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What is Lakshmi Bai remembered for?

Lakshmi Bai

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• Cultural India - Biography of Rani Lakshmibai
• Academia - The Making of A Viraangana-Lakshmi Bai
• IndiaNetZone - Biography of Rani Laxmi Bai
• MapsofIndia.com - June 18 1858: Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi Dies While Fighting the British Troops near Gwalior
• The New York Times - Overlooked No More: Rani of Jhansi, India’s Warrior Queen Who Fought the British
• HistoryNet - Who is Manikarnika? The Real Story of the Legendary Hindu Queen Lakshmi Bai

What was Lakshmi Bai’s childhood like?

Brought up in the household of the  peshwa  (ruler) Baji Rao II, Lakshmi Bai had an unusual upbringing for a  Brahman  girl. Growing up with the boys in the  peshwa ’s court, she was trained in martial arts and became proficient in sword fighting and riding. 

Who was Lakshmi Bai?

Lakshmi Bai was rani (queen) of  Jhansi . During the Indian Mutiny  of 1857–58, she rapidly organized her troops and assumed charge of the rebels in the  Bundelkhand  region. 

Lakshmi Bai is remembered for her valour during the Indian Mutiny  of 1857–58. During a siege of the fort of Jhansi , Bai offered stiff resistance to the invading forces and did not surrender even after her troops were overwhelmed. She was later killed in combat after having successfully assaulted Gwalior .

Lakshmi Bai (born c. November 19, 1835, Kashi , India—died June 17, 1858, Kotah-ki-Serai, near Gwalior) was the rani (queen) of Jhansi and a leader of the Indian Mutiny of 1857–58.

Brought up in the household of the peshwa (ruler) Baji Rao II, Lakshmi Bai had an unusual upbringing for a Brahman girl. Growing up with the boys in the peshwa ’s court, she was trained in martial arts and became proficient in sword fighting and riding. She married the maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao, but was widowed without bearing a surviving heir to the throne. Following established Hindu tradition, just before his death the maharaja adopted a boy as his heir. Lord Dalhousie , the British governor-general of India , refused to recognize the adopted heir and annexed Jhansi in accordance with the doctrine of lapse . An agent of the East India Company was posted in the small kingdom to look after administrative matters.

The 22-year-old queen refused to cede Jhansi to the British. Shortly after the beginning of the mutiny in 1857, which broke out in Meerut , Lakshmi Bai was proclaimed the regent of Jhansi, and she ruled on behalf of the minor heir . Joining the uprising against the British, she rapidly organized her troops and assumed charge of the rebels in the Bundelkhand region. Mutineers in the neighbouring areas headed toward Jhansi to offer her support.

Under Gen. Hugh Rose , the East India Company’s forces had begun their counteroffensive in Bundelkhand by January 1858. Advancing from Mhow , Rose captured Saugor (now Sagar ) in February and then turned toward Jhansi in March. The company’s forces surrounded the fort of Jhansi, and a fierce battle raged. Offering stiff resistance to the invading forces, Lakshmi Bai did not surrender even after her troops were overwhelmed and the rescuing army of Tantia Tope , another rebel leader, was defeated at the Battle of Betwa. Lakshmi Bai managed to escape from the fort with a small force of palace guards and headed eastward, where other rebels joined her.

Tantia Tope and Lakshmi Bai then mounted a successful assault on the city-fortress of Gwalior . The treasury and the arsenal were seized, and Nana Sahib , a prominent leader, was proclaimed as the peshwa (ruler). After taking Gwalior, Lakshmi Bai marched east to Morar to confront a British counterattack led by Rose. Dressed as a man, she fought a fierce battle and was killed in combat.

Rani Laxmi Bai The Heroic Queen of Jhansi

Jun 28, 2023

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Rani Laxmi Bai, also known as the Rani of Jhansi, was a fearless warrior and a symbol of resistance during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Her bravery and determination in the face of adversity have made her a legendary figure in Indian history. Rani Laxmi Bai, we will delve into the life, achievements, and legacy of this remarkable queen.<br><br>

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EDUCATION Rani Laxmi Bai The Heroic Queen of Jhansi   BY MOHIT-KUMAR-SHARMA JUN 18, 2023 21:45 

Introduction Rani Laxmi Bai, also known as the Rani of Jhansi, was a fearless warrior and a symbol of resistance during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Her bravery and determination in the face of adversity have made her a legendary figure in Indian history. Rani Laxmi Bai, we will delve into the life, achievements, and legacy of this remarkable queen. Who Was Rani Laxmi Bai? Rani Laxmi Bai was born on November 19, 1828, in Varanasi, India. Her birth name was Manikarnika Tambe, and she was the daughter of Moropant Tambe, a Brahmin. She received an excellent education and displayed exceptional skills in horse riding, archery, and swordsmanship from a young age. The Early Years of Rani Laxmi Bai Rani Laxmi Bai's Childhood In her early years, Rani Laxmi Bai showed great courage and a strong sense of justice. She was deeply influenced by the prevailing socio-political situation and the oppression faced by her fellow countrymen under British rule. This environment shaped her into the warrior queen she would become. Marriage to Gangadhar Rao At the age of 14, Manikarnika was married to Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar of Jhansi. After marriage, she was given the name Lakshmibai. Despite the significant age difference between them, their marriage was a harmonious one, and Gangadhar Rao recognized her intelligence and strength of character. Rani Laxmi Bai's Role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, was a pivotal event in the struggle for Indian independence. Rani Laxmi Bai played a crucial role in this uprising, becoming an iconic figure of resistance against British rule.

The Annexation of Jhansi In 1853, under the Doctrine of Lapse policy, Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, announced the annexation of Jhansi after the death of Gangadhar Rao without a biological heir. This decision was met with strong opposition from Rani Laxmi Bai, who refused to surrender her kingdom to the British. The Battle of Jhansi Rani Laxmi Bai led her troops in the fierce Battle of Jhansi against the British East India Company forces in March 1858. Despite being outnumbered and facing superior firepower, she displayed incredible valor and strategic brilliance. The battle raged on for two weeks before Jhansi ultimately fell to the British. The Escape from Jhansi After the fall of Jhansi, Rani Laxmi Bai refused to surrender and made a daring escape with her son, Damodar Rao, tied to her back. She reached the fort of Kalpi, where she joined forces with Tatya Tope and continued the fight against the British. The Legacy of Rani Laxmi Bai Rani Laxmi Bai's indomitable spirit and sacrifice have made her an everlasting symbol of courage and patriotism in India. Her heroic actions continue to inspire generations, and she is revered as one of the greatest freedom fighters in Indian history. Monuments and Memorials Numerous monuments and memorials have been erected in honor of Rani Laxmi Bai across India. The most famous of these is the Rani Jhansi Memorial in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. This grand memorial serves as a reminder of her bravery and commemorates her role in the struggle for independence. Influence on Women Empowerment Rani Laxmi Bai's unwavering determination and courage have had a significant impact on women empowerment in India. She shattered gender stereotypes and proved that

