Rani Lakshmi Bai, born around 1835 in India, was a brave queen and leader during a time of conflict. Unlike many girls of her time, Rani Lakshmibai learned to fight and ride horses while growing up. Rani lakshmi bai became queen when she married the ruler of Jhansi, but sadly, they had no children who lived to inherit the throne. When the king passed away, he adopted a son, but British officials refused to accept him as the rightful heir and took control of Jhansi. This act sparked Lakshmi Bai’s fight for her kingdom and her people.
Table of Content
- Rani Laxmi Bai Overview
- History of Rani Lakshmi Bai
- Biography of Rani Lakshmi Bai
- Rani Laxmi Bai – Jhansi
- Role of Rani Lakshmi Bai in the Indian freedom struggle
- Indian Rebellion of 1857
- The Role of Rani Laxmi Bai in the 1857 Revolt
- Legacy of Rani Laxmi Bai
- Death of Rani Laxmi Bai
- Modern Indian History For UPSC
Rani Laxmi Bai Overview
The following is a brief overview of Rani Laxmi Bai:
| Key Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi |
| Birth | 19 November 1828 |
| Birthplace | Varanasi, India |
| Death | 18 June 1858 |
| Role in Indian History | A prominent figure in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
| Title | Rani of Jhansi (Queen of Jhansi) |
| Notable For | Her resistance to the British Raj |
| Legacy | Symbol of resistance to British rule in India |
| Marriage | Married to Maharaja Gangadhar Rao, the King of Jhansi |
| Child | Adopted son, Damodar Rao |
| Death Place | Gwalior, India |
History of Rani Lakshmi Bai
Rani Lakshmibai, also known as Jhansi ki Rani, was a courageous ruler of the princely kingdom of Jhansi (currently located in the Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh). Her remarkable life is intertwined with the early Indian Rebellion of 1857, and she remains an enduring symbol of resistance against British rule in India.
Here are some key details about this remarkable historical figure:
Born as Manikarnika Tambe on November 19, 1828 (some sources suggest 1835) in the town of Banares (now Varanasi), she hailed from a Marathi Karhade Brahmin family.
- Her father, Moropant Tambe, served as a Commander during the war of Kalyanpranth and worked for Peshwa Baji Rao II of Bithoor district.
- Educated at home, she learned to read, write, and engage in activities such as shooting, horsemanship, fencing, and mallakhamba. Her childhood friends included Nana Sahib and Tantia Tope.
Marriage and Leadership:
- Lakshmibai married the Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, in 1842.
- When the Maharaja passed away in 1853, the British East India Company refused to recognize the claim of his adopted heir and annexed Jhansi under the Doctrine of Lapse.
- Unwilling to surrender control, Rani Lakshmibai joined the rebellion against the British in 1857.
- She led the successful defense of Jhansi against Company allies but, in early 1858, Jhansi fell to British forces led by Hugh Rose.
- The Rani escaped on horseback and later joined the rebels in capturing Gwalior, where they proclaimed Nana Saheb as the Peshwa of the revived Maratha Empire.
- Tragically, she was mortally wounded during the British counterattack at Gwalior and passed away in June 1858.
Rani Lakshmibai’s legacy endures as a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to India’s freedom struggle. Her indomitable spirit continues to inspire generations.
Biography of Rani Lakshmi Bai
Rani Lakshmi Bai, the iconic Queen of Jhansi, is a celebrated figure in Indian history, known for her valiant resistance against British colonial rule. Here’s a overview of her biography:
- Birth: She was born on November 19, 1828, in Varanasi, India. Her birth name was Manikarnika Tambe, and she was affectionately called Manu in her childhood.
- Early Life: Manikarnika was raised in a Brahmin family. She lost her mother at a young age and was educated at home. She was trained in horseback riding, fencing, and shooting, displaying a keen interest in martial arts.
- Marriage: In 1842, she married Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, the King of Jhansi. Upon her marriage, she was renamed Lakshmi Bai, in honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.
- Motherhood and Adoption: The couple had a son in 1851, but he died at four months old. In 1853, as Maharaja Gangadhar Rao was in poor health, they adopted a son, Damodar Rao. The Maharaja died shortly after the adoption, leaving Lakshmi Bai a young widow.
