Education

• "Enlighten us on the habits and customs of our subjects so far away." -Queen Victoria


  Queen Victoria's desire to learn about India breaks away from the notion that Western education is superior. So much so, that she gives Abdul the title of "munshi", giving him a higher status.
• "We have no need for you. The children need a governess, someone to help with their education." -Susan Matthews


  Indians were seen as less competent and educated than their British counterparts.
• Lady Sarah: "He probally doesn't even speak English. How will we communicate with him?"

  Abdul: "English is one of the several languages I am fluent in, Your Royal Highness."


  Contridicts the myth that the British were bringing enlightenment and education.
• "Kya dekh rahe ho?"

  (Stop gawping will ya?) - Lascar Sally

  Lascar Sally speaks Hindi, highlighting she is educated despite being lower class. At the time only middle class women were given an education; even then it wasn't as good as their male counterparts.
• "Is that the rascal lascar that was following you around everywhere? He looks very smart." - Abdul

  "I was educated. Now I am a teacher and I am hoping to set up a schol." -Rani

  Through education, both Rani and Hari were able to raise their status and improve their lives significantly, infering that education was a way for lower class people to better their life quality.
• "Education is the only path to freedom." -Dadabhai