women are capable of leading and fighting alongside men. Her legacy continues to empower women to strive for equality and stand up against injustice. FAQs about Rani Laxmi Bai 1. Who was Rani Laxmi Bai? Rani Laxmi Bai, also known as the Rani of Jhansi, was a courageous queen who fought against British colonial rule in India during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. She is celebrated as a national hero in India. 2. What was Rani Laxmi Bai's role in the rebellion? Rani Laxmi Bai played a pivotal role in the rebellion against British rule. She led her troops in battles against the British forces and became an inspiration for others to join the fight for independence. 3. What is the significance of the Battle of Jhansi? The Battle of Jhansi was a significant event during the rebellion. Rani Laxmi Bai's fierce resistance and leadership showcased the strength and determination of Indian fighters against the British. It became a symbol of Indian resistance. 4. How did Rani Laxmi Bai's legacy impact women's rights? Rani Laxmi Bai's bravery and defiance of gender norms had a profound impact on women's rights in India. She demonstrated that women can be powerful leaders and fighters, inspiring generations of women to fight for their rights and equality. 5. What are some memorials dedicated to Rani Laxmi Bai? Several memorials and monuments have been built to honor Rani Laxmi Bai. The Rani Jhansi Memorial in Gwalior is the most famous, but there are also statues and plaques in various cities and towns across India. 6. How is Rani Laxmi Bai remembered today?

Rani Laxmi Bai is remembered as a national icon in India. Her story is taught in schools, her statues are revered, and her legacy of bravery and patriotism lives on in the hearts of the Indian people. Conclusion Rani Laxmi Bai's extraordinary bravery and unwavering determination in the face of British oppression have solidified her place in history as a legendary figure. She fought fearlessly for her kingdom and for the freedom of her people, leaving a lasting legacy of courage, sacrifice, and empowerment. Rani Laxmi Bai's story continues to inspire and ignite the spirit of patriotism in people around the world. ALSO READ Celebrating Father's Day A Comprehensive Guide to World Fathers Day with Quotes, Gift Ideas, and More - This Year Educate Yourself and Develop Your Skill with EasyShiksha Online Courses with Certificate - Authorised certificate recognized everywhere TAGS:RANI LAXMI BAIQUEEN OF JHANSIINDIAN REBELLION OF 1857INDIAN HISTORYFREEDOM FIGHTERWOMEN EMPOWERMENTHEROIC QUEENBRITISH COLONIAL RULEINDIAN INDEPENDENCEBATTLE OF JHANSICOURAGE AND SACRIFICEHISTORICAL FIGURESINDIAN HERITAGENATIONAL ICON

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T he colleges, schools, roads, statues and stations named after Rani Lakshmibai are testimony to the towering position she holds in the annals of Indian history. Even the all-women Rani of Jhansi regiment of the Indian National Army, founded in the 1940s, proudly bore her name. Her resistance against the British during the Revolt of 1857 and her death in battle on 18 June the following year have been lionised to near mythical proportions in textbooks and popular culture.

Her life and deeds were first immortalised on the silver screen in 1953, in Sohrab Modi’s Jhansi Ki Rani —India’s first technicolour film. Recently, there has been a proliferation of movies and TV shows based on her story. In 2019, a major Bollywood adaptation titled Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi was released with Kangana Ranaut playing the titular queen. This was followed by Swati Bhise’s British period drama, The Warrior Queen of Jhansi , and a series on Colors TV called Jhansi Ki Rani featuring Anushka Sen as the famed queen.

The character of Rani Lakshmibai made a guest appearance in the 2019 Telugu film Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, motivating her besieged troops with the story of Narasimha Reddy, who had revolted against Company rule in India in 1847.

Her flight from Jhansi, famously described as jumping from the fortress walls with her adopted son strapped to her back, onto her horse, has become a folk tale heard across India. However, with the deification of her bravery, other important aspects of her reign have been sidelined.

An unorthodox childhood 

Born as Manikarnika Tambe, Lakshmibai did not come from royalty but grew up in the court of the exiled Maratha Peshwa in Varanasi. She was the only child of Moropant Tambe, an advisor to Chimaji Appa, the brother of the last Peshwa, and Bhagirathi. The exact date of her birth is disputed, but historians DV Tahmankar and Ira Mukhoty have inferred that she was around 15 years old when she married Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, the fifth king of Jhansi, in 1942.

Growing up in the royal palace, she learned horse riding, sword fencing, and archery. She also acquired the ability to read and write, which were “unusual accomplishments for a girl of her time,” writes Mukhoty in her book Heroines: Powerful Indian Women of Myth & History. Her self-confidence, ability to hold herself in the company of men, and dislike for the restrictions of purdah can be traced back to her unconventional upbringing.

When she married Gangadhar Rao, her father moved with her to Jhansi, which was considered unusual at the time. He remained there until its fall.

Also read: Lakshmibai drank, was promiscuous, British historians wrote. Then Savarkar changed it all

The diplomat queen

The Newalkars of Jhansi were loyal to the British. In 1825, Maharaja Rama Chandra Rao Newalkar even requested to fly the Union Jack over Jhansi fort, according to Tahmankar’s book Ranee of Jhansi .

However, Gangadhar Rao had no children. On his deathbed, he adopted his five-year-old nephew Damodar Rao, and appointed Lakshmibai as his regent. As Tahmankar writes in his book, the adoption took place in front of the nobility and British representatives. Gangadhar Rao pleaded with the British to consider his “previous loyalty into account and show kindness to my son,” states Mukhoty in Heroines. But his dying request was ignored by Marquess Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India at the time, and Jhansi was annexed under the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’, which stated that the East India Company would annex any princely state if its ruler failed to produce a natural-born heir.

Undeterred by the annexation of Jhansi, Lakshmibai continued to appeal to the British administration until January 1856, urging them to recognise Damodar Rao as the rightful heir. However, her pleas were ignored.

But unrest was brewing among the sepoys serving in the East India Company army.

The warrior queen 

On 5 June 1857, a company of the 12th Native Infantry revolted, occupied the Star Fort outside of Jhansi and released the prisoners, bringing the Revolt of 1857 to Jhansi’s doorstep. Scores of British men, women, and children were massacred after being persuaded by the rebel sepoys to surrender. The role of Lakshmibai in this massacre is contested.

Historian RC Majumdar, in his book Sepoy Mutiny and the Revolt of 1857 , describes how Lakshmibai wrote to Commissioner of Jabalpur Major Walter Erskine on two occasions, on 12 and 14 June 1857, condemning the actions of the sepoys. In her letters, she highlighted how the sepoys extorted a large sum of money and threatened her. She urged Erskine to support Jhansi with force and funds to maintain order.

Erskine’s response to Lakshmibai on 2 July 1857 authorised her rule in Jhansi on behalf of the British and assured her that European troops would be sent shortly to restore order, Majumdar writes. Despite these assurances, the British later came to believe that the Rani was complicit in the massacre.

As the British laid siege to Jhansi in March 1858, Mukhoty describes how Rani Lakshmibai and her artillery resisted the British canons with “ferocious bravery”, impressing even General Hugh Rose, the commander of the British forces.