- The British Raj and Jhansi: The British East India Company, under the Doctrine of Lapse policy, refused to recognize her adopted son as the heir to Jhansi and annexed the state. Rani Lakshmi Bai was ordered to leave the palace.
- Indian Rebellion of 1857: She became one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Her resistance to British rule in Jhansi was marked by her strategic military skills and bravery.
- The Siege of Jhansi: In 1858, Jhansi was besieged by British forces. Rani Lakshmi Bai successfully defended Jhansi but eventually had to flee to Gwalior.
- Death and Legacy: Rani Lakshmi Bai died on June 18, 1858, during the Battle of Gwalior. She is remembered as a symbol of resistance for Indian nationalists and has become an enduring figure in Indian folklore and nationalism.
- Cultural Impact: She is honored with numerous memorials and statues across India, and her life story is a staple in Indian history and literature, inspiring generations with her courage and determination.
Rani Laxmi Bai Jhansi
- Rani Laxmi Bai, also known as the Rani of Jhansi, was a prominent figure in Indian history.
- Born in 1828 in Varanasi, India.
- Married Maharaja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar of Jhansi at a young age.
- After her husband’s death, she took on the role of ruling Jhansi.
- Played a key role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British colonial rule.
- Led her forces in battle, defending Jhansi during the siege of 1858.
- Her bravery and sacrifice have made her a symbol of Indian nationalism and independence.
- Remembered as a national hero in India.
- Rani Laxmi Bai’s true birth date remains uncertain due to conflicting memoirs.
- Historians D.V. Tahmankar and Ira Mukhoty concluded she was nearly 15 when she married Gangadhar Newalkar, the 5th King of Jhansi.
- Upon marrying the King, she was bestowed with the name “Lakshmi Bai” following Marathi traditions.
- Gangadhar Newalkar later fell ill, and the day before his passing, he adopted his cousin brother’s son, naming him Damodar Rao.
- The adoption was formalized in front of a British officer, with Gangadhar Newalkar ensuring the child’s care, as Jhansi’s inheritance was to be held by his widow, Rani of Jhansi, for her lifetime.
Role of Rani Lakshmi Bai in the Indian freedom struggle
- Role in the 1857 Rebellion: Rani Lakshmi Bai was a key figure in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British rule.
- Defense of Jhansi: She led the defense of her kingdom, Jhansi, when it was besieged by British forces in 1858.
- Military Leadership: Lakshmi Bai organized and led her army in battles against the British.
- Opposition to British Policies: She opposed the British East India Company’s Doctrine of Lapse, which threatened to annex her kingdom.
- Alliances with Other Leaders: She formed alliances with other rebel leaders, such as Tatya Tope, to fight against the British.
- Participation in Battles: Rani Lakshmi Bai actively participated in several key battles during the rebellion, including the Siege of Jhansi and the Battle of Gwalior.
- Martyrdom: She died in battle on June 18, 1858, in Gwalior, becoming a martyr for Indian independence.
Indian Rebellion of 1857
Rani Lakshmibai showed her fierce and virility in 1857 to fight against the Britishers and this revolt has been exclaimed as the first independence battle in Indian history. After contributing to their freedom, she sacrificed her life in the battle of Jhansi at the age of 29.
- The journey of becoming Rani of Jhansi was painful where she lost everything yet conquered the name in the history.
- From 1853 to 1857 gave tough pill to swallow to the Queen of Jhansi, she lost her child within 4 months of birth & the demise of her husband shattered her completely.
- In all these phases of struggles, an unfortunate episode appeared when Lord Dalhousie perched the British army against the Jhansi in the willingness to forfeit it because this reign lost their original heir.
- The day Rani Lakshmibai got informed about this incident she roared like a lioness and said “I will not give you my Jhansi”. Even, the British Governor-General offered an annual pension of 60,000 on the condition that she would leave Jhansi.
- On 10th May 1857, the riots started from Meerut but to protect the sovereignty of Jhansi she ruled over as a conservator of peace.
- In 1858, the British army under Sir Hugh Rose rebelled to invade the Jhansi, forcing the people to leave and surrender otherwise the whole Jhansi would face the consequences. The Queen of Jhansi stood tall as a wall by refusing the Britisher’s bluster, she said “We fight for freedom”.
