation. Subsequently levelled and graded even further to form a small playing field. Also known as 'PD Flats'.

Follower's Lines - the name given to the four blocks of living quarters provided for the families of Indian employees. Two were on the south-east side of the hill, below Moti's Corner, (buildings 58 and 59) and the other two, (buildings 33 and 34) were located just below the Long Back, (now MDR-10) on the north face of the hill.

Founder's Hall - the name given to the first, all purpose, inter-departmental School Hall established in 1923 on the site of present day Birdwood School. The original building, constructed and funded by the Government in the mid-1850's, initially housed the 'Normal School' and 'Government Training Class', and latterly the 'Teacher Training College'. In April 1923, the College was moved to Murree. (See Chelmsford Training College and the vacant building became the property of LRMS Sanawar. It served as the first School Hall until 1927, when it was completely demolished to make room for Birdwood School and present day 'Barne Hall'.

Foster's Tank aka 'Foster's Bath' and more familiarly, the 'Boys' Pool'. It was built in 1929 next to the Boy's old Gymnasium(Block 13) and named after R.S.M George Foster, (Chief Instructor & OS 1923-30). Although not quite to Olympic standards, it was the first to have a 10ft deep end and high diving boards. This pool served as the official venue for all swimming events, competitions and galas for the next ten years. Incidentally, it was whilst swimming in this pool that the Revd. E.S. Hunt, (5th Principal of Sanawar) died suddenly and tragically of a heart attack on Saturday 1st July 1933. Foster's Tank was finally replaced by "the Tank" [q.v.], a full-sized, Olympic standard swimming Pool built between the Girls' Building, (Block 10) and Peacestead in 1939.

Foxie's Cave a small cave in the rocky khud-side of Horseshoe valley, about 60m above the old stone quarries.

Fundoo - the nickname given to Mr. H. Fernandez, B.A., 1st Asst. Master and Art Teacher.

Garden City - the name given to the Teacher's accommodation and Mess on the west face of the hill between the Mall [q.v.], and the former 300yd full-bore Firing Range.

Gaskell Hall - the name given to the new School Hall on completion of Birdwood School in 1928. It was renamed "Barne Hall" by Principal and Headmaster Mr. E. G. Carter in 1949, and the name "Gaskell Hall" was transferred to the Boy's Gymnasium building, (Block 15) which, during Mr. Gaskell's Headmastership prior to 1929, housed the Boy's School Rooms.

GD - the Girl's Department

GD Pavement - the granite paved quadrangle in front of the original Girls Building, (Block 10) next to the Chapel. See the Square for the BD equivalent.">

Green Gate, the - a post-swaraj  term for the wooden gates on stone pillars at the Bakery end of the Mall [q.v.].

Ginger Jacks - the name given to one of the School Chowkidars. He was a Muslim, real name Irfan who at sometime in his life had performed Hajj and dyed his whiskers with henna. He had very obviously spent a lot of time in British Army barracks, because he had a phenomenal vocabulary of good old fashioned Anglo-Saxon expletives and used them like a Trooper.

Golden Staircase - aka the 'Birdwood Steps' The stone stairway leading up to Birdwood from the Chapel road below. It was formally opened on 22nd September, 1929 at the same time as the unveiling of the War Memorial and opening of Birdwood School.

Graveyard Corner - the sharp bend in the Short back at the northwest corner of the former, (original) cemetery.

Guns, the - aka the Birdwood Cannons, (q.v.)

Gurkha Fort - a familiar sight on the south west horizon and a much-prized destination for many a budding 'roamer'. (More to follow).

Hart's Pool - a large and deep pool situated about 400m below Choir Bridge, in a steep section of Dagroo valley and the course of the stream. Formed naturally from a series of small waterfalls or cascades, it was deepened considerably more over the years by many generations of Sanawarians on Summer Camp, using rocks, small boulders, stones etc., to dam the flow. Said to have been started off by a ward of the Asylum named Hart, after whom it was named. See also Bouncer's Rock.

