The Forgotten Tale of Princess Victoria Gowramma: An Indian Royal in Britain
An Indian Princess in the British Royal Family
Many are familiar with Meghan Markle, the American actress who became part of the British royal family. However, before her, there was another woman of Indian descent who entered the royal circle, yet her story remains largely overlooked. Her name was Victoria Gowramma, an Indian princess.
Origins in Coorg
Victoria Gowramma was born in 1841 into a royal lineage in Coorg, which is now part of Karnataka, India. Her father, Chikka Veerarajendra, was the final king of Coorg. Following the British annexation of his kingdom, he had no choice but to relocate to England, hoping to gain support from Queen Victoria. He brought his young daughter, Gowramma, along with him.
The Queen's Fascination
Upon meeting Gowramma, Queen Victoria was captivated by her poise and charm. The Queen expressed a desire to have her as a goddaughter, converting her to Christianity and naming her Victoria in her honor. The Queen envisioned that Princess Gowramma could help demonstrate to Britain that individuals from colonies like India could be integrated into British society.
Facing Challenges
Despite her royal connections and proximity to Queen Victoria, Gowramma faced prejudice from British society, which viewed her through the lens of her skin color and heritage. She was often regarded as a curiosity rather than a genuine member of the royal family. The Queen attempted to arrange a marriage between Gowramma and Maharaja Duleep Singh, another Indian prince in Britain, but this did not materialize. Eventually, she married Colonel Campbell, an Englishman, but the union was fraught with difficulties as he mistreated her and exploited her wealth.
A Tragic Conclusion
Far from her homeland and lacking support, Princess Gowramma passed away at the tender age of 23. She had one daughter, but her story faded from public memory. Few recall that an Indian princess once resided in Buckingham Palace under the watchful eye of Queen Victoria.
A Story Worth Remembering
Gowramma's life was not a fairy tale; it was a poignant tragedy. She straddled two worlds: Indian royalty and the British Empire. Despite her efforts to assimilate into British high society, her race led to her ostracization. Her story is significant as it highlights the effects of race, power, and colonialism on individuals, not just in the realms of war and politics, but also in their personal lives. She was not merely a name in history; she was a hopeful young woman striving to carve out a place for herself in a world that failed to recognize her value. As discussions around representation and inclusion continue today, Princess Victoria Gowramma's narrative serves as a reminder that these struggles have persisted for centuries, often in silence or under the public eye. We must honor her memory and share her story widely.