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The Empress: the characters
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Many characters in The Empress are based on real people. Gupta mixes history with invented lives.
Rani and Hari
Rani Das: young, brave and resilient. She is badly treated but grows in confidence and independence.
Hari: a lascar who cares for Rani. Their relationship is tested but they are reconciled.
Hari: a lascar who cares for Rani. Their relationship is tested but they are reconciled.
Abdul and Victoria
Abdul Karim (real person): a young Muslim man from Agra who became Victoria's 'Munshi' (teacher). He rises quickly but faces racism and jealousy from the royal household.
Queen Victoria: shown as lonely and curious, valuing Abdul's friendship, but she cannot fully protect him.
Queen Victoria: shown as lonely and curious, valuing Abdul's friendship, but she cannot fully protect him.
Naoroji and Lord Oakham
Dadabhai Naoroji (real person): an Indian campaigner who in 1892 became the first Indian elected as a British MP. He stands for political hope.
Lord Oakham: a wealthy aristocrat who exploits Rani and then dismisses her. He represents the abuse of power.
Lord Oakham: a wealthy aristocrat who exploits Rani and then dismisses her. He represents the abuse of power.
Why might Gupta include real historical figures such as Naoroji and Abdul Karim?
- They show that Indians played real roles in Victorian Britain.
- This history is often left out of the usual story.
- So the play makes audiences see this history.
Answer: To show audiences the real, often forgotten presence of Indians in Victorian Britain.
Rani: resilient, grows independent. Hari: loyal lascar. Abdul Karim: real Munshi, faces racism. Victoria: lonely, fond of Abdul. Naoroji: first Indian MP (1892). Lord Oakham: exploitative aristocrat.
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