She goes on to describe how Lakshmibai would ride her horse on the ramparts of the fort walls, inspecting and encouraging her troops. The 14th Light Dragoons described her as a “perfect Amazon in bravery”. However, despite the warrior queen’s efforts, the walls of Jhansi were eventually breached, and on the night of 3 April 1858, Rani Lakshmibai and a few hundred soldiers rode out of Jhansi into the open countryside of Bundelkhand.

In his travelogue Majha Pravas (1907), Marathi priest-author Vishnubhat Godse writes that the Rani of Jhansi, “dressed as a Pathan male,” continued to fight the British despite losses at Koonch and Kalpi. Alongside Tatya Tope and Rao Sahib, she captured Gwalior fort. In response, the British sent their troops and attacked Gwalior. Leading a countercharge, Rani Lakshmibai was killed as the Mutiny came to an end.

According to Mukhoty, the regimental history of the 8th Hussars stated, “In her death, the rebels lost their bravest and best military leader.”

(Edited by Prashant)

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Rani Lakshmi Bai - Rani of Jhansi [NCERT Notes: Modern Indian History For UPSC]

This article talks about Rani Laxmibai – The Rani of Jhansi. She was the epitome of courage and bravery. She was born into a Maratha family and she was an important name in the struggle for Independence against the British.

This is an important topic for the UPSC IAS Exam aspirants. These NCERT notes will also be useful for other competitive exams like banking PO, SSC, state civil services exams and so on. Candidates can also download the notes PDF from the link provided below.

Rani of Jhansi (Rani Lakshmi Bai): UPSC Exam Notes – Download PDF Here

Rani Lakshmi Bai Biography

Rani Laxmibai also called the Rani of Jhansi was a pivotal figure in the Indian Revolt of 1857. She is also regarded as one of the greatest freedom fighters in India.

Rani Lakshmibai was born on 19 November 1828 in the town of Varanasi. She was named Manikarnika Tambe and was nicknamed Manu. Her father was Moropant Tambe and her mother was Bhagirathi Sapre (Bhagirathi Bai); they hailed from modern-day Maharashtra. At four years old her mother passed away. Her father was the Commander of War under Peshwa Baji Rao II of Bithorr District. Rani Laxmi Bai was educated at home, able to read and write, and was more independent in her childhood than others of her age; her studies included shooting, horsemanship, and fencing which was in contrast to the cultural expectations for women in Indian society at the time.

• At the age of 14, she was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao in 1842.
• After her marriage, she was called Laxmibai.
• Rani Lakshmi Bai’s son Damodar Rao was born in 1851. But he died after four months.
• Gangadhar Rao died in 1853. Before he died, he had adopted his cousin’s son Anand Rao, who was renamed, Damodar Rao.

Rani Lakshmi Bai Contributions in Indian Freedom Struggle

Rani Lakshmi Bai was known for her outstanding bravery who was an important name in the Freedom Struggle against the British. This section highlights her major activities carried out against the British Government to fulfil the dream of a Free India.

10 Points about Rani Lakshmi Bai Role in the 1857 Revolt

• Lord Dalhousie (Born on April 22, 1812) sought to annex Jhansi when the Maharaja died applying the Doctrine of  Lapse since the king did not have any natural heir.
• As per this, the Rani was granted an annual pension and asked to leave the fort of Jhansi.
• The Revolt of 1857 had broken out in Meerut and the Rani was ruling over Jhansi as regent for her minor son.
• British forces under the command of Sir Hugh Rose arrived at the Jhansi Fort with the intention of capturing it in 1858. He demanded that the city surrender to him or else it would be destroyed.
• Rani Laxmibai refused and proclaimed, “We fight for independence. In the words of Lord Krishna, we will if we are victorious, enjoy the fruits of victory, if defeated and killed on the field of battle, we shall surely earn eternal glory and salvation.”
• For two weeks the battle went on where the Rani led her army of men and women valiantly against the British. Despite courageous fighting, Jhansi lost the battle.
• The Rani, tying her infant son on her back, escaped to Kalpi on horseback.
• Along with Tatya Tope and other rebel soldiers, the Rani captured the fort of Gwalior.
• Afterwards, she proceeded to Morar, Gwalior to fight the British.
• Rani Laxmibai died while fighting in Gwalior on 18th June 1858, aged 23. She was dressed as a soldier when she died.

Rani Lakshmi Bai Legacy

• Sir Hugh Rose has commented, “Remarkable for her beauty, cleverness and perseverance, she had been the most dangerous of all the rebel leaders. The best and bravest of all.”
• Rani Laxmi Bai became a symbol of resistance against British rule for later nationalists in India.
• She will always be remembered as a great martyr who laid down her life for the cause of freedom. She is a symbol of courage, heroism and woman power.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rani Lakshmi Bai

Where did rani lakshmi bai fight her last battle, what is rani laxmi bai famous for.

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A closer look at rani lakshmibai’s history & the manikarnika row, revisiting history to lift the lid on rani lakshmibai, her life and her relentless defiance of the british forces..

(This article is being republished from The Quint ’s archives to mark Rani Lakshmi Bai’s 160th death anniversary. It was originally published on 13 February 2018.)

Rani Lakshmibai – the very name conjures up the image of a valiant queen, galloping on a horse in the midst of a battlefield, fighting ferociously with her infant son strapped to her back. History textbooks are inundated with gleaming mentions of Jhansi ki Rani, who is celebrated till date as the foremost example of female heroism in the country.

Time and again, Jhansi’s queen has reincarnated in popular culture – from poems, songs, films, serials, ballads, books – as a tribute to her valour and courage, with Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi’s Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, starring Kangana Ranaut in the titular role , next in line. But even before this film could liven up the celluloid, it finds itself in the line of fire of a caste-based outfit – joining the league of the recently released Padmaavat .

In the light of the current controversy, The Quint attempts to revisit history to lift the lid on Rani Lakshmibai, her life and her relentless defiance of the British forces.

Who was Rani Lakshmibai?

Rani Lakshmibai was born as Manikarnika Tambe in Varanasi in 1828 to Maharashtrian Brahmins parents. She lost her mother at the tender age of four and was raised by her father who worked in the court of the Peshwa in Bithoor. It is said that the Peshwa grew fond of her and took a keen interest in her upbringing.

Manikarnika’s childhood was way ahead of her times. She grew up with Nana Sahib and Tatya Tope, was educated at home and was also imparted training in horsemanship, fencing, shooting – something women could only dream of at that time.

She got married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, in 1842, at the age of 14. It was then that she got her name Lakshmibai – a name which would immortalise her forever. Few years into the marriage, she bore the Maharaja a son in 1851, but the child could not live beyond four months. Gangadhar Rao and Lakshmibai then adopted Rao’s cousin’s son, Anand Rao, who they later renamed Damodar.

Lakshmibai ’s marriage was short-lived as the Maharaja passed away in 1853. This event, tragic as it was, brought the dawn of a new chapter in the Rani’s life.

Jhansi’s Lakshmibai: Mutiny Heroine or a Reluctant Rebel?

Too caught up to read? You can listen to this story instead:

What is the Manikarnika Controversy?

