‘Do you intend to overthrow the government?’ — Viral video revisits Indian emperor’s encounter with England’s first visitors

Irish comedy trio Foil Arms and Hog have gone viral on Instagram with a hilarious sketch reimagining one of history’s most famous encounters, the first meeting between an Indian emperor and two English visitors.

The video mixes sharp satire with witty dialogue, capturing the awkward politeness, misplaced confidence, and early hints of colonial ambition.

What starts as a simple “customs interview” quickly turns into a funny and ironic exchange, showing that history’s most polite conversations sometimes hide big power plays.

A visit that changed the world, and now, the internet

The sketch opens with two nervous Englishmen announcing their visit to India as “just for a flying visit,” while the emperor calmly questions their motives.

When he asks the now-famous line, “Do you intend to overthrow the government?” the humour lands perfectly. Their flustered denials and awkward charm reflect the naivety and ambition that would later shape centuries of British presence in India.

Foil Arms and Hog cleverly mirror a modern immigration interview, turning the colonial power dynamic on its head. What was once the start of an empire becomes a comic interrogation; for a moment, history is flipped, and the emperor holds all the cards.

Why it struck a chord

Viewers have praised the sketch for balancing comedy with clever critique. It doesn’t lecture; it just invites laughter at the small talk that came before centuries of domination. Many commented that the emperor’s “ticked box” and sarcastic questions felt like poetic justice, a moment of historical revenge served with comedic flair.