Victoria & Hindu Servant
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Victoria & Hindu Servant
VICTORIA with her Hindu secretary, Munshi Abdul Karim, at Balmoral, towards the end of her life
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 592334
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10040239
1819 Abdul Balmoral Hindu Karim Munshi Secretary Servant 1901
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a poignant moment in history as Queen Victoria, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, is seen in her final years at Balmoral Castle with her Hindu servant and secretary, Munshi Abdul Karim. Taken in 1901, the year of Queen Victoria's death, this image offers a rare glimpse into the intimate relationship between the Queen and her loyal servant. Born in India in 1843, Abdul Karim was brought to England in 1887 as a gift to Queen Victoria from the Viceroy of India, Lord Dufferin. Initially serving as a mahout, or elephant driver, for the royal household, Abdul quickly rose to become the Queen's personal servant and confidant. He was later appointed as Munshi, or teacher, and was responsible for instructing the Queen in Urdu and Indian customs. The photograph shows Queen Victoria, dressed in a simple black gown, seated at a table in the drawing room at Balmoral. Munshi Abdul Karim, dressed in traditional Indian attire, stands behind her, holding a tray of tea. The warm expression on the Queen's face and the gentle touch of her hand on Abdul's arm convey the deep bond between them. Despite controversy and criticism from some in the British establishment, Queen Victoria's relationship with Abdul Karim endured until her death in 1901. This photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of imperial power and the human connections that transcended racial and cultural boundaries.
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