Rani Jhansi Lakshmi Bai
Rani Jhansi Lakshmi Bai was born on 19th November 1835 at Kashi. That is presently known as Varanasi. Some sources say her birth date lies in 1830.Rani Lakshmi Bai father was a Karhade Brahmin and her mother was Bhagirathibhai. Rani Lakshmi Bai mother was a cultured, intelligent and religious woman. Rani Lakshmi Bai called as Manu (Manukarnika) in her child hood. Lakshmi Bai lost her mother at age of four. Then the complete responsibility of her fell to her father.
Lakshmi Bai completed her education. And also she learned?? to Ride Horses, Sword fighting and Shooting. Lakshmi Bai was married to Raja Gangadhar Rao. He was the maharaja of Jhansi in 1842. When she married Gangadhar Rao, Lakshmi Bai became the Rani of Jhansi. In 1851 Jhansi Rani gave birth to a son. But when was about 4months old, unfortunately the child died.? After that, Raja was adopted a son. On 21st November 1853 Maharaja Gangadhar Rao was died. After death of Raja, Jhansi Rani left alone.
At this time she was eighteen years old. Jhansi Rani did not lose her courage,?? she always remembered her responsibility. At That time the governor-general of India, the marquess of Dalhousie, announced that through little Damodar Rao. Adopted son of late Maharaja Gangadhar Rao and Jhansi Rani was Maharaja?s heir successor as per the Hindu tradition, But the Jhansi Rani claim that Damodar Rao was their legal heir, rejected the British rules.
The British ruler announced in March 1854 Sixty Thousand annual pensions for Jhansi Rani and also ordered to leave the Jhansi fort. Rani Jhansi appealed her case to London. But that appeal was turned down. Rani Jhansi was a symbol of patriotism and self respect. She was determined not to give up Jhansi to them. Jhansi Rani was determined to get rid of Briteshers. Then Britishers were making every effort to destroy the freedom of country.
In March1858 the britisher?s were attacked the Jhansi. Rani Jhansi assembled a volunteer army of rebellious. Military training was given to women?s also. They were also seen working the food and water to soldiers. The fight continued for about two weeks. Jhansi Rani was very active. She her self was inspecting the defense of the city. Jhansi fell to the British forces after this Great War.
Then the British army entered the Jhansi City. Rani of Jhansi, still full of courage and deathless patriotism dressed as a man, took up arms, her son Damodar Rao was strapped tightly to her back. She was holding the reins of her horse in her mouth. In the fierce fighting she was using the sword with both her hands. Rani of Jhansi with some of her warriors departed from Jhansi.
Many other rebellions force joined with her When Jhansi Rani reached Kalpi. Tatia Tope from Kalpi was also one of them, from Kalpi Rani departed to the Gwalior. Again a fierce battle took place. Rani Jhansi fought with courage, deathless patriotism and martyrdom.
However on the second day of fighting, the great heroine of the first war of India freedom, and she was queen of a small state, but the empress of a limitless empire of glory. At the age of 22 years, lost her life. That unfortunate day was 18th June of 1858.