ABDUL KARIM WITH QUEEN VICTORIA FRIEND SHIP
In the last years of Queen Victoria’s reign, the aging monarch developed a close bond with an Indian attendant called Abdul Karim. Unusual for the era, against all the social norms, the man who began life in the royal court as a servant rose to become one of her most trusted confidants and advisors.
Their friendship was not well-received in the royal household, particularly when she lavished him with honours and privileges which frustrated members of her court.
After becoming Empress of India, Queen Victoria became fascinated with all things Indian and thus Abdul Karim assumed a new role as a ‘munshi’ (teacher) for the monarch, educating her in his language, culture and traditions. At her royal residence of Osborne House, the Durbar Wing was dedicated to her new found appreciation of Indian culture, adorning the rooms in ornate Indian styles with portraits depicting Indian landscapes and people.
The driving force behind this was Abdul Karim, a man who had won the affections and trust of Queen Victoria and enjoyed the special privileges she bestowed on him as a result. The lavish lifestyle in which he had grown accustomed however was a far cry from his humble beginnings back in India.
THE ABDUL KARIM
Born near Jhansi, he was the second of six children born to Haji Wuzeeruddin who was a hospital assistant. His father’s job offered him some perks and as a result he was able to hire a tutor for his young son which allowed Karim to become fluent in both Urdu and Persian.
Once educated, Karim began work in a clerk position based at the jail in Agra where most of his family worked, including his father and brothers. This would also be the setting for meeting his wife. The superintendent of the jail in Agra was a man named John Tyler, who had the great honour of meeting the queen in 1886 at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in London where he demonstrated the rehabilitation work of Indian inmates who had woven ornate Indian carpets. The queen was most impressed and made the request for Indian attendants.
The year of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee 1887 was fast approaching and in this context, the newly christened Empress of India was looking for Indian attendants to assist her during the event