Rani Lakshmi Bai (Epitome of Bravery and Courage)
Name : Rani Lakshmi Bai
Also Known as : Manikarnika.
Born : 19 November 1835.
Place : Dwadashi, District Satara, British India.
Died : 17 June 1858 (aged 22).
Nationality : Indian.
Parents : Moropant Tambey and Bhagirathibai.
Skills : Horseback riding, sword fighting, and shooting on a target with a gun.
Spouse : Raja Ghangadhar Rao
Children : Damodar Rao(adopted).
Rani Lakshmi Bai is regarded as the national heroine and was seen as the epitome of female bravery in India.
When the Indian National Army created its first female unit, it was named after her.
She is referred to as the 'Icon of the Indian Nationalist Movement'.
Lot of literature has been written on the life history of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. Heroic poems have been composed in her honor.
Books written on Rani Lakshmi Bai :
Flashman in the Great Game, La femme sacree, Nightrunners of Bengal, The Queen of Jhansi, Flow Red the Ganges, Rani.
In 1853 Lord Dalhousie was the Governor General of British India. As per Hindu tradition, the adopted child Damodar Rao, 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. An order was passed asking the Rani to leave Jhansi fort and move to the Rani Mahal in Jhansi.
The Great Rebellion Movement of 1857 : Rani Jhansi was determined not to give up Jhansi. She strengthened its defences and assembled a volunteer army. Women were also given military training. Rani dressed as a man, had her baby strapped to her back, she held the horse reins in her mouth, and held two swords in her hands and fought, when the British army entered the city of Jhansi and died in the battle.
She was a symbol of patriotism and self respect. Her story became a beacon for the upcoming generations of freedom fighters.