H-E Skunks - another pool in the Dagroo valley, but upstream from the bridge. It was somewhat wider, but not quite so deep as Hart's, (see above). However, like Hart's, it was formed by rudimentary damming of the stream and was favoured by some. Named after a 'gang' of Herbert-Edwardes chaps who were said to have started it off sometime back in the late 1920's.

Herbert-Edwardes Library - uncertain, but said to have been the original site for the School Library which was formerly housed in Block 10/1, (the small building between the Chapel and original Girl's Dormitory). The Library was moved up to Birdwood sometime after 1928.

Hodson Runs - a series of three long distance runs, instituted by Principal George Dunsford Barne in 1916 and named after Brevet Major William Stephen R. Hodson who was a well-known runner when he was at Rugby School. Competed for annually, they comprised the Little Hodson for boys below the age of 12, the Short Hodson for boys under 15 and the Long Hodson for boys aged 15 and over. The Runs were held during the Athletics season, in the latter part of the School year, and prizes were distributed during Founder's Week. The annual Long Hodson, which started from the top of Monkey Point, (Tapp's Nose) was open to all comers and attracted many 'guest' runners from Army units stationed in the Garrisons nearby. The runs were dropped after independence but were re-instituted by Mr. E.G. Carter in 1949.

Hodson's Slant - the bridleway slope from Graveyard Corner on the Short Back, down past Step House to the east end of the Bakery or Bazaar where it joins the Mall. It was renamed 'Secretary's Slope' by Principal Agard Evans in the mid-1930's.

Holiday House - origin unknown. The familiar bungalow, (Building No. 22) with the makeshift viewing gallery on the north-west corner of Peacestead, built during the late 1870's or early 1880's, it has served as Staff Quarters, temporary dining hall and girl's accommodation in its time. Evidently now known as 'Holiday Home'.

Honoria Court - the new dormitories for the senior girls. It was built between the years 1943 and 1944, (same time as Wavell, in BD), on the site of Jubilee Gardens and before that, the old School cemetery. It too was built of modern concrete blocks and not the quarried and dressed stone of the earlier School buildings.

Horseshoe - the sharp bend in the bridle way, (now road) between the Boy's Department and the Hospital.

Hundred Bridge - a bridge on the lower reaches of the Dagroo stream, (Gambhar River). See Broken Bridge.

Iron Bridge - there were two "Iron Bridges" within roaming distance:

• (1) Koti - the old, disused and broken-down iron foot-bridge across the stream in lower Koti valley, said to have been built by the Gurkhas when they ruled in these parts.
• (2) Haripur/Rampur - another, (not quite so old) iron suspension bridge, a little further afield and about 6km to the north-west of Subathu on the old bridle route to Simla. The bridge crosses a tributary of the river Gambhar near present day Gamberpul and is depicted in Plate 3 of "Views in the Himalayas" by Mrs. W.L.L. Scott. (Gallery)

Jamuntu Village - a small settlement of rural dwellings and one or two local shops on the east side of the hill that had been there since before the days of the Asylum. See also Moti's Corner below.

Jubilee Gardens - the name given to the gardens constructed on the grounds of the Old Cemetery by Principal A.E Evans in 1935. The Bandstand built there by his predecessor was retained and the gardens remained in use until they were built over to make way for Honoria Court, in 1943/44.

Kasauli Gate or Entrance - the gate on the west side of the School estate which replaced the old Toll Bar of early Asylum times.

King Crow - the Sanawar boys' familiar name for the Fork-tailed Drongo, Dicrurus adsimilis, common in the broad-leaved woods and thickets of the lower valleys.

Lahlie's Pool - a small swimming hole in one of the streams on the northside of the hill that was used exclusively by the girls. It was strictly out of bounds to the boys at all times.

Lawrence Arch, the - see Parker Memorial Arch.

Lawrence Arch House (No. 30) - the small bungalow on the Mall, immediately to the west side of the Arch, generally assigned to one of the married Sergeant Instructors of the Boy's Department.

Little Building or Barrack - the smaller dormitory block for girls just behind and up the khud from the girl's main building, (Block 10).