Even before its release, the film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, has managed to ruffle a few feathers and has come under attack from a Brahmin outfit in Rajasthan known as the Sarv Brahmin Mahasabha . The outfit is irked over the “historical tampering” and the celebrated Brahmin queen’s apparent “indecent portrayal”.

Suresh Mishra, President, Sarva Brahman Mahasabha, wrote a letter to the makers, saying the film's shooting will "not be allowed in Rajasthan till the complete information on the historical ground of the story is made available".

Rumours are rife that the makers have carved Lakshmibai’s character along the lines of Jaishree Misra’s novel Rani.

Misra, however, denies being approached by the makers,

If at all these film-makers have referred to my novel, they haven’t informed me of it yet.

Even Kangana Ranaut has denied any love story in the movie, saying, “This movie is sure to instil a feeling of pride among the people.”

Talking about the new trend of protests preceding the release of so called historical dramas, Dr Sandhya Sharma, Assistant Professor of History at Vivekananda College, University of Delhi says:

One cannot take a film as an authentic expression of history. History, anyway, is a construction. It is created through the mind of a historian and there will always be several interpretations and biases associated to it. A movie is a commercial project and is bound to have some figment of imagination or creative freedom at play. 

Misra agrees, “As far as protests go, they are almost always politically motivated and never about genuine feelings of offence or grievance.”

Nothing Objectionable in ‘Manikarnika...’, Say Film’s Makers

The release date of Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi has not yet been announced.

Doctrine of Lapse and the Annexation of Jhansi

The British took advantage of Maharaja’s death in 1853, and the then Governor General, Lord Dalhousie applied the Doctrine of Lapse, rejecting Damodar Rao’s claim to the throne. This, despite Gangadhar Rao and Lakshmibai solemnising the adoption of Damodar Rao in the presence of a British political officer.

An adopted heir could only inherit the private property of the ruler. Neither was he entitled to the estate nor to a pension after the ruler’s death. Many states lost their sovereignty due to this doctrine and became British territories. Kittur, Satara, Jaipur, Sambhalpur, Udaipur, Nagpur were also annexed through Doctrine of Lapse in addition to Jhansi.

Irked by the unfairness of the British, Lakshmibai even pleaded her case in a court in London which regardless to say, turned her down.

The British annexed Jhansi, seized the state jewels, granted Lakshmibai a meagre annual pension and asked her to leave the fort forever. Left without an alternative, the Rani moved to what is now known as the Rani Mahal.

Recently a letter, apparently written by Rani Lakshmibai to Lord Dalhousie shortly before the war of 1857, was unearthed, as per a report published by BBC . The letter was “found in London in the archives of the British Library.” “In the letter, the Rani of Jhansi describes the fateful events on the night her husband died”, the report says.

The Period Between 1854 and 1857

The period between the annexation of Jhansi and the breakout of the 1857 revolt piques curiosity. What was Rani Lakshmibai doing in the interim period?

London-based author Jaishree Misra who wrote Rani – one of the most comprehensive books on Lakshmibai – tells The Quint :

In those years, she wrote letters/khureetas, sent an emissary called Azimulla to the British Parliament, invited to her court an Australian lawyer called John Lang who had successfully sued the East India Company on behalf of an Agra banker to seek his legal counsel.

Misra further says that her research led her to believe that Rani Lakshmibai was in fact a pacifist and tried very hard to avoid war. But once embroiled in the battle, she gave it her all.

The Revolt of 1857

Often hailed as the first war of independence, the Sepoy mutiny of 1857 was the first organised and collective – political, military, socio-economic, religious – resistance against the oppressive British rule.

Historian RC Majumdar in his book, The Sepoy Mutiny and The Revolt of 1857, lists some of the many causes which led to the revolt of 1857:

• A ruin of trade and industry
• Unfair monopolies of trade items which extended to indispensable necessities of life
• Oppressive agrarian policy
• The Ryotwari system
• Repeated attempts by Christian missionaries to force conversion on Hindus
• Black Acts of 1849
• The evil, inaccessible and corrupt British administration – the unavailability of British officers to hear the pleas of Indians, language barrier, partiality of the British towards their own to name a few
• Non-admission of Indians into the legislative and administrative branches of the government
• Exclusion of natives from high appointments under the government
• Pride, arrogance, lack of cordiality towards Indians

Though a host of factors contributed to the mutiny, it was the greased cartridges introduced by the company that acted as the trigger to the mutiny. The new Enfield Rifle introduced by the Company required the sepoys to bite the cartridge by their teeth which was unacceptable to the soldiers as they were greased with animal fat (beef and pork). Enraged at the Britishers’s attempt to defile their religion, the soldiers joined hands in the collective mutiny.

They were joined by the rulers of the annexed states who were nursing the bitter pangs of expulsion from their own kingdoms – Rani Lakshmibai being one of them.

Rani Lakshmibai’s Participation in the Revolt

It is said that prior to the Sepoy Mutiny, Lakshmibai was rather reluctant to rebel against the British and that Jhansi was relatively peaceful in the initial phases of the revolt, unlike most of north India.

It was only in 1858 that she took up arms against the British when Sir Hugh Rose, commanding officer of the British forces, demanded the surrender of Jhansi.

Talking about the Jokhun Bagh massacre, Jaishree Misra says,

Rani Lakshmibai had actually given refuge to the local British contingent of about 70 men, women and children when reports of the uprising in other places started coming in. But she was coming under increasing pressure to get rid of them by her well-wishers and, recognising that she was compromising her own position, she finally asked them to go to the neighbouring kingdom of Datia. When this group was being escorted out, they were attacked in Jokhun Bagh, killing almost everyone – although a few people escaped and gave eyewitness accounts.

Rani wrote to the British authorities explaining the entire situation and also her helplessness and innocence in the massacre. British author Saul David seconds this explanation in his book The Indian Mutiny: 1857, when he says, “In true Maratha fashion, she would have been unwilling to enter the mutiny publicly unless success was guaranteed… for this reason, and for this reason alone she was probably not responsible for the massacre.” Historian RC Majumdar also holds similar views.

He says, “If the sepoys were really goaded into the mutiny by her she would immediately have been hailed as the ruler.”

Rani Lakshmibai was given the charge of Jhansi for a brief period following the massacre and before the arrival of another British superintendent. The Rani ruled Jhansi in the interim period, but only on behalf of the British government.

The Battle for Jhansi

RC Majumdar makes some crucial inferences with regards to the events that led to the famous battle for Jhansi:

• Gradually the British changed their views about Lakshmibai and suspected her of complicity both with the mutiny of the sepoys and the massacre of the English at Jhansi.
• It was only when the Rani felt convinced that the British government held her responsible for the mutiny and the massacre, and that she would have to face a trial on this charge, that she decided to fight – preferring an honourable death in the battlefield than a hangman’s rope.

When Sir Hugh Rose demanded a complete surrender to the British rule, Lakshmibai rebelled and organised forces to oust the British. She was joined in the battle led by Tatya Tope and Nana Sahib.

She gave the British a tough fight, fled to Kalpi and then Gwalior during the course of the battle and finally succumbed to the British forces in Gwalior in 1858.

