312. Kipling: An Idyllic Indian Childhood That Became A Nightmare (Part 1)

Empire

Goalhanger

History

4.6 • 4.1K Ratings

🗓️ 2 December 2025

⏱️ 25 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

What is the origin story of one of imperialism's biggest fans, Rudyard Kipling? How did he go from a spoiled child in India who spoke Hindustani with his nanny, to living in an abusive foster home in Portsmouth which he called The House of Desolation? Why was Kipling such a man of contradiction? William is joined by Andrew Lycett, author of Rudyard Kipling, to discuss Kipling’s colourful but turbulent early life. Make someone an Empire Club Member this Christmas – unlock the full Empire experience with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Just go to https://empirepod.supportingcast.fm/gifts And of course, you can still join for yourself any time at empirepoduk.com or on apple podcasts. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Producer: Anouska Lewis Assistant Producer: Alfie Rowe Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:19.1	Think about cheese.
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0:25.3	Now add 100% chicken breast fillet,
0:27.3	Chipotle sauce and Ameguze Meal.
0:30.4	And it's giving the new cheesy chicken stack at McDonald's.
0:32.7	Did we mention it's cheesy?
0:33.3	Cheese.
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1:19.0	Thank you. The influence slash set-up. The influence of India on Kipling resulted in what has always struck me as a personality in conflict with itself.
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