Little Hodson, the - see The Hodson Runs.

Long Back (Way) - part of the former bridleway between Dagshai and Kasauli, traversing the north side of the hill from Moti's Corner to the junction with the cart road to Gharkal, just below Sgt. Tilley's Hill. It was part of the original Short Hodson Run, and latterly the Long Hodson after it was modified in 1939. It now forms part of MDR10.

Long Bounds - see Bounds.

Long Hodson, the - see The Hodson Runs.

Loops, the the series of reverse loops in the Kalka-Simla railway line near Sonwara, where the line snakes back on itself several times 'pagdandi' style in order to make its way up the mountain-side.

Lover's Hill/Pond - a small hill on the north side of Crater with a spring-fed pond at its base, said to have been favoured by courting couples. The name goes back a long time to the very early days of the Asylum when visiting 'bucks' from neighbouring army units came looking for a bride. It was at all times strictly out of bounds to BD, of course.

Mall, the - the main avenue, (carriage-way) leading into the estate from the Bakery via the Parker Memorial or "Lawrence Arch".

Mandi Harriers - the name adopted by the team of long distance runners representing Sanawar's Coolies that always did so well on the early Long Hodson (Open) Runs.

Massey's Valley - a small side stream and valley on the east side of the main Dagroo valley and about 200m downstream of Hart's Pool.

Meet, the the name given to the confluence of the two main streams in Koti valley, about 2 miles upstream from Iron Bridge.

Monkey's Playground - the name given to the piece of level and open terrain just below Stone View Staff Quarters. Very few trees but lots of Berberis, Medlar and other fruits of the forest in their season. Large troops of macaques often seen foraging here. Presumably, hence the name which goes back a long time. The area has since been cleared, graded and extended and has served, among other uses, as a helipad.

Monkey Point, aka 'Tapp's Nose' - that prominent geological feature on the western skyline. There cannot be many places on our hilltop from where it could not be seen.

Moti's Corner - the junction of the 'Long Back' and the Kasauli-Dagshai bridle way, (now part of MDR10) on the east side of the hill at a small village previously known as Jamuntu. It was also the east gate or entrance to the school estate. It got the name Moti's Corner sometime in the early 1920's. Origin unknown but theories abound! Some said that it was named after Moti, the long-serving and popular Jemadar Chaprassi who worked in the Principal's Office and lived in quarters near the village. Others said Moti was the Cemetery Chowkidar who lived in a hut on the same corner. After many years of loyal service, he was found dead at the Cemetery gates early one morning. His ghost now haunts the corner, which was so named after him. Yet others say it was not Moti's Corner at all but Mochi's  Corner, after the contracted shoemaker and boot repairer, who also lived and worked in the village on the corner. There were other theories swapped around the winter evening fires, some more fanciful but all just as implausible!

Muddlers, the - the name given to the annual School Concert. It was customarily performed during Founder's Week and all three Departments took part. The Muddlers concert of 1947 was attended by Lord and Lady Mountbatten and their daughter Pamela.

Musthoo (Mastoo) - one of two Dispensers who ruled the roost in the MI Room and always took morning Sick Parades.

Nazareth - origin unknown but it was the familiar name for the village of mostly white-washed dwellings that appear to tumble down the Kasauli hillside, just below, and to the south of "Palpitation Hill", (present day Kimughat). In the summer of 1944, a huge landslide took away part of the village. The scar remained visible for many years after.

Nicholson's Corner - the sharp, hairpin bend in the Chapel road, just beyond the War Memorials. It led up to Birdwood Steps and beyond to the School Admin Office and Headmistress' house. It also marked the southern limit of the Girl's Short Bounds. [q.v.].

Nurse Softly - Mrs. Elizabeth Softly, Hospital Nurse, Sister and Matron, whose eleven year's untiring and selfless work endeared her to all. Her understanding and kindliness made her a true mother for all sick people. She died of pneumonia on June 24th, 1929 at the age of 50 and lies buried in the School Cemetery. There is a plaque to her memory in the North Aisle of the School Chapel.