The descriptions we have all grown up with of her bravery and heroism are absolutely true. She marched into battle alongside her troops, dressed like a man, and died when a Hussar horseman’s sword came down on her head in the heat of battle. There is a graphic and heartbreaking eyewitness account of her falling from her horse with one eyeball emerging from its socket. It is said that her troops spirited her away into the forests, but General Hugh Rose who led the British forces against her claimed to have seen her cremation in a letter he later wrote to his commander praising her courage.

Her body was cremated as per her wishes (some accounts note that Lakshmibai didn’t want her body to be captured by the British hence asked a hermit to cremate it). Three days after the death of Lakshmibai, the British captured the Fort of Gwalior.

Lakshmibai's tomb is situated in the Phool Bagh area of Gwalior.

Rani's Participation in Revolt of 1857: Patriotism or Quest for Power?

Much like the causes of the mutiny itself, the motives of Rani Lakshmibai’s participation in the 1857 uprising has been a matter of debate among historians and scholars. While some feel that she participated in the uprising to save her territory, other more nationalistic readings have ascribed her participation to patriotism.

The revolt of 1857 has been largely misunderstood as a war for nationalism. It did take that hue eventually, but at the heart of it 1857 was a quest for identity. Several protests for identity, authority, territory, regional identity, conquest for kingdom over the years have been clubbed under the name of patriotism. It is in this context that we need to establish or infer Rani Lakshmibai’s surge in the war.

RC Majumdar in his book The Sepoy Mutiny and the Revolt of 1857 argues that the uprising of 1857 was not a war of independence. He maintains that the revolt took different aspects in different regions.

Historians across generations and continents are divided over the revolt of 1857. Some call it mutiny while some nationalists such as VD Savarkar believe that it was the first war of Independence.

I believe that, initially, Rani Lakshmibai didn’t really want to fight the British with whom she had always maintained a certain cordiality. This is why she had extended help at first, giving the women and children of Jhansi cantonment refuge in her fort. However, after the Jokhun Bagh massacre, she was a marked woman and was pragmatic enough to recognise this fact. It was at this point that her development as a warrior began.

Rani Lakshmibai in Literature

The historiography of the rebellion is vast and there are multiple, sometimes contrarian, views on the part played by Rani Lakshmibai in the mutiny.

DB Parasnis’ Marathi biography of Lakshmibai, A Biography of Queen Lakshmibai of Jhansi, published in 1894, claimed that she had taken charge of Jhansi not as a rebel, but to rule in the company’s name – a stark contrast to the readings of British historians.

Novelist Vrindavanlal Verma, in his 1946 novel Jhansi ki Rani, paints her in a Hindu reformist viewpoint, as a brave compassionate ruler – an understanding that has painted much of the discourse since.

Jaishree Misra’s book Rani – which the author describes as half-fact, half-fiction – is perhaps one of the most controversial books on Lakshmibai’s life. The book was banned by the Mayawati-led Uttar Pradesh government at the time of its publication, calling a tale of romance between Lakshmibai and a British official, Robert Ellis, nothing short of blasphemy for the custodians of patriotism.

The author doesn’t camouflage Lakshmibai’s imperfections and vulnerabilities, attempting to project the celebrated queen as a flesh and blood character.

However, Misra vehemently denies the alleged love angle and says,

It’s hardly a romance. Or ‘affair’ as many publications have misreported. There are enough historical sources to establish beyond doubt that Major Ellis laid his career on the line to help the widowed Rani Lakshmibai. I have evidence in support of this.

She agrees that her book is a historical fiction, adding that historical records can never give us information on people's motivations or private thoughts anyway.

What I have tried to depict is Ellis’ admiration of the queen. In fact, Ellis decides to return to England when Lord Dalhousie orders him to stop assisting Rani Lakshmibai rather than compromise his position. Lakshmibai is aware of Ellis’s feelings, but maintains her own silence, conscious of her duty to her state, her people, her son, her father. I don’t know how this can be described as an ‘affair’.

Rani Lakshmibai in Popular Culture

“Bundeley Harbolon se hamney suni kahani thi, Khoob ladi mardani woh to Jhansi wali Rani thi”

These lines from Subhadra Kumari Chauhan’s iconic poem ‘Jhansi ki Rani’ seem to have inspired countless popular culture adaptations of Rani Lakshmibai. The poem is also taught to school kids across India as a tribute to the valour of the queen.

Sohrab Modi’s Jhansi Ki Rani (1953) remains among the earliest films made on Lakshmibai ’s life and her role in the Sepoy mutiny. The film was also dubbed in English and released as The Tiger and the Flame. In 2009, Zee TV premiered a historical drama titled Ek Veer Stree Ki Kahaani... Jhansi Ki Rani on the life of Lakshmibai. The show was on air for almost two years with Ulka Gupta and Kratika Sengar playing the titular role.

Statues of Lakshmibai riding a horse are scattered all around the country. Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education in Gwalior, Maharani Laxmibai Medical College in Jhansi, and the Rani Jhansi Marine National Park are institutional tributes to the memory of the queen of Jhansi. Not just this, a women’s unit in the Indian National Army is named the ‘Rani of Jhansi Regiment’ to commemorate the warrior queen’s bravery.

Indian film actress Kangana Ranaut will now be seen playing Rani Lakshmibai in an upcoming Bollywood film titled Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi , with Ankita Lokhande stepping in the shoes of Jhalkaribai.

(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)

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Fierce Facts About Lakshmi Bai, The Indian Warrior Queen

Rani Lakshmi Bai went down in history as one of colonizing Britain's fiercest enemies, alongside fighters like Jind Kaur and Duleep Singh . But few people know the Rani's utterly dramatic and tragic story.

1. She Was Born To A Prominent Family

The future Hindu Queen was born in November of 1828 with a silver spoon firmly in her mouth. Her father was a military commander for the ruling Peshwa, and her family were Brahmins, an extremely high caste in Indian society. You might expect, then, that she would have a traditional upbringing. Well, it was anything but.

2. She Lost Her Mother

When Lakshmi Bai was only four years old, she went through every child's worst nightmare.  Her mother passed, leaving her almost entirely alone in the world. However, that wasn't the only change headed her way: Now that her mother was gone, she ended up in her father's care. And  that was one wild ride.

3. She Grew Up In The Court

After Lakshmi Bai's mother passed, her father became her primary caretaker. As such, He brought her to the court of his boss, the ruling Peshwa. There, she learned to read and write, plus earned the nickname "Chhabili," which means "cheerful" or "beautiful". But these were not her only accomplishments.

4. She Was Tough

With her father her only parental figure, it wasn't long before Lakshmi Bai became something of a tomboy. Under his guidance, she learned marksmanship, horsemanship, and fencing—all off which were unusual for a Brahmin girl. She also made fast friends with Nana Sahib and Tantia Tope, two high-ranking boys who became her constant childhood companions.

She was now a martial arts machine...but that wasn't the only way she was combative.

5. She Challenged Tradition

Lakshmi Bai was bold and brave. Even in childhood, she was infamous for her courage and her defiant spirit. Although she could have often been carried in a palanquin, she preferred to ride horseback on her own. She also protested everything and was unafraid to voice her opinion. Still, there was one tradition she couldn’t shake off.

