Tuesday, December 2, 2025

இங்கிலாந்து ராணி விக்டோரியா (ஆங்க்லிக்கன் சர்ச் போப்) இந்தியக் காதலர் அப்துல் கரீம் வீட்டில் பிரின்ஸ் ஹாரி குடியேற்றம்

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-46348857#:~:text=The%2024%2Dyear%2Dold%20made,They%20just%20cast%20him%20off.%22

Queen Victoria had a close and scandalous friendship with her Indian servant, Abdul Karim, whom she called her "Munshi" or teacher. Their relationship, which began in 1887, caused resentment in the British royal court due to Karim's elevated status and Victoria's close companionship with him. He taught her Urdu, introduced her to curry, and became her confidant, a role her family deeply disapproved of and attempted to erase after her death. 

  • Start of the relationship: Karim, a 24-year-old clerk from Agra, met Queen Victoria in 1887 when he was sent to serve her during her Golden Jubilee. She was immediately taken with him and he became her personal attendant.
  • The "Munshi" title: Victoria promoted Karim to "Munshi," meaning teacher, and he became her closest advisor and friend in her later years.
  • Education and cultural exchange: Karim taught Victoria how to speak and write in Urdu, a skill she pursued for 14 years. He also introduced her to Indian cuisine, and curry became a regular part of her diet.
  • Royal court's disapproval: The friendship was highly controversial, with the royal household viewing it with suspicion and resentment. They questioned his position and called him low, but the Queen defended him fiercely.
  • Attempted erasure: After Victoria's death in 1901, her son Edward ordered that Karim's letters and papers be destroyed and that he and his wife be sent back to India.  Victoria had provided them with residences in England and a pension, which were all removed.
  • Legacy: Despite the family's attempts to erase him from history, Karim's diary and letters were eventually made public, revealing the truth about his significant relationship with the Queen. 

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