Office Quarters - until 1926, one half of the School Office building was originally Staff Quarters. It became the Principal's (Personal) Office in 1926 and latterly has served as the Teacher's Common Room and School Admin Office.

Palpitation (Hill) - the steep climb from the main cart road at present day Kimughat up the east face of Kasauli hill to the junction with the Lower Mall.

Parker Memorial Arch, the - aka The Lawrence Arch, or simply and more familiarly, "The Arch". This is the stone archway erected to the memory of the Reverend William J Parker, first Principal and Superintendent of Sanawar in about 1864. The arch is located on the 'Mall', [q.v]  below the Girl's Building and the Chapel, and for many years served as the official entrance to the Boy's Department. It has also been the finishing Post for all three Hodson Runs, [q.v.] since they were instituted in 1916. The original arch had a false tiled roof, (see pictures), thought to have been removed in the late 1920's. Some said that the present-day Birdwood Bell originally hung in the aperture above the arch but there is no evidence to support this. The adjoining building, known as the Lawrence Arch House, (No. 30), continues to serve as Staff quarters to this day.

Parker Hall - the former Girl's School Room and Hall, it was built on the site of the original infant girl's dormitory (Block 4) circa 1923 and subsequently named in honour of Miss Ada Parker, long-serving and much-loved Headmistress from 1890 to 1923. Her farewell telegram to Sanawar reads as follows: "Goodbye Sanawar, many thanks, much love and every good wish". Her last few words have since become a favourite closing salutation for many a Sanawar Girl and Boy.

PD - the Preparatory Department, Infants (Kindergarten) or Junior School.

PD Flats - see Flat, the.

PD Slant - the slope leading up the hill to PD from the main bridle-way just beyond the quarantine or Isolation Wards, (aka the Tin Huts, [q.v.].

Peacestead - Originally, the small area of even terrain, or 'maidan'  just below the main ridge where the very first tents and temporary buildings of the Asylum were said to have been erected in 1847. In much later years, it was extended, levelled and graded to make the Girl's playing field, and eventually the principal venue for all ceremonial parades and displays. It was given the name Peacestead" in about 1928, and was named after the sacred field and playground of the Norse gods of Aesir, from the book "Heroes of Asgard", (Tales of Scandinavian Mythology) by A. and E. Jeary, 1857.

Peter Buck's - a spring-fed pond on the Sonwara spur, just above the old cart-road, and directly opposite the quarries. Origin uncertain but once again, theories abound! A favourite yarn claims it was named after Peter H Buck (Nicholson), a former ward of the Asylum who was found drowned there after the long winter break of 1903. (Records show that there was indeed a P.H Buck who was admitted in 1938. However, he was apparently hale and hearty when his parents withdrew him from school two years later. Ed.)

Pines, The - building No. 27, the former Bandmaster's Quarters

Pooh Corner - Origin unknown. The name given to the Staff quarters at the junction of the Mall and the Chapel slope. It was usually assigned to one or other of the military Instructors.

Pothoo - origin unknown but it was the familiar name for the floppy, wide-brimmed, khaki cloth headgear introduced by Principal George Barne, shortly after he arrived. It was replaced by the Aussie pattern, khaki felt Bush Hat in 1922.

Power House - the building constructed at the top of the main ridge in March 1923, which housed the two Crossley 96 bhp diesel engines and belt-driven generators that provided electricity for the hilltop.

Puckdundi - [n]  borrowed from the Hindi pagdandi  meaning literally, different or difficult path; and referring specifically to the winding, mountain footpaths and trails found everywhere on the slopes of the Siwalik. Often abbreviated simply to 'puck'.

Quarries, the - the original granite and sandstone quarries that provided the stone paving and masonry for the early School buildings, pavements, quadrangles and retaining walls.

Ribbon-bird - the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, (Terpsiphone paradisi), so named by the Sanawar 'birder' of those times because of the long, white, ribbon-like tail feathers of the male bird.

Ridge, the - the familiar name for the Preparatory Department, (PD).

