Munshi Collection

Queen Victoria and Abdul Karim, c. 1890
Photographic portrait of Queen Victoria (1819-1901) of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India, pictured at her writing desk, c.1890

Queen Victoria and Munshi Abdul Karim, 1900
Queen Victoria, Empress of India, listening to a despatch describing the elation of the troops at the services they had rendered to the Queen. Her Indian servant, Munshi Abdul Karim, supports her

Munshi Abdul Karim, Queen Victorias Indian Secretary. 1892

Queen Victorias Munshi, Abdul Karim
Favourite attendant of Queen Victoria, Abdul Karim (18631909), who served the queen in the final 15 years of her reign. They had a close relationship which caused friction amongst the other members

Abdul Karim (the Munshi), Indian Secretary of Queen Victoria (litho)
6014125 Abdul Karim (the Munshi), Indian Secretary of Queen Victoria (litho) by Elliott & Fry Photography Studio (1863-early 20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Portrait Group of the Family of Hafiz Abdul Karim, Munshi and Indian Secretary to Her Majesty (b / w photo)
1048043 Portrait Group of the Family of Hafiz Abdul Karim, Munshi and Indian Secretary to Her Majesty (b/w photo) by English photographer

Jhelum River, Munshi Bagh, Srinagar City India
Vintage 19th century photograph: Jhelum River, Munshi Bagh, in Srinagar City in Jammu & Kashmir State, India

Dossabhoy Sorabjee, Moonshee, of Bombay (engraving)
1588188 Dossabhoy Sorabjee, Moonshee, of Bombay (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Dossabhoy Sorabjee, Moonshee, of Bombay)

The Ex-Rajah of Coorg, and his Daughter the Princess Gouramma, and Suite (engraving)
1618257 The Ex-Rajah of Coorg, and his Daughter the Princess Gouramma, and Suite (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Ex-Rajah of Coorg)

The Queen at Work, c. 1893 (b / w photo)
696653 The Queen at Work, c.1893 (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Queen Victoria probably at Osborne, her residence on the Isle of Wight)

Letter in Ta liq Script, A. H. 911 / A. D. 1505-6. Creator: Darvish Abdullah Munshi
Letter in Ta liq Script, A.H. 911/ A.D. 1505-6

Royal visit to Ireland: Queen Victoria at Dublin Castle, 1900
Queen Victoria, Empress of India, in Dublin: her Majestys visit to the Lord Lieutenant and Countess Cadogan at Dublin Castle. Her Indian servant, Munshi Abdul Karim, supports her. Date: 1900

Victoria & Hindu Servant
VICTORIA with her Hindu secretary, Munshi Abdul Karim, at Balmoral, towards the end of her life

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"Munshi Abdul Karim: Queen Victoria's Trusted Indian Secretary" In the late 19th century, a remarkable bond formed between Queen Victoria and her loyal companion, Munshi Abdul Karim. Born in India, Abdul Karim became an integral part of the Queen's life and played a significant role in shaping her perspective on the world. Their relationship began when Abdul Karim was chosen to present a ceremonial coin to Her Majesty during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1887. Impressed by his intelligence and charm, Queen Victoria appointed him as her official Indian Secretary shortly after. This decision raised eyebrows among the royal courtiers who were skeptical of this unconventional friendship. Over time, however, their connection deepened. The Queen affectionately referred to him as "Munshi, " which means teacher or clerk in Urdu. Despite societal prejudices and opposition from those around them, they shared a genuine camaraderie that transcended cultural boundaries. Abdul Karim served as more than just a secretary; he became an invaluable confidant to Her Majesty. He introduced her to various aspects of Indian culture and language while also assisting with correspondence related to British India affairs. His presence brought diversity into the otherwise homogenous royal household. The pair embarked on numerous journeys together across Europe and even visited India twice – once in 1890 and again in 1900 – where they explored places like Srinagar City along the picturesque Jhelum River at Munshi Bagh. Despite facing criticism for favoring Abdul Karim over other members of her staff, Queen Victoria remained steadfastly devoted to him until her passing in 1901. Afterward, much of their story was shrouded in secrecy due to efforts made by subsequent monarchs to erase any trace of their unique friendship from history. Fortunately, some remnants remain today - portraits capturing moments shared between them including one titled "Portrait Group of the Family of Hafiz Abdul Karim, Munshi and Indian Secretary to Her Majesty.