BXBX NOVEL Chapter 7: Arriving in India
Queen Victoria’s choice of the three stopovers was, in fact, the last thing she wanted to do for the British Empire and Arthur.
Docking at the Suez Canal and India could stabilize the hearts of the Indian people and strengthen the rule of the British Empire in India.
On the other hand, stopping in Australia was a clear platform for Arthur, allowing him to have a good foundation in Australia.
March 29, 1900.
After sailing for half a month, the fleet finally arrived at the capital of the Indian Empire, Kolkata.
India was originally managed by British East India Company, with various native states nominally independent, recognizing the British king as a joint monarch.
However, after the Indian Nationalist Uprising, the British East India Company fulfilled its mission and transferred power to Queen Victoria.
Queen Victoria was also formally crowned in 1876 as the Empress of India, establishing the Indian Empire.
Since then, India has completely ended its semi-independent and semi-colonial status, becoming a complete colony of the British Empire.
The current Governor of India is George Curzon, famous for dividing Bengal, dispatching troops to the north, and demarcating the Suba border.
At noon, the fleet successfully docked at the Port of Kolkata, and Arthur and Queen Victoria, who had been on the boat for half a month, could finally breathe on shore.
Although the British Government had prepared a luxurious cruise ship for Queen Victoria and Arthur, equipped with various facilities, as well as two small gardens and a swimming pool.
However, it must be said that life on a cruise ship is not as real as on land. Although Arthur was still living well, he was looking forward to setting foot on solid ground.
At the port, Governor George, who had already received the news, came to greet them with General Kitchener, the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
“Your Majesty the Empress, Your Grace the Duke.” Both men paid their respects.
Because Queen Victoria also held the title of Empress of India, the two purposely used the honorary title of Empress instead of Queen when they paid homage.
“Marquis George, General Kitchener, long time no see.” Queen Victoria smiled in response to the two men.
Both Governor George Curzon and General Kitchener had one very obvious characteristic: they were both highly talented and had their own unique understanding of things.
However, such two people often have some conflicts in certain aspects. This was the case in the original history.
Due to disagreements between Governor George and General Kitchener that led to discord, in five years, that is, in 1905, both men were dismissed and returned to their country.
But a little flaw could not hide the talents of the two men. After returning to the United Kingdom, Governor George Curzon also served as a Lord Privy Seal, a wartime cabinet member, and a Minister of Foreign Affairs.
As for General Kitchener, in 1909 he was made a Marshal, served as Secretary of the Army, and recruited a large number of volunteers without the approval of the cabinet before World War I. Although he was somewhat arbitrary and autocratic, it was indeed his vision and insight that he could ensure that Britain had a large number of professional armies to fight against Germany.
“George, it should have been two years since you last returned to Britain, and you’ve been staying in India all this time. You’ve had a hard time.” Queen Victoria laughed and comforted Governor George.
“Yes, Your Majesty, it has been two years. But I am not tired. India is one of the most important regions in the entire empire. It is my honor to be appointed by Your Majesty as the Governor of India. I must not fail Your Majesty’s trust and let India fall into crisis.” Governor George said solemnly.
“Well, that’s good. The stability of India in the future still depends on you and General Kitchener’s joint maintenance. I hope that the dazzling pearl of India will not be tarnished in your hands.” Queen Victoria smiled with relief and said.
Queen Victoria still trusted Governor George’s abilities; otherwise, he would not have held such an important position as Governor of India at the young age of 39, which was quite young for a politician.
“General Kitchener, your merits in South Africa are very notable, and people are pleased to call you the hero of Britain.” Queen Victoria smiled at General Kitchener and said.
“I just did what I was supposed to do, Your Majesty.” General Kitchener saluted and said.
“Anyway, you have indeed made great contributions to the British Empire. It was originally planned to award you after you returned to Britain. I think it would be better to reward you directly on this occasion.” Queen Victoria laughed and said.
Then, Queen Victoria immediately put away her smile, became serious, and solemnly said, “General Kitchener, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army!”
“At your service, Your Majesty.”
“In recognition of your outstanding contributions in Egypt and South Africa, I award you the title of Baron Kattumu and allow you to return to Britain once this year. In addition, this 50,000 pounds is your reward. The Empire never forgets those who have made contributions to it.” The Queen said solemnly.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty and the Empire!” General Kitchener excitedly received the 50,000 pounds banknotes handed to him by the servant.
The real reason for General Kitchener’s excitement was not the 50,000 pounds, but the reward of the barony, which moved this talented soldier.
Though the Baron is only the lowest link in the traditional aristocratic system, with Viscounts, Earls, Marquesses, and Dukes ranked higher.
However, in practice, due to different cultural differences, the aristocratic levels of each monarchical country in Europe are not the same.
For example, in Britain, the ranks are generally composed of Barons, Viscounts, Earls, Dukes, Princes, and Kings. It is already difficult for common people to be granted a barony or viscountship based on merit.
Ordinary Earls and Dukes are usually inherited by royal family members or old aristocrats, and ordinary people have no share in them.
After the brief welcome ceremony, Queen Victoria took a horse carriage and stayed in George’s Governor’s Mansion with Arthur.
As for the Guards, they were stationed outside Kolkata, leaving only a small contingent of more than 200 royal guards to ensure Queen Victoria’s safety at all times.
Unlike in other places, Queen Victoria would stay in India for three days to review India’s achievements during this time and rest for a while, just in time for the fleet to replenish supplies.
Considering Queen Victoria’s age of over 80, the swaying life on the ship was still somewhat tiring for Her Majesty, despite the ample supplies on the cruise ship.
Especially after the sea voyage that lasted for half a month, it was time for Queen Victoria to rest for a few days.
After everyone had disembarked, the crews of the transport ships began loading supplies onto the ship to ensure that the coal and living supplies on the ship could last until the next destination, Australia.