8/1/2014 Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai Biography

http://www.liveindia.com/freedomfighters/jhansi_ki_rani_laxmi_bai.html 1/9
Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai Biography
Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai Biography
Lakshmibai, The Rani Queen of Jhansi 19 November 1835 17 June 1858 known as Jhansi Ki Rani, was the queen of the Maratha-ruled
princely state of Jhansi, was one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and a symbol of resistance to British rule in India. She
has gone down in Indian history as a legendary figure, as India's "Joan of Arc. she was called by the name Manikarnika. Affectionately, her
family members called her Manu. At a tender age of four, she lost her mother. As a result, the responsibility of raising her fell upon her
father. While pursuing studies, she also took formal training in martial arts, which included horse riding, shooting and fencing. To know the
complete life history of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, read on
Jhansi Fort
Originally named Manikarnika at birth nicknamed Manu ,
she was born on 19 November 1835 at Kashi Varanasi to a
Maharashtrian Karhade Brahmin family from Dwadashi,
District Satara. She lost her mother at the age of four.
She was educated at home. Her father Moropant Tambey
worked at the court of Peshwa Baji Rao II at Bithur and
then travelled to the court of Raja Gangadhar Rao
Newalkar, the Maharaja of Jhansi, when Manu was
thirteen years old. She was married to Gangadhar Rao,
the Raja of Jhansi, at the age of 14.
During that period, Lord Dalhousie was the Governor
General of British India. The adopted child was named
Damodar Rao. As per the Hindu tradition, he 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. The British
authorities confiscated the state jewels. Also, an order
was passed asking the Rani to leave Jhansi fort and move
to the Rani Mahal in Jhansi. Laxmibai was firm about
protecting the state of Jhansi
After her marriage, she was given the name Lakshmi Bai. Because of her father's influence at court, Rani Lakshmi
Bai had more independence than most women, who were normally restricted to the zenana: she studied self
defense, horsemanship, archery, and even formed her own army out of her female friends at court.
Rani Lakshmi Bai gave birth to a son in 1851, however this child died when he was about four months old. After the
death of their son, the Raja and Rani of Jhansi adopted Damodar Rao. However, it is said that her husband the
Raja never recovered from his son's death, and he died on 21 November 1853 of a broken heart.
Because Damodar Rao was adopted and not biologically related to the Raja, the East India Company, under
Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, was able to install the Doctrine of Lapse, rejecting Rao's rightful claim to the
throne. Dalhousie then annexed Jhansi, saying that the throne had become "lapsed" and thus put Jhansi under his
"protection". In March 1854, the Rani was given a pension of 60,000 rupees and ordered to leave the palace at the
Jhansi fort.
Seal of Jhansi
8/1/2014 Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai Biography
http://www.liveindia.com/freedomfighters/jhansi_ki_rani_laxmi_bai.html 2/9
Planning to travel
Travel To (where to go)
on or around for
Select
along with
Adult Kid
on a
Select
having budget as
Standard (3 - 4 star)
Search
Tour Packages for India Book Online Hotels,
Cheap Flights, Car & Holiday Packages
Hidden Beaches, Casinos and get suggestions from
relevant Travel Specialists
Save Time Save Money Trusted Network
GO
8/1/2014 Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai Biography
http://www.liveindia.com/freedomfighters/jhansi_ki_rani_laxmi_bai.html 3/9
(One of two large cannon on display at Jhansi Fort. This one is the Bhavani Shankar cannon which was operated by Moti Bai.)
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's forces were joined by warriors including Gulam Gaus Khan, Dost Khan, Khuda Baksh, Lala Bhau Bakshi, Moti Bai,
Sunder-Mundar, Kashi Bai, Deewan Raghunath Singh and Deewan Jawahar Singh.
8/1/2014 Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai Biography
http://www.liveindia.com/freedomfighters/jhansi_ki_rani_laxmi_bai.html 4/9

