Remembering Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmi bai

“Bundele harbolon ke munh hamane suni kahaani thi,Khoob ladi mardaani woh to Jhansi waali raani thi.” -Subhadra Kumari Chauhan

Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai born on November 19th, 1828 was called Manu during the childhood. She lost her mother at the age of 4, her father encouraged her with martial training including horse riding, fencing and shooting. She than got married to Raja Gangadhar Rao and became a Queen of Jhansi when she was given the new name Rani Lakshmibai. Rani gave a birth to a son who unfortunately died within 4 months and few months later, Gangadhar became ill and urged to adopt a son only one day before his death. Rani than adopted a son named Damodhar Rao witnessed by the local British representatives. Upon the death of Raja, British-Indian authorities refused to recognize the adopted child as a next prince. They confiscated the state jewels and deducted Raja’s debts from Rani’s annual pension. She was than required to leave Jhansi fort, but Rani did not leave and followed her duty in protecting the state of Jhansi. In 1858, British attacked the Jhansi Fort and after weeks of conflict, they succeeded in seizing Jhansi. However Rani managed to escape along with her son and took refuge in Kalpi with the small group of her faithful soldiers. Three months later, with the help of Nawab of Banda and others, Rani lead a successful attack on the British fortress at Gwalior which was under the control of General Hugh Rose. Rani was determined to secure Jhansi from British annexation throughout her life. Her decision of not giving up went to the extent of establishing links with various revolutionaries including Tatya Tope. It is said that during her meeting with Tatya Tope she had mentioned her vision and foresight for India’s freedom. During the war of Gwalior, thousands of soldiers were killed. On the last day at the battlefield, Rani rode on her horse as the rebellious leader, dressed as a man with her sword. She was in the middle of the battle when a British Army soldier threw his sword at her, killing the braves Jhansi Ki Rani on 18th June, 1858.



Jai Hind!