Rani Lakshmi Bai

Writer: Mansi Jajoo

Being an Indian, we all must have heard about the Legendary lady, Rani Lakshmi Bai, during our school lives. Breaking all the gender stereotypes, she has set an example of women empowerment, bravery, patriotism, and honor.

She is known to be one of the greatest warriors of India who fought with the Britishers for India’s Independence. She needs no introduction, but let me through some light on her journey of fighting the Britishers:
Rani Lakshmi Bai was born on 19 November 1828 at Poona. Her actual name was Manikarnika. After her marriage, she came to be known as Lakshmi Bai.
When the Maharaja (her husband) died, Rani Lakshmi Bai was just eighteen years old, but she didn’t lose her courage and took up her responsibility.
In March 1854, Rani of Jhansi was granted an annual pension of 60,000 and was ordered to leave the Jhansi fort. She was firm on the decision not to give up the dominion of Jhansi to the British.
In March 1858, when the British attacked Jhansi, Rani Lakshmi Bai’s army decided to fight and the war continued for about two weeks. The army fought very bravely, even though Jhansi lost to the British forces.

After a fierce war when the British army entered Jhansi, Rani Lakshmi Bai, tied her son Damodar Rao to her back and fought bravely using two swords in both her hands. She escaped to the fortress of Kalpi under the cover of darkness and was accompanied by many other rebellions.

Freedom Fighter: Rani Lakshmi Bai
Freedom Fighter: Rani Lakshmi Bai

She departed to Gwalior and a fierce battle was fought between the British and the Rani’s army. On the unfortunate day of 17 June 1858, this great warrior martyred her life for India’s freedom.
Lastly, let us all read it out loud for this Legendary lady,

“बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुंह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी, वह तो झांसी वाली रानी थी।।”

Subhadra Kumari Chauhan

Jai Hind🇮🇳
Jai Bharat🇮🇳