(The memorial to Gulam Gaus Khan, Moti Bai and Khudabaks. The three are remembered together as a symbol of unity. The Panch Mahal is
in the right background along with a satellite dish)
While this was happening in Jhansi, on May 10, 1857 the Sepoy (soldier) Mutiny of India started in Meerut. This would become the starting
point for the rebellion against the British. It began after rumours were put about that the new bullet casings for their Enfield rifles were
coated with pork/beef fat, pigs being taboo to Muslims and cows sacred to Hindus and thus forbidden to eat. British commanders insisted on
their use and started to discipline anyone who disobeyed. During this rebellion many British civilians, including women, and children were
killed by the sepoys. The British wanted to end the rebellion quickly.
Meanwhile, unrest began to spread throughout India and in May of 1857, the First War of Indian Independence erupted in numerous pockets
across the northern subcontinent. During this chaotic time, the British were forced to focus their attentions elsewhere, and Lakshmi Bai was
essentially left to rule Jhansi alone. During this time, her qualities were repeatedly demonstrated as she was able swiftly and efficiently to
lead her troops against skirmishes breaking out in Jhansi. Through this leadership Lakshmi Bai was able to keep Jhansi relatively calm and
peaceful in the midst of the Empires unrest.
Tantia Tope as a Prisoner Tantya Tope
more.......
The letter is one of the few
remaining
artefacts from the Rani of Jhansi's
life
The letter was written by Lakshmibai, Rani of Jhansi, shortly
before the Indian mutiny - or first war of independence - in
1857.
It has been found in London in the archives of the British
Library.
The Rani of Jhansi has often been called the "Joan of Arc" of
the Indian independence struggle.
Academics say the discovery of the letter is hugely significant,
because so little historical evidence from the Rani of Jhansi's
lifetime exists.
Up to this point, she had been hesitant to rebel against the British, and there is still some controversy over her role in the massacre of the
British HEIC officials and their wives and children on the 8th June 1857 at Jokhan Bagh. Her hesitation finally ended when British troops
arrived under Sir Hugh Rose and laid siege to Jhansi on 23rd March 1858. Rani Jhansi with her faithful warriors decided not to surrender. The
fighting continued for about two weeks. Shelling on Jhansi was very fierce. In the Jhansi army women were also carrying ammunition and
were supplying food to the soldiers. Rani Lakshmi Bai was very active. She herself was inspecting the defense of the city. She rallied her
troops around her and fought fiercely against the British. An army of 20,000, headed by the rebel leader Tatya Tope, was sent to relieve
Jhansi and to take Lakshmi Bai to freedom. However, the British, though numbering only 1,540 in the field so as not to break the siege, were
better trained and disciplined than the raw recruits, and these inexperienced soldiers turned and fled shortly after the British began to
attack on the 31st March. Lakshmi Bais forces could not hold out and three days later the British were able to breach the city walls and
capture the city. Yet Lakshmi Bai escaped over the wall at night and fled from her city, surrounded by her guards, many of whom were from
8/1/2014 Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai Biography
http://www.liveindia.com/freedomfighters/jhansi_ki_rani_laxmi_bai.html 5/9
her womens military.
Along with the young Damodar Rao, the Rani decamped to Kalpi along with her forces where she joined other rebel forces, including those
of Tatya Tope. The Rani and Tatya Tope moved on to Gwalior, where the combined rebel forces defeated the army of the Maharaja of
Gwalior after his armies deserted to the rebel forces. They then occupied the strategic fort at Gwalior. However on the second day of fighting,
on 18 June 1858, the Rani died.

(The so-called Jumping Point. The Rani is claimed to have jumped her horse from this point on the wall to the ground below and so make
her escape. The figures in red and blue give an idea of the scale. This plus the rough and sloping ground below must surely mean that any
horse would have been killed, not to mention the rider. The Rani was a good rider, but physics is physics. It is somewhat more likely that she
left by the gate.)
She died on 18 June, 1858 during the battle for Gwalior with 8th Hussars that took place in Kotah-Ki-Serai near Phool Bagh area of Gwalior.
She donned warrior's clothes and rode into battle to save Gwalior Fort, about 120 miles west of Lucknow in what is now the state of Uttar
Pradesh. The British captured Gwalior three days later. In the report of the battle for Gwalior, General Sir Hugh Rose commented that the
rani "remarkable for her beauty, cleverness and perseverance" had been "the most dangerous of all the rebel leaders".
However, the lack of a corpse to be convincingly identified as the Rani convinced
Captain Rheese of the so called "bravest" regiment that she had not actually perished
in the battle for Gwalior, stating publicly that:"[the] Queen of Jhansi is alive!". It is
believed her funeral was arranged on same day near the spot where she was
wounded. One of the her maidservants helped with the arrangement of quick funeral.
Because of her bravery, courage, and wisdom, and her progressive views on women's
empowerment in 19th century India, and due to her sacrifices, she became an icon of
Indian independence movement. The Rani was memorialized in bronze statues at both
Jhansi and Gwalior, both of which portray her on horseback.
Her father, Moropant Tambey, was captured and hanged a few days after the fall of
Jhansi. Her adopted son, Damodar Rao, was given a pension by the British Raj and
cared for, although he never received his inheritance.
Rani Lakshmi Bai became a 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.
Indian poetess Subhadra Kumari Chauhan wrote a poem in the Veer Ras style about
her, which is still recited by children in schools of contemporary India.
In a prophetic statement in the 1878 book The History of the Indian Mutiny, Colonel
Malleson said "...her countrymen will always believe that she was driven by ill-
treatment into rebellion; that her cause was a righteous cause; ..... To them she will
always be a heroine