- She was fearless & bravest among all who fought with prowess and until the British horse rider manoeuvre attacked from her back hit her head. Apart from these injuries, she continued to fight and kill them until she fell to the ground.
The Role of Rani Laxmi Bai in the 1857 Revolt
- Rani Laxmi Bai played a pivotal role in the 1857 revolt against British colonial rule in India.
- She was the queen of the princely state of Jhansi in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
- Rani Laxmi Bai actively participated in the rebellion, leading her troops into battle against the British East India Company forces.
- Known for her bravery and leadership, she became a symbol of resistance and defiance against British oppression.
- Rani Laxmi Bai’s notable acts of courage include her defense of Jhansi during the siege of 1857.
- Despite facing overwhelming odds, she fought valiantly to protect her kingdom and its people.
- Rani Laxmi Bai’s strategic acumen and determination inspired many to join the fight for independence.
- Her refusal to surrender and her ultimate sacrifice in battle made her a revered figure in Indian history.
- Rani Laxmi Bai’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians in their struggle for freedom and justice.
- She remains an enduring symbol of courage, patriotism, and resistance against colonial rule.
Also Read:
- The revolt of 1857 Part (I)
- The revolt of 1857 Part (II)
- Causes of revolt 1857
- Causes of failure of revolt 1857
- Important Leader Associated with the Revolt 1857
Legacy of Rani Laxmi Bai
Eventually, Sir Hugh Rose didn’t hold his words back from making remarks on the brave daughter of India. Sir Hugh Rose said “Rani Lakshmi Bai”. He said, “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 Lakshmibai became a symbol to the afterwards Indian freedom fighters. Her participation in the revolt of 1857, gave hope to many with her bravery against the British Council.
Men and women equally took part in freeing the Jhansi without a strain. A great warrior of the nation whose prime concern was her nation & people.
People remember her for her heroic act that left her rivalries terrified, in their own words they could not endure praising a young woman’s rivalry.
Death of Rani Laxmi Bai
Rani Laxmi Bai died on June 18, 1858, during the Battle of Gwalior. While leading her troops in battle against British forces, she was seriously wounded. Rather than allowing herself to be captured by the British, she reportedly dressed as a soldier and fought bravely until her last breath. Her death marked the end of her valiant resistance against British rule and solidified her status as a symbol of courage and patriotism in Indian history.
Modern Indian History For UPSC
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Conclusion
Rani Lakshmi Bai’s life, though tragically cut short, left an indelible mark on Indian history. Her bravery, leadership, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity continue to inspire generations. She remains a symbol of resistance for freedom and a champion for the rights of her people.
Jhansi Rani Lakshmi Bai – FAQs
When and where was Rani Lakshmi Bai born?
Rani Lakshmi Bai was born around 1828 in Varanasi, India.
What was Rani Lakshmi Bai’s role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857?
During the 1857 Rebellion, Rani Lakshmi Bai bravely defended Jhansi, inspiring others with her leadership and resistance against the British.
When did Rani Lakshmi Bai die?
Rani Lakshmi Bai died on June 17, 1858.
Who was Rani Lakshmi Bai?
Varanasi-born Brahmin girl, raised as a boy in Peshwa Court, excelling in horse riding, fencing, and shooting, became an Indian historical icon.
Why Rani Lakshmi Bai is Famous?
Rani Lakshmi Bai bravely fought the British in the 1857 Jhansi revolt, a landmark in India’s quest for independence.
How did she become Queen of Jhansi?
After the demise of King Gangadhar Newalkar, husband of Rani Lakshmi Bai, to protect the heirless reign of Jhansi she stepped on the throne.
How did Rani Lakshmibai’s son die?
Rani Lakshmibai gave birth to Damodar Rao who would be the heir of Jhansi. However, fate didn’t approve of this and he died due to the chronic illnesswithin the four months of his birth.
Who Killed Rani Lamxi Bai?
She succumbed to mortal wounds in June 1858 during the British counterattack in Gwalior.
How did rain Laxmi Bai died?
Rani Lakshmi Bai died in battle during the Battle of Gwalior on June 18, 1858. She was fighting against the British forces during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. It is believed that she was seriously wounded in combat and ultimately succumbed to her injuries on the battlefield.