6. She Was A Child Bride

As she grew up, Lakshmi Bai got closer to an awful fate. After all, tomboy or not, her father still expected her to marry someone of her station—and quick. When she was only around 14 years old, she married Gangadhar Rao, the Maharaja of Jhansi. Yes, Lakshmi Bai was now a Rani, or a Queen. But this was no fairy tale.

7. Her Husband Was Much Older

Lakshmi Bai’s new husband wasn't all bad; he enjoyed arts and literature and had a big personal library. Nonetheless, he was also much older than the poor girl, who had barely hit puberty at this point. Plus, since his last wife had died childless, there was a huge push for Laskhmi Bai to give him an heir, stat. So began her transformation.

8. She Changed Her Name

It's customary for Indian women of high castes to change their names upon marriage and to adopt a new persona. During her wedding ceremony, the young girl assumed her new identity as Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi. She received the name "Lakshmi" after an Indian Goddess of Wealth, and "Bai" is one of the titles a Rani takes on.

Lakshmi Bai had gone from a bold, combative young girl to a queen shouldering exceptionally high expectations. Her new-found status came with a price.

9. She Bared It All

Lakshmi Bai’s royal marriage meant that she now had strict rules of conduct to follow—something she was not good at.  There was one thing in particular that infuriated her. The independent Lakshmi Bai refused to follow the purdah system, where women had to wear veils and cover up in public. Then she went one step further.

10. She Dressed Like A Man

It wasn't enough for Lakshmi Bai to refuse to submit to purdah; she also began wearing a turban around. As this was a customarily masculine item of clothing, it was particularly scandalous. In her transformation into a Rani, then, Lakshmi Bai changed the system rather than letting the system change her. It would be her doom, but also her legacy.

11. She Had An Incredible Skill

Lakshmi Bai also wasn't afraid to show off her skills, especially when it came to riding horses. She was a constant rider, and even did feats of dressage with them. As one source describes, "she would do high jumps over hedges, jumps over trenches, suddenly stop the horse and make it sit". Still, her real defiance was in one, earth-shattering act.

12. She Shared Her Privilege

In an India where the caste system ruled, high-ranking Hindus like Lakshmi Bai weren't supposed to even look at people of certain lower castes. But Lakshmi Bai was having none of that. She frequently talked to people of all sorts of castes, and looked her acquaintances boldly in the eye. Her bravery didn't stop there, either.

13. She Trained Her Own Army

As the Queen of Jhansi, Lakshmi Bai's husband wouldn't let her continue her military training in a formal way. So she came up with a much different solution. She began training her own ladies in the martial techniques she'd learned as a child, building up her own informal army. But life was about to throw her another curveball.

14. She Was A Teenage Mom

Soon after marrying the Maharaja, Lakshmi Bai gave birth to a beautiful baby boy she named Damodar Rao. As far as tradition was concerned, she had now fulfilled her destiny as the Rani of Jhansi, giving its ruler a male heir. If her life had continued on that happy path, it might have turned out very differently. But tragedy was coming.

15. She Lost Her Son

Unfortunately, it wasn't in the cards for Lakshmi Bai to raise her son. Instead, she got yet another family nightmare: After suffering through a chronic illness, the boy perished at the four months old. Not only did it throw Lakshmi Bai into a tailspin of grief, but now her realm had no heir once more. It was about to get even more precarious.

16. Her Husband Fell Ill

Not long after their infant son’s passing, the Maharaja got sick, and then kept getting sicker. His body was falling apart before their very eyes, yet if he died right then and there he would leave his kingdom in turmoil. The people of Jhansi knew they had to find a solution—fast. Lakshmi Bai wasted no time coming up with one.

17. She Adopted An Heir

With the Maharaja fading fast, the royal couple quickly adopted a distant relative, the young boy Anand Rao. This had a creepy twist. To ensure everything was as seamless as possible, they renamed the boy Damodar, after their fallen son. With his new name, Damodar version 2 was now the heir to the throne of Jhansi. Until, that is, it instantly unravelled.

18. She Refused To Sacrifice Herself

Just a day after Lakshmi Bai and her husband officially adopted Damodar, the Maharaja finally succumbed to his long illness and passed. In true defiant fashion, Lakshmi Bai then proceeded to ignore the Indian custom of a widow immolating herself after her husband's death, and went about starting to rule Jhansi as regent for her new son. It wasn't easy—and she made a strange mark.

19. She Strengthened Her Kingdom

Lakshmi Bai had been famous in her own local area for her bravery and free-spirited thinking, but as her power over Jhansi grew, so did her reputation. People soon knew her across India as a just, fearless ruler who was as intelligent as she was strong. Nonetheless, her rise to fame started to attract attention—a very bad kind of attention.

20. The British Played Her

Lakshmi Bai was riding high—but then came her greatest enemy. The British had been interfering in India for quite some time, and they decided that they needed to take this upstart Rani down a peg. They hit her right where it hurt. British East India Company officials took one look at the Maharaja’s heir, his adopted son, and insisted the heir had to be a direct blood relative.

So suddenly, Lakshmi Bai's realm had no heir at all. It was dizzying news, and the consequences on the new queen were bitter.

21. They Ordered Her To Leave

When the British decided Jhansi had no true ruler, it had far-reaching effects. Not only were they now going to annex Jhansi to surrounding Indian states, but they also demanded that Lakshmi Bai leave behind her palace and everything in it. For her troubles, she would only get an annual pension.

As we already know, Lakshmi Bai did not take well to orders. What she did next shocked the authorities.

22. She Uttered A Legendary Phrase

Lakshmi Bai was a powerhouse who ruled more like a businesswoman than a queen, and she was afraid of no one. So, when the British asked her to leave her estate, she said no, replying, "I will not give up my Jhansi”—a phrase that is iconic in India today. But taking on the British was an uphill battle, and the worst was yet to come.

23. She Was On The Hook

Although Lakshmi Bai wrote many appeals over the British East India Company's decision on her heir, they fell on deaf ears, and it wan't long before the British edged her out of her own palace. It gets more infuriating. Although the officials did give her a pension, they nonetheless forced her to pay off her husband's debts with part of the money. Then they added insult to injury.

24. She Got Her Own Guard

After giving Lakshmi the boot, authorities moved British officials into her palace. Knowing they had a firebrand on their hands, they even put out a security detail to specifically deal with her. They should have known this couldn't stop Lakshmi Bai, Rani of Jhansi. She was losing patience, and decided it was time to do something drastic.

25. She Broke Tradition

Lakshmi Bai was so angry that she broke tradition and personally confronted the British official now occupying her palace, even removing her face covering to speak to the man face-to-face. This behavior sent a serious message—this woman was not playing around. Unfortunately for the British, she wasn't the only one who was angry.

26. Her Country Was At War

The British were now actively taking over as many Indian kingdoms as they could get their hands on. It wasn’t long until resentment grew to epic proportions, and in 1857 it turned into a full-blown revolt. Indian soldiers started brutally taking out British officials and their families. But Lakshmi Bai's involvement in this might surprise you.

