Rani Lakshmi Bai or the queen of Jhansi was one of the most important Indian freedom fighters. She played an important role in the revolt of 1857, known as the first war of independence. Rani Laxmi Bai was born on November 19, 1828, in the town of Varanasi into a Marathi Karhade Brahmin family. She was affectionately called Manu. She was married to Raja Gangadhar Newalkar, who was the king of Jhansi. Her wedding took place in 1842. Since the duo did not have any surviving heir, the king decided to adopt a baby boy before his death. She was married to Gangadhar Rao. their adopted son was named Damodar Rao. The East India Company had introduced the ‘Doctrine of Lapse’. In 1852 Governor-general, Dalhousie extended British control by applying the Doctrine of Lapse. when a ruler died without a natural heir their lands would be annexed by the British it caused resentment. She fought the British bravely with her small armed force. With Damodar Rao tied behind his back, riding on a horse, he single-handedly fought the British. Thus, the war could not last long. She died in 1858 She was shot by a British soldier while crossing a canal. She died at the age of 30.
Historical poem Jhansi ki Rani by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, which have retold the Rani within the Indian nationalism and became a part of the nation’s cultural heritage in Hindi. The poem Jhansi ki Rani from the year 1930 has become an essential component of the curriculum of Indian schools.
बुंदेले हरबोलों के मुँह हमने सुनी कहानी थी,
खूब लड़ी मर्दानी वह तो झाँसी वाली रानी थी।।
Bundele harabolon ke munh hamane sunee kahaanee thee
Khoob ladee mardaanee vah to jhaansee vaalee raanee thee.
