“Khoob Ladi Mardani Woh Toh Jhansi Wali Rani Thi”– This epic line in the poem “Jhansi Ki Rani” by poetess Shubhadra Kumari Chauhan, aptly venerates the bravery of Rani Lakshmi Bai. The valor of Rani Lakshmi Bai is legendary and her name is synonymous with courage, honor and patriotism. Regarded as an icon of India’s first freedom struggle, who laid down her life valiantly fighting the British forces, her legacy has been an inspiration for women and men equally.
Here are some fascinating facts about the fearless Queen of Jhansi, who is often called India’s “Joan of Arc”:
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1. Born on 19 November, 1828 in Varanasi into a Marathi Karhade Brahmin family
But the exact date of birth of Lakshmi Bai is still a topic of debate.
2. Her parents called her ‘Manikarnika’
She was named Manikarnika Tambe. Her father, Moropant Tambe, worked in the court of Baji Rao II, the Peshwa of Bithoor and her was mother Bhagirathi Sapre. She was fondly called ‘Manu’.
3. Manikarnika lost her mother when she was only four years old.
4. Rani Lakshmibai parents were cousin of Nana Sahib
5. Brought up in the Palace of the Peshwa
Peshwa Baji Rao II treated her as his own daughter and fondly called her “Chabbili”, meaning ‘playful one’.
6. A very unusual upbringing for a Brahmin Girl
Growing up with Nana Sahib and Tatya Tope, she got training in martial arts, sword fighting and horse riding and became proficient in them. Due to her unconventional upbringing, she was more independent than other girls of her age.
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7. She was very accustomed to riding horses
Even while moving in between the Palace and the Temple, she preferred riding a horse to using a Palki (a covered couch, carried by bearers on their shoulders).
8. Her horses included Sarangi, Pavan and Baadal
She rode Badal to escape from the fort in 1858.
9. It was after her marriage, that she got her new name ‘Lakshmi Bai’
In May 1842, at the age of fourteen, she got married to the Raja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Newalkar. Her name was changed in honor of Goddess Lakshmi.
10. Her first born could not survive his infancy
In 1851, Lakshmi Bai gave birth to a boy who was named Damodar Rao. The child unfortunately passed away when he was just four months old.
11. Adopted Anand Rao, the son of Gangadhar Rao’s cousin
Two years later she adopted Anand Rao, son of Gangadhar Rao’s cousin, as her own son. He was renamed Damodar Rao a day before the demise of Raja Gangadhar Rao.
12. Did not accept the British ‘Doctrine of Lapse’
Lord Dalhousie, the then British Governor General of India, did not recognize her adopted son as the heir and enforced the Doctrine of Lapse to annex Jhansi. Rani Lakshmi Bai revolted against this and cried out “Main Meri Jhansi Nahi Dungi” (I will not surrender my Jhansi). She took reins of Jhansi in her own hands and protected the city.
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13. Declared war against the British to defend Jhansi
Determined not to give up the dominion of Jhansi, she gave a tough fight to the British during the two weeks siege of the city. She strapped her little son Damodar Rao, on her back and fought with swords in both her hands.
14. Commander of the British force Hugh Rose remarked that the “she is the most dangerous of all Indian leaders”
He also described Lakshmi Bai as “Queen is personable, clever and beautiful”.
15. Fought like a soldier and died like one
On June 17, 1858, while bravely fighting the British squadron in Gwalior, Rani Lakshmi Bai attained martyrdom in the battlefield. Dressed as a cavalry leader, she was badly wounded during the battle.
16. Asked a hermit to burn her body
Its said that she did not want the British to capture her body and hence asked a hermit to burn her body. A few locals cremated her body in Phool Bagh.
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17. Praised even by the British, for her bravery
Twenty years after her death, Colonel George Bruce Malleson, a British officer and author praised her patriotism and bravery. In his book ‘History Of The Indian Mutiny’ volume 3, 1878, he wrote “Whatever her faults in British eyes may have been, her countrymen will ever remember that she was driven by ill-treatment into rebellion and that she lived and died for her country.”
18. Commemorating the Brave Queen
Her heroic deeds inspired many generations in the coming times. A women’s unit of Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj) was named ‘Rani Jhansi Regiment’ in 1942. Two postage stamps were also issued in 1957 to commemorate the centenary of the rebellion.
19. Rani Lakshmi Bai’s palace has been converted to a Museum
Rani Mahal, as it is called, now houses archaeological artworks and sculptures of the period between 9th and 12th century.
20. Cultural depictions and statues
Statues of Rani Lakshmibai can be seen in many places of India. Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education in Gwalior, Laksmibai National College of Physical Education in Thiruvananthapuram are named after her.
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21. A Biographical Film on The Rani
An upcoming Bollywood movie titled ‘Manikarnika : The Queen of Jhansi’ is scheduled to be released in January 2019. The film stars Kangana Ranaut in the title role.
Watch the trailer of “Manikarnika – The Queen Of Jhansi” below:
Though Sir Hugh Rose may have forced Jhansi to surrender in 23 March 1858, but the spirit of courageous ruler and a gallant fighter, Rani Lakshmi Bai would always be a symbol of women liberation and courage.
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