RMO - the Resident Medical Officer, (School Doctor).

Rose Cottage - the delicate and refined sobriquet for the girl's outside lavatories, in particular those built in 1926 next to Block 10, the original Girl's Building or 'Church Barrack', and latterly the junior girls' dorm.

Sammy - Mr. Samuel Charles Cowell, B.A., B.S.C., former pupil and Bandsman, (Lawrence House, 1920-1925), graduate of the Teacher Training College, Ghora Gali and Sanawar teacher (1928-1956).

Sanawar (Village) - the very old Pahari village comprising several rural dwellings, animal enclosures and well-tended khet on the west face of the hill and on the spur leading down to Jabli and beyond.

Secretary's Slant - see "Hodson's Slant"

Seven Sisters, the - the Sanawar boys' familiar name for the 'Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler', (Pomatorhinus erythrogenys). common brown and white bird with a longish tail and a curved bill, often seen in noisy flocks or feeding parties of six or more.

Short Back (Way) the bridle-way which also traverses the north face of the hill, but about 50m above the Long Back. It leaves the main bridle-way just beyond the Tin Huts via the PD Slant, goes on past the RMO's house, passing just below the Headmaster's house, the Power Block, Honoria Court and around the side of the ridge, past the old cemetery, (aka Jubilee Gardens), then down Hodson's Slant to the Bakery.

Short Hodson, the - see The Hodson Runs

Small or Little Plain - the smaller levelled playing field located on the north side of, and a little below Big Plain, (Barne's). Unsurprisingly, also known by some as "Lower Barne's", it was not quite large enough for any of the major field sports but was widely used for non-track athletic events. In the season, it was also a favourite venue for "goolie dunda".

Spadge, Spadgy - the 'Sanawarese' for Sparrow. Yes, the common House Sparrow (Passer domesticus),  that ubiquitous, chirpy commensal of man, and its slightly wilder relative the Tree Sparrow (P. montanus)  were popular pets for many chaps. Stolen from their nests as fledglings, they were nurtured and molly-coddled into maturity by the most unlikely of foster parents. Who knows how long they lasted after being released back into the wild? It is not surprising that the term was also used as a sort of familiar diminutive for anybody with the surname Sparrow.

Spartan Club, the - instituted by Major the Rev. Canon G.D. Barne, 4th Principal of Sanawar on October 13th, 1922 to encourage, preserve and promote the best traditions of martial and sporting excellence. Membership of the Club was ordinarily to be confined to Sanawarians past and present, but also extended to others who, themselves distinguished in any of these fields, have rendered service to Sanawar. For a full account of the Club and its history, please click HERE.

Square, the - aka 'BD Pavement', 'Quad 11'. The granite paved quadrangle in front of Barrack Block 11. The square is where one "fell in", or assembled for parades, PT, meals, musters, roll-calls, fire practices - in fact, any and everything! Whenever 'Assembly' was sounded by the duty bugler, the square is where one would immediately head for - always at the double.

Squire's Hall - the familiar name for the bachelor Teachers' quarters. (See also Trafferd House for the feminine equivalent)

Step House (No. 23) - the bungalow at the lower end of Hodson's Slant. It was built in the 1920's and became the permanent staff quarters for the School Secretary.

Stonehenge (No. 20) - the permanent staff quarters for the Boys' Senior Master, (Headmaster).

Stone View - The staff quarters just above Monkey's Playground with the grand view of the old quarries, Foxie's, Peter Buck's, Clay Valley [q.v] and beyond.

Tank, the - familiar name for the new, full-size swimming pool built in 1939 between the Girls' Building, (Block 10) and Peacestead. It was officially opened by the Marchioness of Linlithgow at a special Gala held during Founder's week in September 1940. (See pictures elsewhere in these pages). The new bath was built to modern Olympic standards and replaced the former swimming pool located in the Boys' Department. (See Foster's Tank).

Tatties - familiar name for the outdoor latrines in the Boys' Department. (See Rose Cottage for the rather more elegantly named GD equivalent.

