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Queen Victorias Munshi, Abdul Karim
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Queen Victorias Munshi, Abdul Karim
Favourite attendant of Queen Victoria, Abdul Karim ), who served the queen in the final 15 years of her reign. They had a close relationship which caused friction amongst the other members of the royal household who thought themselves superior to him. Date: 1893
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Media ID 14126584
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1893 Abdul Attendant Favourite Karim Monarch Munshi Private Secretary Servant Servants Served Teacher Victorias
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This photograph captures a moment in time between Queen Victoria and her beloved Munshi, Abdul Karim, in 1893. Abdul Karim, meaning "servant" in Urdu, was an Indian servant who had been brought to England to present a ceremonial minted coin to the Queen from the Indian Viceroy, Lord Dufferin, in 1887. However, their relationship quickly evolved into a deep friendship, with Abdul Karim becoming the Queen's favorite attendant in the final 15 years of her reign. Abdul Karim's presence in the royal household caused significant friction amongst the other members of the aristocracy, who saw themselves as superior to this humble servant. Despite this, Queen Victoria stood by her loyal friend and confidant, appointing him as her private secretary, teacher, and even granting him the title of "Munshi," which means "teacher" in Urdu. The Queen's favoritism towards Abdul Karim was a source of great scandal and controversy, with many believing that the relationship was inappropriate and even romantic in nature. However, the historical record suggests that their bond was based on mutual respect and admiration, with Abdul Karim playing an essential role in the Queen's daily life and providing her with companionship and solace during her final years. This photograph, taken in the late 1890s, captures the intimate and personal relationship between Queen Victoria and her loyal Munshi, Abdul Karim. It is a poignant reminder of the complexities of power, status, and friendship in the Victorian era and the enduring impact of individual relationships on history.
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