27. They Threatened Her State

As the rebellion ramped up, Lakshmi Bai found herself right in the middle of the firefight. One day, the rebels hit her realm, cut off supplies to a British fort, and then slaughtered the people inside when they tried to escape. It was a complete disaster for the British, and they desperately asked Lakshmi Bai for help.  Her response was ruthless.

Lakshmi Bai not only said “absolutely not” to her oppressors, she also did it in style, calling them “British swine” in the process. But she was playing a dangerous game.

28. She Played Both Sides

For all her bluster to the British, the rebellion was a double-edged sword for Lakshmi Bai. She might have harbored a desire to see the British fall, yes, but she still had to play nice with her oppressors. So over the course of the rebellion, she likely played both sides, appealing to the British after this incident and possibly helping them at times. But this all backfired on her.

29. The British Accused Her

Lakshmi Bai had always been a thorn in the side of the British, and they had about as much trust for her as she had for them.  One day, it came to a brutal climax. The British accused her of orchestrating some of the rebellion's activities, and they had no intention of letting that stand. Instead, they launched their own revenge.

30. She Was Under Siege

In early 1858, the British began marching toward Jhansi and stormed Lakshmi Bai's fortress. They had a fearsome army, but they had also learned that their opponent wasn't one to be underestimated. After all, Lakshmi Bai was no mere retiring widow. Well, they were right to be on their guard. When they arrived, Lakshmi Bai unleashed.

31. She Was A Tireless Leader

Like the cunning woman she was, Lakshmi Bai had been preparing for this moment for a good long while. She had prepared cannons, other weapons, and re-upped the training on her personal army. When the British came, she fought at the head of her troops, gloriously brave. But it would all come to naught.

32. The British Beat Her

Despite Lakshmi Bai's intense preparations and hard-won skills, her resources were no match for the British. Soon, the enemy had batted away everything she could throw at them and breached the walls of her fortress. More than that, they targeted Lakshmi Bai’s personal assets, hitting her elephant stables and killing all the animals inside.

Jhansi was in serious trouble. So was its queen.

33. They Destroyed Her City

Within days, the British army ran rampant in Jhansi. Crowds of people perished in the streets, until the whole populace was in a panic.  It led them to desperate measures. “Those who could not escape," a British field surgeon reported, “threw their women and babies down wells and then jumped down themselves". There was only one thing left for Lakshmi Bai to do.

34. She Made A Great Escape

With her realm crumbling around her, Lakshmi Bai made a daring escape. According to one report, one of her closest aides disguised herself as the queen so Lakshmi Bai could slip out of the haze of battle. But she didn't go alone: She strapped her adopted son to her back and escaped the fortress on horseback.

She was finally out, but that didn't mean her family was safe.

35. Her Father Didn’t Make It

Lakshmi Bai’s father also managed to escape, even though the fighting had gravely injured him. Still, he rode all night and found a shop owner who he thought would help him. It was a dark error. The shop owner sold him out to the British East India Company, and soldiers promptly hanged him. But Lakshmi Bai had more fight left in her.

36. She Reunited With Someone Close

In her incredible escape, Lakshmi Bai rode nearly a hundred miles in just one day before finally reaching a fortress in Kalpi. It was a mighty stronghold filled with other resistance fighters, and although she must have been exhausted, the atmosphere likely helped to re-invigorate her. Plus, there was a surprise waiting.

37. She Joined The Rebels

When Lakshmi Bai pulled into Kalpi that day, she met some familiar faces. Two of the resistance leaders were actually her closest childhood friends, Nana Sahib and Tantia Tope. She had complete trust in them, and it led her to a fateful decision. At long last, after the sacking of her kingdom, she was all-in for the revolution.

38. She Had Hidden Foes

Lakshmi Bai geared up the troops she had left, training them in the city of Gwalior. While there, she hoped to gain more allies and grow their forces. What she got was a rude awakening. The Maharaja of the realm was a British loyalist, and immediately tried to put down Lakshmi Bai and her friends. But fate had other plans.

39. She Inspired A Mutiny

When the ruler attempted to push back against the rebels, a brilliant plot twist occurred. Seeing just how powerful and inspirational Lakshmi Bai and her friends were, his entire army turned on him. It was such an enormous mutiny, the man actually fled the city, fearing for his life. Yet danger still loomed on the horizon.

40. She Led The Countercharge

That scorching hot summer, the British finally caught back up with Lakshmi Bai and attacked Gwailor. It was the last straw. The rebels knew they had to hit back, and, in a show of devotion to the Rani, they decided she should be the one to lead their countercharge on the British. Lakshmi Bai did not disappoint.

41. She Made A Cutting Figure

The Rani of Jhansi knew exactly how to get people's attention, and she addressed her troops and began the battle that day dressed like a man and atop a mighty steed. She then thundered out into the battlefield, ready to give her life for her country and her cause. Sadly, that's exactly what she would do that day.

42. She Was Cool Under Pressure

Lakshmi Bai fought tooth and nail for her independence, but the battle on June 17, 1858 was brutal. The British charged at the Indian force, felling large swaths of them. The Rani kept her composure amidst it all, even after she got wounded and the fray separated her from her horse. But when the end came, it wasn't pretty.

43. She Met Her Maker

As the battle calmed down, at least according to one story, Lakshmi Bai realized she how hurt she was and sat by the roadside trying to recover. Suddenly, however, she spotted one of the British soldiers she had skirmished with and fired her pistol at him. It would be her last brave act. The man fired back at her, fatally wounding her. Still, she had one last wish.

44. She Had A Final Wish

Reportedly, when Lakshmi Bai realized she was probably too wounded to go on, she asked a hermit to cremate her body once it was all over. That way, the British would never have her as a war trophy. Accordingly, locals loyal to her cause honored her wishes, and she escaped the clutches of the British one last time. Her friend wasn't so lucky.

45. She Didn't Get A Happy Ending

Not long after Lakshmi Bai was no more, so too was the resistance. After her passing, her close friend Tantia Tope continued fighting as best he could, but the British eventually captured and executed him. That said, her other friend Nana Sahib disappeared into the ether, never to be found. Like Lakshmi Bai herself, he is something of a legend today.

46. Her Demise Earned Her Respect

Lakshmi Bai's last stand sadly ended with a victory for the British, yes. But even her enemies knew she was a worthy opponent. The British commander Hugh Rose called her the "most dangerous of all Indian leaders". But even in death, her reputation lived on.

47. Her Rivals Secretly Admired Her

While she was living, the British liked to call Lakshmi Bai the "Jezebel of India," painting her as a scheming and cunning woman out for blood. Hugh Rose, however, once again had quite a different idea. In a nod of respect to her, he once noted:“The Indian Mutiny had produced but one man, and that man was a woman”.

48. She Became A National Heroine

In modern-day India, people recognize the Rani of Jhansi as a national heroine. Far from a Jezebel figure, they look on her more as a Joan of Arc , fighting for her cause no matter what the cost. Accordingly, she has multiple statues, television series, and streets in India to show the sacrifice she made for her country.

Only, she doesn't just live on in memory. She produced real change.