Tid Bits - the familiar nick-name for WO1 (RSM) E. Greenough, 2nd Bn Green Howards, Chief Instructor 1936-1940. .

Tilley Court - the name given to the 'new' Tennis Court built just below the Mall, next to the former Bandmaster's residence, (Building No. 27). It was named after WO1 (Conductor) James Tilley, whose idea it was in the first place. (Part 1 Orders (NOTICES) dated 4th September 1929 refers). Sadly he did not live to see it in use. "Sergeant" Jim Tilley died of pneumonia in the School Hospital on 26th January 1929.

Tilley's Hill - the 1:3.5 slope from the former toll-gate at the western, (Kasauli) entrance leading up to the Bakery. The Chief Clerk's quarters were located at the top of this hill, and in those times, (early 1920's), the quarters were occupied by the TILLEY family. Hence the name, long since immortalised in the first verse of the School Song.

Tin Can Alley - the name given to the graded footpath just beyond the BD Kitchens leading down to Staff quarters No. 54. During the War years, empty cans and tins from the kitchens were stored in two long, deep trenches alongside this path. Every now and then, someone would come along and take them away for 're-cycling' as part of the war effort.

Tin Huts, the - the hospital's "isolation wards" and/or quarantine quarters. A line of tin-roofed huts down a bit from "dock", where anyone with anything remotely contagious was confined. Visitors were not allowed, and meals were brought in by the hospital kitchen staff.

Toll-Bar - see Kasauli Entrance.

Trafferd House - also rather naughtily referred to by some as "Virgin Villas". The block of Staff Quarters especially built for unmarried female teachers. (See also Squire's Hall for the male equivalent

Ulavi - proper name Amir Ahmed Alvi, he came to Sanawar from Lahore in September 1929 and took over the running of the Bakery, providing freshly baked bread and other confectionary products for all three Department kitchens, Hospital and Staff quarters. His business subsequently expanded to include dairy products, fresh vegetables etc., and he eventually became the general contractor for the School. He was a patron and benefactor of the Village School and served on the Committee for several years. His departure, and that of his fellow Muslims in September 1947 is related elsewhere in these pages.

Vatican - a mysterious and rarely used suite of rooms with its own washing and toilet facilities situated on the north-east corner of the Gymnasium block, (present day Gaskell Hall). Boys who had been publicly expelled from School were accommodated here in total seclusion until they were removed from the premises by their parents or guardians.

Village School - the Indian native School (primary and middle), established in the former 'Bazaar', (Bakery) for the children of Sanawar and Jamantu Villages in fulfilment of a promise made to the village elders by the Founder, when the estate for the Asylum was first acquired. In later years, the Village School was also attended by the children of the Asylum's Indian employees and grew from a single classroom into a small School in its own right. In 1921, the School was divided into five Houses to encourage competition in games and sport, which included participation in the annual Short and Little Hodson Runs. (LMA School Order No. 218 NOTICES, dated 4th October 1921 refers)

Virgin Villas - see Trafferd House, above.

Warrior's Grove a small copse of broad-leaved hardwoods and ornamental shrubs planted in the the early 1930's. Location uncertain. Help?

Wavell Court - the Boys' new Dormitory building built on the site of the old Gymnasium (Block 13) during the long winter break of 1943/44. Somewhat disappointingly (for some), it was built of modern, pre-fabricated concrete blocks and not the quarried, dressed stone of its neighbours. That said, the new dorms provided all the modern amenities that the older buildings lacked. The rubble from the demolished Gymnasium was tipped into the old, disused swimming pool where it remained, home to snakes, lizards, bandicoots and other denizens of the jangal until some time after swaraj. See also Honoria Court.

Wicki - one of the two School barbers. Specifically, the one with the very sharp tongue, blunt clippers and impossibly tight-fitting patlun. (However did he get them on)? Any 'gup' from you resulted in a violent and painful yank of the clippers which left you half-scalped, or at best, with a 'gunja' you hadn't bargained for!

Wimbledon - See Centre Court, The