The Rani Laxmi Bai also called the Rani of Jhansi played a very pivotal role in the freedom struggle of India’s Independence against the Britishers in 1857 Revolt
Rani Laxmi Bai was born in November 1828. She had taken birth in a Marathi Brahmin family in Varanasi.
She was named as Manikarnika Tambe. her nickname was “Manu”.
Her father’s and mother’s name was Moropant Tambe and Bhagirathi Sapre respectively.
Her father worked for Peshwa Baji Rao II of the Bithor district. Peshwa used to call her “Chhabili” which means beautiful.
When she was just four years old, her mother deceased.
She was educated and was taught to read and write at home. She was much more independent than the other girls of her age. Her studies included horse riding, shooting, fencing, etc.
Manikarnika tied knot with Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, the Maharaj of Jhansi in May 1842. After marriage Manikarnika was called Laxmi Bai to honor the goddess “Laxmi”
After death of her child .The Maharaja then adopted his cousin’s son named Anand Rao. Anand Rao was renamed Damodar Rao.
Lord Dalhousie inducted the policy of Doctrine of Lapse. According to this policy the adopted son has no right to rule the state & in that case, the entire state was associated with the East India Company.
In 1857, a huge British force was sent to Jhansi under the guidance of Sir Hugh Rose. Sir Hugh Rose asked Rani Laxmi Bai to leave the fort but Rani Laxmi Bai refused to leave and fought battle against the British Army.
The Rani of Jhansi fought the battle with her son tied to her back and the battle lasted for two weeks. Rani Laxmi Bai lost the battle and she fled with her son to the fortress of kalpi.
On June 16, 1858, the British Army started a war against Gwalior & Rani Laxmi bai died on June 18, 1858 while fighting the war.