Britannia and Her Munshi
-
I am fascinated by the story of Queen Victoria and her munshi. I remember watching a film adaptation of this story, but I did not take it very seriously until this reading.
To me, this history highlights that even if the very Crown itself, in its own twisted and complicated way tries to find a bond with its racialized and marginalized subjects, British society would object to it. The wariness of the court of the presence of a brown person in regular audience with the Queen was an impediment rather than a celebration of the Queen’s appreciation for this man. The case of Abdul Karim confirms the unwavering dehumanizing of the servants, be it an ayah, be it a teacher to the Queen of the British Empire. Being called “stupid and uneducated” questioning how socially acceptable his familial past is, and a danger to state affairs simply because of his origin.
This story also highlights how British Orientalism was put under question. Orientalist narratives framed British colonialism as a righteous act and a civilizing mission. Mistreatment of the Indian servants was justified, as they are the ones who need guidance and control.
For the narrative to be reversed: for the Queen to be a student to the colonized subject is almost against the laws of nature, backwards, and to the British authorities absolutely insane.