Abdul, Wizard of the West
Abdul's 1869 appearance in Victoria is the only one which can be discovered by this "Indian Troupe". Though other juggling troupes are known in Australia around this time, there is nothing concrete to link Abdul to them. However, we speculate that a later performer may be the same person.
As the 'Indian Juggler and Wizard of the West', Abdul initially proposed to perform at Myrniong on Tuesday May 19, 1869, but owing to inclement weather postponed until Monday 24. Their first performance was at the Mechanic's Institute, Ballan on Saturday 22 where the troupe, "consisting of two men of colour, with a white accordionist" performed to apparent satisfaction - "the darkies had promised much, and did something to amuse a large company with the usual card tricks, feats of dexterity, conjuring and ventriloquism which concluded soon after 10 o'clock".
Abdul and his Troupe promised to appear again, at Bacchus Marsh on May 29, and Melton on June 1. Among their juggling and acrobatic skills, mention is made of ventriloquism, mesmerism, the 'Davenport Trick', and sword swallowing.
A substantial time later, in 1890 and 1891, another performer appeared, having performed in all the Eastern states, and New Zealand in March/April 1891. He was travelling solo, and there is no definite connection back to the 1869 juggler, but it seems possible. The press were chronically incapable of spelling his name correctly, calling him Abdul Ahinund, or Ahumud or Ahmund or Ahumund; it seems likely that Ahumund was most accurate. It was stated that he had performed for Governor Lord Charles Carrington at Government House, Sydney, on May 13 1890.
Wellington Times, February 4, 1891
"In the Burnie Town Hall hall to-night, Abdul Ahumund, the Indian Juggler, will give one of his performances, which have caused considerable sensation in the various parts of Tasmania in which they have been given. The press generally speak in very high terms of the ability of the professor and many of his feats of sleight of hand are considered to be superior to those performed by any of his contemporaries.
An opportunity was afforded a number of gentlemen of judging of the wonderful dexterity of the professor at a private exhibition given at T. Wiseman's, Bar View Hotel, on Monday night, the cleverness of which was the more marked as those present were quite close to the performer and were able to watch every movement without detection. One of the best tricks performed is that of producing a tree from a seed in the space of two or three minutes before the spectators which must be seen to be fully appreciated. Feats of swallowing, rope tying, thought reading, and other Illusions and jugglery are also performed, making a very interesting entertainment, which we have no doubt will be largely patronised to-night. The juggler performed at Waratah
on Friday and Saturday nights last, and at Wynyard last night. At each place there were very good audiences and the entertainment was greatly appreciated."