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Rani Lakshmibai was the queen of the Maratha state of Jhansi. She was a key player in the Indian Revolt of 1857, and for Indian nationalists, she became a symbol of great opposition to the British Raj and the first female freedom fighter of India. Her unrivalled bravery is the reason she is India’s most heroic queen.
Early life
Born in Kashi on November 19, 1828, rani laxmibai was named Manikarnika tambe. Moropant Tambe was her father’s name. ‘Manu’ was her endearing nickname. Her mother died while he was as little as 4 years old. Manu’s father used to serve for Bithur’s Peshwa Saheb (Peshwa Bajirao II). Manu was reared by the Peshwa saheb as if she were his real daughter. Manu was given the name ‘Chhabili’ by him, which means “beautiful” Manu had been studying how to use guns since he was a toddler. Under the direction of Tatya tope and nana saheb, she became excellent in horseback riding and fencing.
The doctrine of lapse by the Britishers
Manu married Gangadhar Rao, who was the King of Jhansi, in the year 1842. She was 12 at the time. She was given the name ‘Lakshmibai’ after her marriage. Her first son lasted for only a few months before dying. Gangadhar Rao then, adopted and raised his nephew and christened him Damodar Rao after this tragedy. King Gangadhar, on the other hand, grew depressed at the loss of his first son. He became bedridden as his condition deteriorated. After he died, the duty for kingdom management came to Rani Lakshmibai, who handled it well.
Since Damodar Rao was adopted, the British East India Company, used the Doctrine of Lapse to dismiss his claim to the throne and conquer the kingdom off its possessions. “Main apni Jhansi Nahi doongi,” she exclaimed when she learned of this. Since then, “I shall not surrender my Jhansi” became her pledge till her very last breath. Rani Lakshmibai was granted an annual pension and was told to vacate the palace and fort.
Fighting for Jhansi and becoming a warrior queen
Jhansi was in peace under Rani’s authority from August 1857 until January 1858. The British had promised to send soldiers to maintain control, but their failure to do so boosted the position of a group of her advisers who desired independence from British sovereignty. When British soldiers arrived in March, they found the fort well-defended, with large weapons capable of firing across the town and surrounding area.
Hugh Rose, the commander of the British forces, ordered the city’s surrender; if it was rejected, the city would be destroyed. Rani Laxmi bai stated the following after much deliberation: “We are fighting for our freedom. According to Lord Krishna, if we are successful, we will enjoy the rewards of victory; nevertheless, if we are destroyed and slain on the battlefield, we will undoubtedly win eternal glory and redemption.” Once Sir Hugh Rose invaded Jhansi on March 23, 1858, she defended the city against British forces.
The battle continued between Jhansi under the leadership of Rani Laxmibai and Tatya Tope and Britishers. On April 2 it was planned to attack a hole in the walls. At various intervals, four columns stormed the defences, and those seeking to mount the walls were met with heavy fire. Two more columns had already reached the city and were on their way to the palace. In every street and every chamber of the castle, Britishers met with great resistance.
Even women and children were not spared in the street violence that lasted throughout the next day.
She leapt from the fort on her horse carrying her son on her back, according to legend; they both survived, but the horse perished. She escaped with her son in the middle of the night, surrounded by soldiers. She and a few guards decamped to Kalpi, where she joined other rebel troops, including Tatya Tope. They occupied and were ready to defend the town of Kalpi. On the 22nd of May, British soldiers invaded Kalpi, led by the Rani herself, and were crushed once more.
The leaders arrived in Gwalior and accompanied the Indian soldiers. They marched on to Gwalior intending to seize the strategically important Gwalior Fort. She was unable in persuading the other leaders to help defend Gwalior against an impending British onslaught, which she predicted would happen shortly.
How did Rani Laxmi bai die?
On the 17th of June, in Kotah-ki-Serai, near Gwalior’s Phool Bagh, a squadron led by Captain Heneage engaged a large Indian army led by Rani Lakshmibai who was attempting to flee the region. They surged into the Indian troops, slaying 5,000 Indians, including anybody “above the age of 16.” They seized two weapons and charged directly into the encampment of Phool Bagh.
According to eyewitnesses, she dressed as a sowar and fought one of the opponents; the queen was injured, most likely by his sabre. As she lay bleeding on the wayside, she fired a pistol at him, prompting him to “kill the young girl with his rifle.” According to another legend, she was seriously wounded while masquerading as a cavalry captain, and instead of letting the British take her body, she commanded a hermitage to burn it. A few locals incinerated her body after she died.
Conclusion
The queen’s dedication to the nation reawakened the spirit of liberty amongst people. She influenced a lot of women to join the civil rights fight. She gave her life in defence of her people’s dignity and independence. She was undeniably a royal queen and a fearless warrior. Rani Laxmi Bai reawakened India’s dormant desire for independence from British domination. Her struggle will live on throughout all time.
