Rani Lakshmibai
| Rani Lakshmibai | |
|---|---|
| |
| Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi | |
| Born | 19 November 1828 |
| Birthplace | Varanasi, British India |
| Died | 18 June 1858 (aged 29) |
| Place of death | Gwalior, British India |
| Resting place | Gwalior, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Queen of Jhansi, Freedom Fighter |
| Years active | 1842–1858 |
| Known for | Role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
| Notable works | Leadership in 1857 rebellion, legacy of women's bravery |
| Awards | Regarded as a National Heroine of India (posthumous) |
| Spouse(s) | Raja Gangadhar Rao |
| Children | Damodar Rao (adopted) |
| Parents | |
| Religion | |
| Website | Knowlepedia Article |
Rani Lakshmibai (19 November 1828 – 18 June 1858), popularly known as the Queen of Jhansi, was a leading figure in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and is remembered as a symbol of resistance to British colonial rule in India.[1] Her bravery, leadership, and sacrifice made her one of India’s greatest freedom fighters.
Early Life
She was born as Manikarnika Tambe on 19 November 1828 in Varanasi, into a Marathi Brahmin family. Her father, Moropant Tambe, worked for the Peshwa of Bithoor. She was raised in a manner similar to boys, learning horse riding, sword fighting, and archery.[2]
Marriage and Becoming Queen
At the age of 14, she was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, and was named Lakshmibai. After the Maharaja’s death in 1853, their adopted son Damodar Rao was denied legitimacy by the British under the Doctrine of Lapse, and Jhansi was annexed.
Role in the 1857 Rebellion
Refusing to cede Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai took charge of the armed resistance. She organized an army of men and women and led a valiant defense of her kingdom against British forces. In March 1858, Jhansi was attacked by Sir Hugh Rose. After fierce fighting, the British captured the fort, but the Rani escaped on horseback with her son.[3]
Death
On 18 June 1858, at the age of 29, Rani Lakshmibai died on the battlefield near Gwalior, fighting the British army. Dressed as a soldier, she fought fiercely till the end, becoming a martyr in the struggle for Indian independence.[4]
Legacy
- Revered as a national heroine and symbol of resistance.
- Remembered through poems like Subhadra Kumari Chauhan's Jhansi ki Rani.
- Statues erected in her honor across India.
- Indian Navy’s warship INS Rani Lakshmibai is named after her.
- Her birth anniversary is celebrated as **Balidan Diwas**.
See Also
References
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lakshmi-Bai
- ↑ https://www.livehistoryindia.com/herstory/2021/03/08/rani-of-jhansi
- ↑ https://www.historyextra.com/period/victorian/rani-lakshmibai-jhansi-biography-queen-indian-rebellion/
- ↑ https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/rani-laxmi-bai-queen-of-jhansi-death-anniversary-1250766-2018-06-18