Abdul Karim was Queen Victoria's Indian servant and teacher of Hindustani. Also known as the Munshi, Mohammed Abdul Karim arrived in Britain in 1887 during Victoria's Golden Jubilee celebrations, initially serving as one of two Indian attendants at the royal household.
Karim quickly became far more important to the Queen than his original duties suggested. Victoria took lessons from him in Hindustani, now generally described as Urdu in this context, and valued his knowledge of Indian language and culture. In 1888 she promoted him to Munshi, meaning clerk or teacher, after he objected that his earlier work as a waiter did not reflect his experience.
Victoria developed a close, affectionate and controversial relationship with Karim. She defended him against hostility from members of the Royal Household, who resented his influence and status. She eventually made him her Indian Secretary and arranged honours and a land grant for him.
After Victoria died in 1901, Edward VII sent Karim back to India and ordered the destruction or confiscation of much of their correspondence. Karim lived near Agra until his death in 1909.