49. She Won A Victory After All

After this spate of rebellion ended, the British didn't entirely forget the lessons Lakshmi Bai taught them. In particular, they realized the East India Company was not helping matters in India, and dissolved it in favor of Crown rule. A shallow victory? Maybe, but it was one step closer to true freedom for Lakshmi Bai's successors. And there's more.

50. She Set A Precedent

In 1940, almost a century after Lakshmi Bai died, the Indian National Army formed an all-female group that assisted the country in its battle for independence. They called this unit the “Rani of the Jhansi regiment” and it became a hot topic in history books around the world. Now that's how you do it.

Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11

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• Indian History /

Rani Lakshmi Bai: The Courage and Leadership of ‘Jhansi ki Rani’

• Updated on  
• Feb 23, 2024

In a world where the glorious tales of kings and their battle victories often overshadow the roles of women, Rani Lakshmi Bai emerges as a remarkable exception. As a central figure in the Indian Revolt of 1857 , her legacy is defined by selflessness, courage, and unwavering dedication. In this blog, we will explore the extraordinary life of this warrior queen, especially shedding light on her early life details. 

Also Read: Unveiling the Heroic Role of Women in India’s Freedom Struggle

What was the Early Life of Rani Lakshmi Bai?

Interestingly, the exact birth date of Lakshmi Bai is still unknown. According to some records, she was believed to have been born around 1828 in Varanasi. Her early childhood was spent in the household of Peshwa Baji Rao II, thus, answerable for the unusual bringing. Moreover, growing up among boys in Peshwa’s court, Rani Lakshmi Bai was trained exceptionally well in martial arts, riding, and fighting.  

Bai’s Married Life

Rani Lakshmi Bai was married to the king of Jhansi who was known as Gangadhar Rao Newalkar. In 1851, the couple was blessed with a baby son, Damodar Rao, who was the heir of the kingdom. Unfortunately, he died within 4 months of his birth. However, the couple later adopted Gangadhar Rao’s cousin and named him Damodar Rao. 

Upon Maharaja’s demise in the year 1853, the British government implemented the famous Doctrine of Lapse under the Governor-General Lord Dalhousie . Thus, this rejected Damodar Rao’s claim to the throne as illegitimate. Rani Lakshmi Bai was asked to leave the region. 

Also Read: Indian Freedom Fighters

The Revolt of 1857

The Indian Revolt of Meerut started in May 1857. Upon receiving the dreadful news, Lakshmi Bai increased her security to protect the region from falling into the wrong hands. Additionally, the Bengal Native Infantry occupied Jhansi’s Star Fort in June 1857 and broke massacre onto British officials. 

Suspecting Lakshmi Bai’s involvement in the incident, Sir Hugh Rose, the commanding officer, demanded her to surrender the city. Upon receiving a refusal from the Queen of Jhansi, British forces launched full-force attacks on Jhansi. As the troops continued to destroy Jhansi, Rani Lakshmi Bai escaped the fort with her son and her horse who died shortly after their escape. 

Death of Rani Lakshmi Bai

Furthermore, after escaping the destructing region of Jhansi, Lakshmi Bai is believed to have joined other forces such as Kapli. Unfortunately, British forces managed to reign supreme by defeating all forces against them. 

Consequently, the British forces again attacked rebellions in Kotah-ki-Serai near Gwalior. Thousands of people lost their lives, hundreds were widowed, and tons of people became orphans in the blink of an eye. Thus, it was during this time that Queen Lakshmi Bai lost her life as a martyr on the battlefield. 

Interesting Facts About Rani Lakshmi Bai

In addition, here are interesting facts about Rani Lakshmi Bai:

• The birth name of Lakshmi Bai was Manikarnika Tambe. It was only after her marriage to the King of Jhansi that she was renamed.
• Lakshmi Bai is believed to have excellent horseback riding skills.
• Moreover, Chabili is one of her nicknames which was given to her for her playful nature. 
• Consequently, to honour the courageous Queen of Jhansi, two postage stamps were issued in 1957.

Thus, the life of Rani Lakshmi Bai is a true testament to courage and unwavering determination. moreover, her fearless leadership on the battlefield and undefeatable spirit serve as a reminder for the young generation to never be afraid.

Rani Laxmi Bai is famous as she was one of the first woman freedom fighters in 1857 who was against the British.

Rani Lakshmibai was trained by Peshwa Baji Rao II.

Rani Laxmi Bai died in the Battle of Gwalior on the 18th of June, 1858.

#1. Rani Lakshmi Bai was married to?

#2. rani lakshmi bai named her son, #3. the revolt of merut began in which year.

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Rani Lakshmi Bai Biography

Rani Lakshmi Bai was one of the leading warriors of the India’s first struggle for independence. A symbol of bravery, patriotism and honour, Rani Lakshmi Bai was born on 19 November 1828 at Poona. Her actual name was Manikarnika. Her father Moropant Tabme was a court advisor, and mother Bhagirathi was a scholarly woman. At a very early age she lost her mother. Her father raised her in an unconventional way and supported her to learn to ride elephants and horses and also to use weapons effectively. She grew up with Nana Sahib and Tatya Tope, who were active participants in the first revolt of independence.

In 1842, Rani Lakshmi Bai got married to Raja Gangadhar Rao who was the Maharaja of Jhansi. After her marriage, she came to be known as Lakshmi Bai. In 1851, she gave birth to a son but unfortunately he died in his fourth month. After this tragic incident, Damodar Rao was adopted by the Maharaja of Jhansi as his son. Moved by the death of his son and his poor health, Maharaja Gangadhar Rao also died on 21 November 1853. When the Maharaja died, Rani Lakshmi Bai was just eighteen years old, but she didn’t lose her courage and took up her responsibility.

Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India at that time, was a very shrewd person who tried to take advantage of the misfortune of Jhansi to expand the British Empire. The British rulers did not accept little Damodar Rao, as the legal heir of late Maharaja Gangadhar Rao and Rani Lakshmi Bai. Their plan was to annex Jhansi on the ground that it did not have any legal heir. In March 1854, Rani of Jhansi was granted an annual pension of 60,000 and was ordered to leave the Jhansi fort. She was firm on the decision not to give up the dominion of Jhansi to the British.

For strengthening the defence of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmi Bai assembled an army of rebellions, which also included women. For this great cause she was supported by brave warriors like Gulam Gaus Khan, Dost Khan, Khuda Baksh, Sunder-Mundar, Kashi Bai, Lala Bhau Bakshi, Moti Bai, Deewan Raghunath Singh and Deewan Jawahar Singh. She assembled 14,000 rebels and organised an army for the defence of the city.

In March 1858, when the British attacked Jhansi, Rani Lakshmi Bai’s army decided to fight and the war continued for about two weeks. The army fought very bravely, even though Jhansi lost to the British forces. After a fierce war when the British army entered Jhansi, Rani Lakshmi Bai, tied her son Damodar Rao to her back and fought bravely using two swords in both her hands. She escaped to the fortress of Kalpi under the cover of darkness and was accompanied by many other rebellions. She departed to Gwalior and a fierce battle was fought between the British and the Rani’s army. On the unfortunate day of 17 June of 1858, this great warrior martyred her life for India’s freedom.

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