Rani Lakshmi Bai was the queen of the princely state of Jhansi, which
is located on the northern side of India. She was one of the most
leading personalities of the first war of India's independence that
started in 1857. In this article, we will present you with the biography
of Rani Lakshmibai, who was an epitome of bravery and courage.
Early Life
She was born to a Maharashtrian family at Kashi (now Varanasi) in the
year 1828. During her childhood, she was called by the name Manikarnika.
Affectionately, her family members called her Manu. At a tender age of
four, she lost her mother. As a result, the responsibility of raising
her fell upon her father. While pursuing studies, she also took formal
training in martial arts, which included horse riding, shooting and
fencing. To know the complete life history of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi,
read on.
In the year 1842, she got married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar
Rao Niwalkar. On getting married, she was given the name Lakshmi Bai.
Her wedding ceremony was held at the Ganesh temple, located in the old
city of Jhansi. In the year 1851, she gave birth to a son. Unfortunately,
the child did not survive more than four months.
In the year 1853, Gangadhar Rao fell sick and became very weak. So, the
couple decided to adopt a child. To ensure that the British do not raise
an issue over the adoption, Lakshmibai got this adoption witnessed by
the local British representatives. On 21st November 1853, Maharaja Gangadhar
Rao died.
Invasion
During that period, Lord Dalhousie was the Governor General of British
India. The adopted child was named Damodar Rao. As per the Hindu
tradition, he was their legal heir. However, the British rulers refused
to accept him as the legal heir. As per the Doctrine of Lapse, Lord
Dalhousie decided to seize the state of Jhansi. Rani Lakshmibai went to
a British lawyer and consulted him. Thereafter, she filed an appeal for
the hearing of her case in London. But, her plea was rejected. The
British authorities confiscated the state jewels. Also, an order was
passed asking the Rani to leave Jhansi fort and move to the Rani Mahal
in Jhansi. Laxmibai was firm about protecting the state of Jhansi.
The war
Jhansi became the focal point of uprising. Rani of Jhansi began to
strengthen her position. By seeking the support of others, she formed a
volunteer army. The army not just consisted of the men folk, but the
women were also actively involved. Women were also given military
training to fight a battle. In the revolt, Rani Lakshmibai was
accompanied by her generals.
From the period between Sep-Oct 1857, Rani defended Jhansi from being
invaded by the armies of the neighboring rajas of Orchha and Datia. In
January 1858, the British army headed it's away towards Jhansi. The conflict
went on for two weeks. Finally, the Britishers succeeded in the annexation
of the city. However, Rani Laksmi Bai managed to escape along with her son,
in the guise of a man.
She took refuge in Kalpi, where she met Tatya Tope, a great warrior. She
died on 17thJune, during the battle for Gwalior. It is believed that,
when she was lying unconscious in the battle field, a Brahmin found her
and brought her to an ashram, where she died. For her immense effort,
she is referred to as the 'Icon of the Indian Nationalist Movement'. Throughout
the uprising, the aim of Rani was to secure the throne for her adopted
son Damodar. Her story became a beacon for the upcoming generations of
freedom fighters.
Lot of literature has been written on the life history of Rani
Lakshmibai of Jhansi. Heroic poems have been composed in her honor.
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