‘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. 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