How Historically Accurate Is Victoria and Abdul

Victoria and Abdul is a 2017 movie set in the late Victorian period in 1887-1901. Abdul Karim was appointed as a household servant to Queen Victoria and he became a close friend and teacher (or Munish) to the queen, lasting until her death. The movie depicts this relationship and the various forms of racism and animosity encountered by Abdul as he navigated being a person of South Asian decent who rose to prominence in the household during the Victorian period.

A scene from Victoria and Abdul

Plot

Abdul Karim is a cleric serving in Agra India for the British rulers. He is selected to go to Britain, along with a colleague Mohammed, for the Queen's Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years on throne. Initially, both men are surprised by this appointment but dutifully go. The men are trained for the ceremonies that are to follow for the Jubilee celebrations, but they are treated poorly given uncomfortable accommodations that are damp, cold, and cramped. When it comes time, however, for the men to play their role, and after the Queen arrives for a formal banquet with her guests, she receives a mohur, a type of gold coin, from Abdul. This was an item that was to represent a gift from India to Victoria, as she is Empress of India. However, the Queen is more fascinated with Abdul than anything else. She soon forms a bond with him, asking him to teach her Urud and about Islam. Nevertheless, their relationship suddenly grows tense when she finds out Abdul is married. She then decided to have him go back and bring his wife to live in England along with Abdul, with him continuing to serve her in her household. Meanwhile, the other courtiers are increasingly bothered by the close relationship Abdul and Victoria form, including Edward, the future King of Great Britain, who is troubled by his mother's relationship with Abdul. Victoria, recognizing she is Empress of India, wants to learn more about India and decides to decorate part of her home in the Isle of Wight in an Indian style. She continues to make progress in understanding Urdu. Abdul now has the formal title of Munshi as Victoria's teacher.