Cremation Place of Rani Lakshmi Bai
.........Back
8/1/2014 Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai Biography
http://www.liveindia.com/freedomfighters/jhansi_ki_rani_laxmi_bai.html 6/9
Planning to travel
Travel To (where to go)
on or around for
Select
along with on a
Arun Krishnarao
G.Grandson of Jhansi ki Rani Lakshmibai
Vishram Tambe G.Grandson of uncle of Jhansi ki Rani Lakshmibai
Ganesh temple, Laxmi Bai married here with Gangadhar Rao
in 1766 Vishwas Rao Laxman was made the subedar of Jhansi. His period was from 1766 to 1769. After him Raghunath Rao (II) Newalkar was
appointed the subedar of Jhansi. He was a very able administrator. He increased the revenue of the state. The MahaLakshmi Temple and the
Raghunath Temple were built by him. For his own residence he constructed a beautiful building Rani Mahal in the city. in 1796 Raghunath
Rao passed the subedari in favour of his brother ShivRao Hari.
After the death of Shiv Rao his grand son Ramchandra Rao was made subedar of Jhansi. He was not a good administrator. Ramchandra Rao
died in 1835. After his death Raghunath Rao (III) was made his successor. in 1838 Raghunath Rao (III) also died. The British rulers then
accepted Gangadhar Rao as the Raja of Jhansi. Due to the inefficient administration during the period of Raghunath Rao (III) the financial
position of Jhansi was very critical. Raja Gangadhar Rao was a very good administrator. He was very generous and full of sympathy. He gave
very good administration to Jhansi. During his period the local population of Jhansi was very satisfied.
Search
Tour Packages for India Book Online Hotels,
Cheap Flights, Car & Holiday Packages
Hidden Beaches, Casinos and get suggestions from
relevant Travel Specialists
Save Time Save Money Trusted Network
8/1/2014 Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai Biography
http://www.liveindia.com/freedomfighters/jhansi_ki_rani_laxmi_bai.html 7/9
Adult Kid Select
having budget as
Standard (3 - 4 star)
Ashfaqulla Khan Aravinda Ghosh
Dr. Annie Besant Allamah Iqbal
Mahatma Gandh
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Bhagat Singh
Bal Gangadhar Tilak Bhulabhai Desai
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee Bidhan Chandra Roy
Bipin Chandra Pal Bagha Jatin Mukherjee

Chittranjan Das Chakravarty Rajagopalachari
Chandra Sekhar Azad
Dadabhai Naoroji Dinesh Gupta

Gobin Ballabh Pant Gopalkrishna Gokhale

Jatin Mukherjee Jay Prakash Narayan
Jawaharlal Nehru J.B. Kripalani

K. Kamaraj Kulapati Munshi
GO
8/1/2014 Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai Biography
http://www.liveindia.com/freedomfighters/jhansi_ki_rani_laxmi_bai.html 8/9
Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Khudiram Bose
The Kakori Rail Dacoity
Lala Lajpat Rai Lal Bahadur Shastri

Mahadeo Govind Ranade Motilal Nehru
Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Mohandas Karamchand
Gandhi
Mani Lal Gandhi
Mangal Pandey
Purushottam Das Tandon
Rajendra Prasad Ram Manohar Lohia
Rash Behari Bose Rabindranath Tagore
Ram Prasad Bismil
Senapati Bapat S. Satyamurti
Shivaram Rajguru Subhas Chandra Bose
Sukhdev Sarojini Naidu
Surendranath Banerjea Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Tantya Tope
Vinoba Bhave Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Vallabhbhai Patel V.O. Chidambaram Pillai
Dr. Zakir Husain
Female Indian Freedom
Fighters
Mahatma Gandhi Life with Photos, Pictures.......
Rajesh Chopra
Editor-in-Chief
8/1/2014 Jhansi Ki Rani Lakshmibai Biography
http://www.liveindia.com/freedomfighters/jhansi_ki_rani_laxmi_bai.html 9/9
LiveIndia.com

Priyanka Chopra

Ranbir Kapoo

Katrina Kaif

Salman Khan

Aishwarya Rai

Amitabh Bachchan
Priyanka Chopra Harman Baweja Ranbir Kapoor Deepika Padukone Salman khan Aishwarya Rai Amitabh
Female models Fashion, Models Miss World Miss Universe Valentine's Day Greeting Cards Art Gallery
~~Goa Taj Mahal Rajasthan Kashmir Leh Ladakh Lakshadweep Kerala
Kailash Mansarover Amarnath Sai Baba Maa Vaishno Devi Maa Ganges Old New Delhi Live Earth
Live World Tours December 21, 2012 Nostradamus Horoscope Year Horoscope Freedom Fighters Current News
Indian Cricket I P L Cricket Hotels in India World Universities Indian Herbs Pencil Shading Computers Career
YOGA -- Latest Body Building Nutritious Food Meditation From Rajesh Chopra Press Information Designing & Hostin
Privacy Policy for LiveIndia.Com
webmaster : LiveIndia.com