Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai, till date, is remembered as one of the courageous leaders in Indian history. She stood against British colonial power during the Revolt of 1857 and inspired countless freedom fighters. Her life shows bravery, leadership, and sacrifice for her land. She is also popularly known as Jhansi ki Rani Lakshmibai.

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Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai Biography

Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai was born as Manikarnika Tambe in Varanasi on 19 November 1828. Her childhood name was Manu. She lost her mother at a young age, and her father raised her with care. Unlike many girls of her time, Manu learned horse riding, sword fighting, and archery.

In 1842, she was married to Maharaja Gangadhar Rao, the ruler of Jhansi. After marriage, she was called Lakshmibai. When their biological child died, they adopted a son, Damodar Rao. However, after the death of her husband in 1853, the British used the Doctrine of Lapse policy and refused to recognize her adopted son as heir. 

This started a long conflict between Lakshmibai and the British. She is remembered not only as the Rani of Jhansi but also as a symbol of resistance.

Also Read: Women Freedom Fighters Of India List

Rani Laxmibai Contribution in Revolt of 1857

The Revolt of 1857 was the first major uprising against British colonial rule. Rani Lakshmibai played a central role in this movement. Mentioned here are points that reflect Rani Laxmibai Contribution in Revolt of 1857:  

• She refused to surrender Jhansi to the British under Lord Dalhousie’s policy.
• She gathered her army, trained both men and women, and prepared them for war.
• During the revolt, she fought with great courage and leadership, defending Jhansi from British attacks.
• The Rani Laxmibai contribution in revolt of 1857 was significant because she kept fighting even when her fort was under heavy attack.
• She inspired many others to join the struggle for independence.

Also Read: The Revolt Of 1857: India’s First War Of Independence

Which Policy was used by Dalhousie against Rani Lakshmibai?

Lord Dalhousie used the Doctrine of Lapse against Rani Lakshmibai. According to this policy, if a ruler died without a biological son, the kingdom would be taken over by the British. After the death of Maharaja Gangadhar Rao, Lakshmibai adopted Damodar Rao as her son. But the British did not accept him as the legal heir. As a result, they tried to annex Jhansi. 

Lakshmibai opposed this decision and refused to give up her kingdom. This policy played a major role in her conflict with the British and became one of the reasons for her active participation in the Revolt of 1857.

Battle of Jhansi

The Battle of Jhansi was one of the most important events of the Revolt of 1857. When British forces attacked Jhansi in 1858, Lakshmibai decided to defend her fort. Below is the gist of the Battle of Jhansi fought bravely by Rani Lakshmibai: 

• She led her army with bravery, dressed in warrior attire. During this battle, she carried her adopted son on her back while riding a horse.
• The battle lasted for many days, with heavy fighting inside and outside the fort.
• Despite her courage, the British forces eventually captured Jhansi.
• Lakshmibai managed to escape with a small group of soldiers. This group continued fighting from nearby areas.

Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai Death 

After leaving Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai reached Gwalior. She joined other rebel leaders and fought against the British again. On 18 June 1858, during the battle at Kotah-ki-Serai near Gwalior, she was badly wounded. Even in her final moments, she fought bravely.

She did not surrender to the British and passed away as a warrior. The British officer Hugh Rose later wrote that she was “the most dangerous leader” of the revolt. The death of Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai marked a turning point. Though the revolt was crushed, her courage remained an inspiration for future generations.

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Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai Legacy

The legacy of Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai continues to inspire India even today. She is remembered as a fearless warrior queen who gave her life for her kingdom and people.

• She became a symbol of women’s courage in India’s freedom movement.
• Folk songs, poems, and stories describe her bravery.
• Her leadership in the revolt proved that Indian women could fight equally with men for independence.
• The Rani Laxmi Bai real photo may not exist, but paintings and statues across India honor her memory.

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